ANNUAL REPORT

Better Together

2025

OUR MISSION

Ednovate’s mission is to create Positive Multigenerational Change by providing tuition-free, college-prep education with a focus on first-generation, college-bound high school students across Southern California. From day one on our 21st-century campuses, students receive the academic challenge and personal support they need to turn their college dreams into reality.

A LETTER FROM OUR CEO

Dear Ednovate Community,

Thanks to your unwavering partnership, Ednovate continued to grow a student experience rooted in equity, innovation, and community. In the 2024-2025 school year, we truly lived out our network theme—Better Together—and the results speak volumes:

  • 100% college acceptance for all graduating seniors

  • $70 million in scholarships awarded

  • Over 3,950 new student applications received—our highest since the pandemic

  • Double-digit gains in student math and reading proficiency

  • Unanimous charter renewals for all three renewing schools

  • Launch of Community Schools at six campuses, strengthening family engagement and mental health supports

These milestones are possible because of supporters like you. By standing Better Together, we’re creating Positive Multigenerational Change—not just diplomas, but thriving futures filled with purpose and possibility.

Better Together, 

— Oliver Sicat, CEO & Co-Founder 

Who We Serve: By the Numbers

Better Together: Julissa & Lolita

Julissa and Lolita met during their freshman year at South LA College Prep, bonding over a shared schedule, a love for student leadership, and big dreams of college. When Lolita transferred to East College Prep, their friendship stayed strong—anchored by trust, late-night college apps, and a shared commitment to QuestBridge.

“We supported each other through everything,” said Lolita. “Even during the most stressful times, we always showed up for each other.”

Julissa, who will attend Stanford to study Human Biology, credits the consistent support of her advisory and the encouragement of educators like Mr. Cayton, who helped her find her voice through writing. Lolita, who will attend Johns Hopkins and plans to become a pediatrician, said her advisory and college counselor made her feel seen not just as a student, but as a person.

“We both had big goals and because of our friendship, we never felt alone in chasing them,” said Julissa.

From advisory check-ins to deep conversations about their futures, Julissa and Lolita’s high school experiences prove that we really are Better Together.

THE EDNOVATE WAY

High Quality

We strive for academic excellence in a supportive, high-expectation environment.

  • “One shining moment from School Year 2024-25 was earning a perfect score on our oversight visit — a reflection of years of dedication, heart, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It wasn’t just a score; it was a celebration of the bar we hold high for ourselves and our students every single day.”

    - Rachel Derogatis, Principal, USC Hybrid High College Prep

Ednovate schools are built on the belief that students thrive when they experience rigor, support, and belonging. Through academic excellence, holistic care, and innovation, we ensure every student can succeed.

Innovation

We’re harnessing AI to personalize learning and prepare students for a changing world.

  • “I provide instruction for students to use AI to help them with creative writing, flushing out their ideas or restructuring a thought or idea. AI has also helped me develop quizzes based on the standards that students struggled with, create slides based on my lesson plans, change objectives to student-friendly language, and re-level texts based on students’ needs.”

    - Teyev Smith, ELA Teacher, East College Prep

  • “It’s one thing to know people, but it’s another to feel truly understood. My friends and I constantly supported each other, finding resources and sharing opportunities. You can’t thrive without friendships like that. With their support and Mr. Cayton’s, I was able to see who I could become.”

    - Julissa Arevalo, South LA College Prep, Class of 2024

Better Together

We accomplish more when we lift each other up—students, staff, and community together.

Positive Multigenerational Change

We help students achieve their dreams—and inspire future generations to follow.

  • “South LA College Prep helped me grow academically and personally. Through volleyball, I became team captain and built leadership skills. The school’s focus on community made me feel connected, and I’ve even gone back to my old middle school to help younger students learn about college.”

    - Andy Mendez, South LA College Prep, Class of 2026

Milestones that matter

“When I think about Decision Day, I think about the power of possibility… for my family, it meant opening a door that had felt shut for generations.”
 — Evi Alonzo, Esperanza College Prep Class of 2021, USC Class of 2025

Meet the Principals

  • School Highlights: Legacy College Prep

    Q&A With the Principal:

    What do you want Legacy to be known for? “We want to be known for fostering a community of hope, love, and belonging through authentic relationships with scholars, providing a rigorous and personalized college prep program, and empowering scholars to be agents of social change.” - Evelyn Castro, Founding Principal

    School Year 2024-2025 Highlights:

    College Acceptances and Scholarships: Legacy’s College Prep Program provides comprehensive guidance through every phase of the college journey—from understanding admissions and financial aid to identifying schools where students will thrive without incurring significant debt.

