Our Story

Dreams and Goals
In the spring of 2000, parents, community members and educators met to discuss the hopes, dreams and challenges involved in opening Explorer Elementary Charter School. From the beginning it was understood that the school would be a center for excellence in education. Its goal was to inspire children, to challenge them, to create eager, enthusiastic learners while making sure that their foundations of information and skills were strong and competently built.

Making Dreams a Reality
About one month later, a small group of parents met to attempt to secure a site for the school. A lease was signed in June 2000 for a facility at Congregation Beth El, and Jill Green was offered the position of principal. In the ensuing months, teachers were recruited and hired who shared Explorer's vision of education. After five weeks of relentless hard work, the energy, spirit and commitment of parents, board members and faculty made the dream of Explorer a reality and transformed rundown bungalows into a vibrant and appealing place for children. Explorer opened its doors to 116 students in September 2000.

Great Success
In the past seven years, Explorer has met with great success. Test scores have been extraordinary, the school has been recognized as a California Distinguished School, and the annual waiting list has reached 1200 students. Explorer's success, good fortune and hard work continue. In 2006, due to the commitment and persistence of parents, board and faculty members, Explorer was able to move to our newly renovated, secure and stable home in Point Loma. Our partnership with High tech High Village of schools will help Explorer become a center of charter school excellence that will provide an unparalleled opportunity educationally for children.