Board hears charters’ renewal presentations for Wilders Preparatory and Grace Hopper STEM Academy

The Inglewood Unified Board held public hearings on charter renewal petitions for Wilders Preparatory Academy (elementary and middle schools) and Grace Hopper STEM Academy.

Fenice Hurtado, director of school business for Wilders Preparatory Academy, presented the petitions on behalf of CEO Ramona Wilder and emphasized the school’s history and commitment to academic rigor and family engagement since its authorization in 2003. "We are proud of our history, grateful for the trust that was first extended to us in 2003, and excited about the opportunity to continue serving this community for the years to come," Hurtado said. There were no public comments on the Wilders elementary petition; Wilders middle received a brief, strongly supportive public comment from alumnus Patrick Cruz who described Wilders’ influence on his leadership development.

Grace Hopper STEM Academy Principal Benita Bradshaw presented the STEM school’s renewal petition, describing an enrollment of about 80 students in grades 6–8 and partnerships with community-based organizations including Neighborhood Youth Achievers, USC Viterbi, Project Lead The Way and others. Bradshaw described restorative discipline practices and improvements on formative assessments and said six of nine recent graduates matriculated to City Honors with strong grades. "We are a charter school that began in 2013...our student body enrollment is 80," Bradshaw told the board. Public comments included a grandmother and a Grace Hopper staff member who praised the school’s support for students, including those with special needs.

Each hearing was opened, presentations were made, public comments (where provided) were heard, and the hearings were closed. The transcript does not record final board action on the renewals during this meeting; renewal decisions are subject to board review after the public hearing period and staff analysis.