    734 college acceptances were earned

    $5.7 million in scholarships were awarded

    100% of seniors were accepted into the CSU system 

    76% were accepted into the UC system

    College-Level Learning for All Grades: Legacy’s Dual Enrollment Partnership with Santa Ana College offers college access from day one.  120 students in grades 9-12 completed transferable college courses taught by college professors. By graduation, 51% of seniors earned college credits, giving them a powerful head start toward postsecondary success.

  • School Highlights: USC HYBRID HIGH COLLEGE PREP

    InTroVenture 2024: InTroVenture 2024 was a great success at USC Hybrid High College Prep. This event provided students with unique opportunities to explore innovative ventures, fostering creativity and entrepreneurial spirit among participants.

    Trojan Student Government: USC Hybrid High College Prep proudly founded the Trojan Student Government. This new student leadership body empowers students to take active roles in school governance, promoting student voice and involvement in decision-making processes.

    Narrowed Achievement Gaps: The school made significant progress in narrowing achievement gaps among Multilingual Learners, Students with Learning Differences, Black students, and Gifted and Talented students. These efforts reflect the school’s commitment to equity and excellence, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed academically. 

  • School Highlights: SOUTH LA COLLEGE PREP

    Q&A With the Principal:

    How would you describe your school culture and student experience? “School culture at South LA is rooted in belonging, high expectations, and collaboration. Students describe it as a close-knit community where ‘everyone knows each other and supports one another.’ Town halls reinforce values of respect, kindness, and emotional safety. With a student‑teacher ratio of about 17:1, teachers are viewed as genuinely caring, engaged, and invested in student growth, academic and personal. Participation in school events, leadership initiatives, and advisory cohorts is high, and students feel empowered to use their voices and help shape school life.” - Catherine Yuan, former Principal

    School Year 2024-2025 Highlights:

    Student-Led Clubs: Students are at the center of everything we do. Student-led clubs bring energy and meaning to our campus—from the Drama Club hosting a schoolwide Haunted House to the Associated Student Government organizing town halls, dances, and field days year-round. Our Knight Ambassadors proudly represent the school for future Knights and throughout the community, and the National and Spanish Honor Societies celebrate academic achievement, cultural pride, and personal identity. 

    Launch of Football Program: South LA’s inaugural football program has brought a new wave of school spirit and unity to our campus. From building a dedicated coaching staff to assembling our first-ever team, the launch has been a powerful display of commitment, perseverance, and pride. Students, families, and staff have rallied behind the program, filling the stands at our first game and cheering on our Knights as they made school history. Beyond the game itself, the football program has become a new space for leadership, teamwork, and community connection to thrive.

  • School Highlights: ESPERANZA COLLEGE PREP

    Q&A With the Principal:

    What sets Esperanza apart? 

    School Year 2024-2025 Highlights:

    Career Connected Learning: In response to student feedback, Esperanza launched new initiatives to make learning more purposeful and career-connected. All students took part in Career Day, CollegeQuest field trips, and our first-ever Student-Led Workshop Palooza, where students created and led workshops based on their passions. Career Day and college visits were redesigned to reflect the specific interests students shared, ensuring every experience felt relevant and inspiring.

    Ballet Folklórico de Esperanza: Esperanza’s dance team was one of just 28 groups selected to perform in the 65th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration, televised on PBS SoCal. Led by Ignacio Delgado-Hernandez and Ciani Murillo, their performance showcased our students’ talent, heart, and cultural pride. It was a powerful moment of celebration for the entire Esperanza community. Enjoy this recording of the show starting at 56:14.

  • School Highlights: East College Prep

    Q&A With the Principal:

    What sets East apart? “Our connection to each other within the school and to our greater community. We’re more than just a school in a community—we’re a school with a community. When our students are doing their PMC Journeys, they are taking their learnings and going into the community to serve. The Capstones bring 20+ career professionals who look and sound like them to share their stories and impacts with East students.” - Andrew Martinez, Principal

    School Year 2024-2025 Highlights:

    Healthcare Partnerships: East College Prep is expanding career-connected learning through strong healthcare partnerships. Students in the Med-COR program with USC Keck School of Medicine follow a four-year pathway with medical student mentoring and hands-on experiences like doctor shadowing and medical school classes. Additionally, a new partnership with East LA College allows students to earn college credit in biology, chemistry, and medical terminology, providing early exposure to healthcare careers.

