About
The mission of ASCEND is to close the achievement gap in Oakland. To make a positive difference in the lives of young people, we offer engaging and rigorous instruction and build strong relationships between parents, teachers/staff, students and community. At ASCEND we are dedicated to developing leaders and mentors who create a more compassionate, equitable and just society.
Priya Alcantar
6-8 Math Teacher
I teach middle school math at a K-8 charter school in Fruitvale in Oakland, California. Most of my students are underrepresented minorities, with about an 85% Latino population. Many of them are English Learners whose parents don't speak English, and several of my students are newcomers and don't speak any English at all. Most of my students will be the first in their family to go to college.They inspire me with their perseverance every day. Despite the challenges they face, they come to school to make a better future for themselves. When they are offered opportunity, they thrive. Last Spring, several eighth graders were selected to be part of an after school program with Google. Their final projects were outstanding, and they were all invited back to continue their learning in a summer program. I want to provide opportunities like this and meaningful learning experiences for ALL my students.
