Monday message 06.03.2024

Dear iLEAD Agua Dulce Families,

In July of 2018, I was asked to open a brand-new iLEAD school in the community of Agua Dulce. With only eight weeks between the time our charter was approved and the first day of school, I was nervous about the unknown but even more excited to create a place that valued childhood. The goal was for every learner to feel like they were walking not just onto a school campus but into an experience that was joyful, rich with meaningful lessons that they could apply to real life — and a place where they could climb trees and play in the rain. A place where they could be truly themselves.

With the help of our amazing community, we opened our doors in August 2018 with five staff members and 99 learners in TK-5th grade. Fast-forward to June 2024, and we are ending this year with 45 staff members and close to 400 learners in TK-11th grade, with over 400 TK-12th grade learners expected next school year.

I am incredibly proud of our accomplishments, our programs, and especially the unique opportunities we provide for learners to explore their interests, such as our animals, Music Lab, Farm to Table program, Makery, Outdoor Classroom, and the Exploratorium.

While I am excited to start a new journey when I move out of state, I am beyond grateful for the opportunity I was given to open iLEAD Agua Dulce’s doors. I could not have done it without an incredible team of people who work hard and value our learners and program, our board members who are extremely supportive, and especially you — our families, who entrusted us with your children’s education. iLEAD Agua Dulce will always be a part of me.

With gratitude,

Lisa Latimer
School Director