    Sound of East: Following the success of Rockers of East, students approached staff with an interest in forming a music group that dabbles in different genres and styles. The group, now led by Noemi Macias, gives students the opportunity to showcase their talents and grow together.

  • School Highlights: Brio College Prep

    Q&A With the Principal:

    When a student walks out of your school for the last time in 12th grade, what do you want them to say about their school experience?"I grew so much here. Brio pushed me, supported me, and believed in me. I found my people, my purpose, and I know I’m ready for what’s next." - Sarah Tenorio, Principal

    School Year 2024-2025 Highlights:

    Culture: Brio College Prep’s Olympian Market brought together students, staff, and local Black-owned businesses for a vibrant celebration of entrepreneurship and community. Students connected with vendors like Lemonade Stand RUS, Kotton Stickers, and Listen Apparel, while Brio’s Black Student Union showcased their work. Events like this honor Black History Month by amplifying Black voices, supporting local businesses, and inspiring future entrepreneurs!

    College Prep Focus: The graduating class had 100% college acceptance to four-year universities, with three Brio students earning full-ride scholarships through QuestBridge to top-tier universities like Johns Hopkins, UPenn, and Grinnell College!! Brio also achieved Gold Recognition on the AP School Honor Roll. These achievements are a testament to our collective work in preparing students for college and beyond.

  • School Highlights: Encore Arts & Media College Prep

    Q&A With the Principal:

    What is your role as the principal? “It’s a job that comes with a lot of responsibility and pride. It’s my job that every kid feels welcome and safe here. The school is in a community that is rich in culture, that has many small family businesses, and that has everything needed for kids to succeed.” - Jerek Brown, Founding Principal

    School Year 2024-2025 Highlights:

    Encore Industry Week: Students spent the week of April 22-25 visiting career professionals in the entertainment and visual arts industries to understand what a career in the arts might look like for them after graduation. Students engaged in real-world experiences, from "Day in the Life" visits to hands-on workshops, to ignite their passions and prepare them for the future.

    Annual SoCal Beat Battle: In our very first year participating in this regional showcase of emerging talent, 100% of students submitted original compositions created in our Music Production course. Students attended a culminating event at Spotify Studios, where they received feedback from professional producers and networked with music executives and artists. This experience was a powerful extension of our arts-integrated curriculum and a defining moment in our mission to prepare students for real-world creative industries.

  • School HIghlights: Virtual Program

    Q&A With the Principal:

    What do you want EVA to be known for? “We want EVA to be known as the gold standard in virtual education—a school that proves students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in an online setting. It’s a place where students graduate prepared, connected, and confident, ready to lead in college and beyond.” - Drew Dozier, Virtual Program Director

    School Year 2024-2025 Highlights:

    Evolving Our Model: As the needs of our students evolve, so does our model. To deepen support and streamline learning, EVA launched new advisory structures with an added emphasis on wellness, future planning, and peer connection. We also introduced AI-powered tools into students’ college and career portfolios, making future planning more relevant and accessible. These shifts keep us agile and student-centered, ensuring we stay at the forefront of what virtual education can be.

    Graduation Luncheon: This year’s Graduation Luncheon was a powerful reminder of EVA’s impact. Seniors, families, and staff came together in person to celebrate milestones, share reflections, and honor each student’s journey. For many, it was the first time meeting classmates and teachers face-to-face, a moving culmination of years of virtual connection and perseverance. The event embodied our values: community, celebration, and the deep belief that every student’s path matters.

The Ednovate Difference

At Ednovate, we believe every student deserves a real pathway to a brighter future, regardless of zip code or income. Our tuition-free, college-prep high schools break down systemic barriers and open doors to college, careers, and thriving lives.

Only 35% of Black and Latinx students statewide meet CSU/UC eligibility.

Why it Matters

Just 11% of low-income students nationwide earn a bachelor’s degree within six years.

Nearly half of LAUSD and Orange County students fail to complete the A–G requirements needed to attend state schools.

