Inside a classroom at Aspire Capitol Heights Academy, learning is deliberate. Teachers move between small groups, pausing to check in with a student, adjusting instruction based on what the data—and the moment—are telling them.

There is focus in the room. There is care. And there is a shared understanding among educators that the work they are doing today is building something lasting.

“Because we are a small campus, there is that one-on-one connection between teachers and students,” said Brianna Mendoza, a former Aspire student who now serves as an educator at Aspire Capitol Heights. “Teachers are able to support scholars in ways you just wouldn’t be able to at a much larger public school.”

Aspire Capitol Heights Principal Tamara Williams (above) is implementing a series of data-informed practices and strategies which is translating into academic momentum.

Across this TK–8 campus in Sacramento, Aspire Capitol Heights is entering a new chapter—one grounded in instructional clarity, continuous improvement, strong relationships, and a belief that layered, intentional work leads to sustained growth.

At the heart of the school’s forward momentum is a renewed commitment to teaching with purpose and precision—meeting students where they are and helping them grow with confidence. Teachers are using data more intentionally and receiving targeted training to identify learning gaps early, ensuring students receive the right support before they fall behind.

Principal Tamara Williams says that coaching and co-planning are central to this work, helping ensure instruction is engaging, rigorous, and accessible—particularly for English Learners.

In English Language Arts, educators are strengthening foundational literacy skills through structured literacy approaches and small-group instruction. Students who need additional support receive it through expanded learning opportunities before and after school, as well as summer literacy programs that extend learning beyond the traditional school calendar.

“By receiving and analyzing multiple sets of performance data in real time, teachers can target specific skill gaps and adjust their instruction accordingly,” Williams said. “I believe we’re going to see even more gains. Internally, our approach is now centered on the data.”

Aspire Capitol Heights recently invested in a permanent, modern facility that is safe, clean, and welcoming. 

One of the school’s most impactful investments has been its targeted tutoring program for students in grades three through eight. During the school day, students receive 90 minutes of tutoring in English Language Arts and another 90 minutes in math. Instruction takes place in extremely small groups, often with a one-to-three teacher-student ratio—and for students needing more intensive support, that ratio can drop to one teacher for every two students.

Math instruction is similarly becoming more personalized and responsive. Students participate in small-group learning and high-dosage tutoring informed by diagnostic tools and personalized learning platforms such as MyPath. Math is also a focus of after-school programs and summer instruction, giving students additional time to practice and deepen their understanding.

“I’ve seen good improvement from an academic standpoint,” said Natasha Bradford, whose son attends kindergarten at Aspire Capitol Heights. “I’m looking forward to seeing him grow even more on this journey. I love the school and want to make sure it stays open. This is a great place for students to grow—I see so much potential here, and I see a bright future for the children.”

Natasha Bradford (left) says she's seen significant improvement in her son's academic performance. 

Supporting the Whole Child, Every Day

Aspire Capitol Heights understands that academic success depends on more than strong instruction alone.

To help students stay engaged and focused, the school has expanded its social-emotional learning supports, creating space for students to build self-regulation, confidence, and a sense of belonging. These supports are woven into the school day, helping students arrive ready to learn and remain connected to their school community.

School leaders are already seeing encouraging shifts in school climate and student behavior—early signs that students feel safer, more supported, and more invested in their learning.

And because Aspire Capitol Heights serves just over 200 students—most from low-income Black families—it is a place where relationships run deep.

Teachers know siblings by name. Staff notice when a family needs extra support. During the holidays, the school organized free meal distributions and turkey giveaways, ensuring families could gather with dignity and care. These moments reflect a broader truth about the school: community is not an add-on—it is the foundation.

Instructional Aide Isaiah Taylor (right) says there is a sense of belonging and community connectedness on campus thanks to the school's focus on social-emotional learning and family outreach efforts.

Ask educators at Aspire Capitol Heights how they feel about the school’s direction, and one word comes up again and again: progress.

That belief is why school leadership is appealing a recent decision by the Sacramento City Unified School District not to renew the school’s charter. Aspire Capitol Heights plans to bring its renewal petition to the Sacramento County Office of Education, seeking the opportunity to continue the work already underway.

“The students, families, and staff of Capitol Heights deserve the opportunity to fully use the resources the county has made available to help schools improve,” Williams said. “We are actively engaged in the differentiated assistance program with the county, and we’ve already made gains through that collaborative work. We deserve the opportunity to finish the turnaround.”

That sense of purpose extends beyond the classroom walls.

Aspire Capitol Heights recently invested in a permanent, modern facility—one that is safe, clean, and welcoming. The campus itself sends a clear message to students and families: you belong here, and your education matters. Bright classrooms and thoughtful spaces have helped foster pride and confidence among students as they move through the halls each day.

With momentum building and systems aligned, Aspire Capitol Heights Academy stands ready to continue its journey—one student, one classroom, and one community at a time.

If you would like to learn more about Aspire Capitol Heights in Sacramento, visit its website by clicking here.