This fall, Adelante Charter School, a 2025 California Distinguished School and a Spanish dual-language immersion program, will celebrate its 25th anniversary by honoring individuals who have been instrumental to its success and growth.

“The honorees include the school’s inaugural board members, whose vision and dedication made history in Santa Barbara County, along with local philanthropist Jim Kearns,” the school said.
 
In 2000, the founding board (Pete Relis, Grant House, Babatunde Folayemi, Annette Cordero, Aaron and Janice Brown, Alma Theis, Ana Barreto, Ana Muñoz, Mary Giers, María and Ruben Rey, and Cheri and Chris Hoeckley) secured the charter necessary to open what was then known as César Chávez Charter School.

This marked the start of the city’s first Spanish dual-language immersion program.

“Our founding members set the foundation for what Adelante is today,” said Cordero. “Their vision of a dual-language immersion program gave generations of students the gift of bilingualism, biculturalism, and biliteracy, skills that continue to serve them for life.”
 
Kearns became involved with Adelante in its early years, inspired by a Montecito Union School teacher to expand access to high-quality arts education for under-resourced schools.

Nearly 21 years ago, he began supporting Adelante’s arts program, and since then, his contributions have enriched the educational experience for thousands of students.
 
“I passionately believe that every child, regardless of background, should have access to the arts,” said Kearns. “The arts nurture creativity, confidence, and ways of thinking that extend far beyond the classroom.”

The 25th Anniversary Celebration on Nov. 1 is by invitation only. For sponsorship opportunities, call 805-966-7392. For sponsorship opportunities, call 805-966-7392.