60% of Ednovate alumni earn a living wage (vs. 45% of peers)

Our Results

100% of Ednovate graduates accepted to four-year colleges (compared to 55% of Black and Latino students attending two and four-year universities statewide)

Nearly 100% A–G course completion (compared to 52% statewide)

66% secure strong early-career jobs (vs. 43%)

60% report high well-being (vs. 43%)

Our USC PArtnership

Since Ednovate’s founding in 2012, our collaboration with the USC Rossier School of Education has been central to advancing our mission. Together, we build college-going culture, expand first-generation college access, and strengthen future teacher pipelines.

Six annual full-ride USC scholarships for Ednovate students

10 USC Teacher Residency candidates trained annually on Ednovate campuses

Research collaborations that advance educational equity

Internship and mentoring opportunities for USC students

Special programming that brings USC resources, guest speakers, and experiential learning to Ednovate campuses

This partnership supports Ednovate students from high school through college and beyond, helping them grow into leaders who create Positive Multigenerational Change.

 “When I started at USC Hybrid, I didn’t even know what college really was. The staff didn’t just push us academically—they cared about us as individuals and held us to high standards. Today, I’m working as a data scientist and helping my parents buy a house. Attending USC with 90% of my tuition covered through merit-based aid made this possible.” - Angel Chavez, USC Hybrid High Class of 2019, USC Class of 2023 & 2024 (bachelor’s and master’s)

“At USC, being a scholarship recipient and an Ednovate Scholar gave me the stability to focus on what truly mattered: learning, creating, giving back, and growing into the person I am today.”  - Evi Alonzo, Esperanza College Prep Class of 2021, USC Class of 2025

THE EDNOVATE WAY

We believe every student has a genius, and we must find it and cultivate it. ACT and GPA have been proxy measures of success for over 50 years. Our experience tells us that there are better measures to capture each student’s genius, their special gift to this world, so they can use it for good, to make this world a better place. We call this Positive Multigenerational Change. Our innovative Whole Child Report Card not only prepares students to get into college but also gives them a better chance at thriving in life.

OUR WHOLE CHILD REPORT CARD

Our Whole Child Report Card is our anchor to ensuring ALL students have a multidimensional college preparation experience, consisting of 6 key components.

  • Lubia is a mom of six, and five of her children have attended USC Hybrid High. Lubia chose Ednovate for her family because she wanted her children to “not focus just on HS but college as well— for a future them.” Her son Jeremy graduated in 2024 and is now attending CSUN. 

    “Jeremy is in an internship at a big construction company for construction management. He’s very excited. He was one of the kids who didn’t want to go to college. Attending Hybrid made him realize how important college is.”

    Lubia understands the importance of Better Together and sees how Ednovate embodies that value. 

    “I’ve always seen [Ednovate] as family. My kids will remember who they had as teachers—we all know each other because we’ve been there so long. They get excited when they talk about a new teacher they like. Ms. Matthews was my son’s advisor. She cared about Jacob (class of ‘18) and what he was going through. She made sure he took the bus to school every day. When he sees her now, he’s excited.”

  • Rod Lopez has been teaching at USC Hybrid High since before it became an Ednovate school. He has seen how far we’ve come as an organization and has contributed greatly to that growth, receiving the One Ednovate Award for his service. Mr. Lopez helped Hybrid move “from a traditional discipline system to student development and safety being the priority, not just sticking to rules for the sake of sticking to them.” 

    “Seeing Ednovate continue to develop and grow keeps me growing as well. The network is a place that says, let’s keep going. Never thought we’d get here—and now we’re going even further.”

    Through his time at Ednovate, Mr. Lopez has had four advisories and been part of developing what an advisory looks like—adding structure but keeping the heart of it as a sense of community and someone they can go to. Here’s what he shared about the power of advisory:

    “My first advisees are now in their mid to late 20s, and I keep in touch with most of them. Now we’re talking about careers and families they are starting, and I’m seeing the full breadth of the spectrum. With some of those advisees, I wasn’t sure of where they’d go, and now they are thriving. That success comes down to the relationships we build. Now two of my former advisees work at Hybrid as instructional aides!”

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Ednovate is committed to fiscal responsibility and transparency. Thanks to our generous partners and careful planning, we invest every dollar in delivering a high-quality education that transforms lives.

