Mastery Schools is proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 through October 15, and honor the rich cultures, histories and contributions of our Hispanic and Latino students, families and staff. As a mission-driven network committed to equity, we embrace and uplift the voices, stories and achievements of these cultures, which contribute greatly to the Mastery Schools community. 

Student Demographics

With nearly 25% of Mastery’s student population identifying as Hispanic and 10% identifying as English language learners, the network’s commitment to eliminating inequities in academic achievement remains steadfast. We are committed to ensuring ALL students learn the academic and personal skills they need to succeed after graduation and pursue their dreams. 

Support for Multilingual Learners

Our English Language Development Programs ensure all English learners receive targeted instruction that builds both social and academic language proficiency, enabling them to access grade-level content and transition smoothly into general classrooms. Through small group instruction and sheltered language arts periods, we empower students to develop the skills they need to succeed. 

At our Camden campuses, we also offer bilingual programs that support students in becoming fully bilingual and biliterate. With a focus on maintaining native language proficiency, while achieving proficiency in English, the programs help students excel academically while preserving their cultural identity. Mastery’s dedication to providing equitable, culturally relevant education ensures that all students, regardless of language background, have the tools to thrive in a diverse, global society. 

Embracing Culture in the Classroom

Culture, race and identity play a powerful role in shaping student outcomes, and our dedication to incorporating cultural context ensures that we honor and uplift the diverse backgrounds of our students and families. At Mastery, we view cultural identity as a source of strength and opportunity. Through a comprehensive teaching program, we equip staff with the tools they need to foster inclusive and equitable learning environments. This approach not only benefits students academically, but also nurtures their sense of belonging, empowering them to succeed while embracing their heritage.   Bilingual educators serve as bridges between communities, helping to facilitate inclusion and advocate for cultural connections. 

McGraw Elementary Bilingual Teacher Grenny Ramos says her culture has helped her make connections in the classroom. “My unique cultural background as an immigrant from the Dominican Republic and as a first-generation educator has provided me with valuable insights, empathy and understanding that can positively impact my teaching,” she said. “My experiences have made me more sensitive to the needs of students from diverse cultural backgrounds and various languages, allowing me to create a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment. By drawing upon my own cultural background, I can offer students different perspectives, foster cultural appreciation and connect with them on a deeper level to enhance the overall learning experience for me and my students.” 

Ramos enjoys creating a sense of community in her classroom, which is influenced by her Dominican heritage. She emphasizes the importance of togetherness and teamwork by sharing her cultural values, traditions and stories with her students, which helps enhance communication, collaboration and mutual respect. 

Family Engagement 

Our families are our partners in ensuring success for students, and we know supporting them will benefit student outcomes. In support of families, we provide information that helps families understand their rights as it relates to voting, immigration, and more. From social media series to virtual workshops, we ensure our families receive support too. 

Culture in the Workplace 

In addition to ensuring our school communities celebrate cultural diversity, we also ensure that Mastery supports all staff to celebrate their heritage and bring their authentic selves to work. We are dedicated to cultivating a diverse workforce where staff feel seen, valued, and supported, and can share their culture with students.