*Unaudited figures at time of publishing

Your Generosity

Our donors and partners are at the heart of everything we achieve. Your generosity fuels Positive Multigenerational Change by making it possible for Ednovate to provide strong college readiness programming, grow and maintain joyful and safe campuses, support innovative practices, and train and retain excellent teachers. Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their futures.

  • Alicia F. Sanchez
    Aliza D Arya
    Ana Martinez Shropshire
    Anthony Banegas
    April and Jeff Komolmis
    Ariana Torres
    Brett Leghorn
    Bryan and Jackie Stevens
    Carol Shumway
    Celeste Angel
    Charles Patton
    Christina Kontolefas
    Christopher Wienk
    Colette Dunworth
    David Lazier
    Deborah Miller
    Elliot and Marcia Sainer
    Emily Martino
    Funmilayo Macaulay
    Howard and Carol Hay
    Janet Reyes
    Jennifer Weiss
    Jessica Carrera
    Jose Ramirez
    Kara Maguire
    Karen Wong
    Kate Hirsh
    Kathy Orozco Molina
    Kavitha Satya-Mohandoss
    Kayla Bakshi
    Kevin Nham
    Kristen Vogt
    Kyle Goss
    Kyle Salyer
    Lakshmi Savitala-Damerla and Radha Savitala
    Larry N Fishman
    Laurie Thomsen
    Leia Cahill
    Linda Renfroe
    Merlinda Arroyo
    Michael Dessimoz
    Michael Mehanna
    Nadia Lopez
    Oliver Sicat and Alissa Changala
    Olumide Macaulay
    Pamela and Andrew Horowitz
    Pauline Fischer
    Robert De Vere Hunt
    Robin Romans
    Scott Langley
    Shelley Levy
    Silas Myers
    Susan Ramirez
    Tammara Anderson
    Warren Felson

  • Ahmanson
    The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of TeachingCharter School Growth Fund
    Edwards Lifesciences Foundation
    James and Glenlys Slavik Family Foundation
    Joseph Drown Foundation
    New Schools Venture Fund
    Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
    Segal Family United World Foundation
    Silicon Schools Fund

  • American Transportation
    Bluespace Interiors
    California Credit Union
    Keck School of Medicine USC
    Loyola Marymount University
    Scoot Education
    USC Credit Union Community Foundation
    USC Rossier

  • California Commission on Teacher Credentialing 

    California Community Schools Partnership Program

    U.S. Department of Education

ORANGE COUNTY GROWTH

Ednovate’s work in Orange County began with Legacy College Prep, founded in Santa Ana in 2018. Legacy celebrates 100% college acceptance and over $4 million in scholarships annually. Today, 412 alumni are enrolled at local colleges—including Chapman, UC Irvine, CSU Fullerton, Vanguard, and Santa Ana College—and many are now graduating into the region’s workforce. Sixty percent of Ednovate alumni are on track for upward economic mobility, compared to 40% of their peers.

Building on this success, Ednovate was unanimously approved in 2024 for a county-wide charter to open four new schools in Tustin, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, and Orange. Backed by strong local partners such as Orange County Business Council, the CEO Leadership Alliance OC , and Santa Ana College, these schools will bring high-quality, college-prep education and clear career pathways to the students who need them most.

In Orange County, only 36% of students attend high-quality schools1, and just 14% of Black and Latinx students have access. Only 66% of students meet CSU or UC eligibility requirements, while 94% of local jobs require a bachelor’s degree or higher. Without change, industries like tech, healthcare, and manufacturing risk a growing talent gap.

Ednovate’s new schools will close these gaps—preparing students for college, career, and lasting success while strengthening Orange County’s workforce and economy.

  • Join a passionate team dedicated to transforming education. Explore career opportunities at Ednovate and help us make a difference in students’ lives.

    Visit our Careers Page: ednovate.org/careers

  • Make a difference by volunteering your time and skills. Whether reviewing scholarship applications, presenting at career day, or hosting a field trip at your workplace, your involvement supports our students’ growth and success.

    Volunteer at a School

  • See the impact of your support firsthand. Join a school tour to meet our students and staff and witness our innovative programs in action.

    Tour a campus to see Ednovate in action.

  • Stay connected and updated on our latest news, events, and success stories. Follow us on:

    Instagram: @EdnovateSchools

    LinkedIn: @Ednovate, Inc.

    Facebook: @Ednovate Charter Schools

In the News