Every morning, Elvia Rodriguez wakes up at 5:00 a.m., prepares breakfast, and gets her son Alexis ready for school before heading to her job at a nearby denim factory.

Like many parents, she wants what’s best for her child.

But for a long time, speaking up at school didn’t feel easy.

That changed at Para Los Niños Charter Middle School in downtown Los Angeles.

If you ask Elvia to describe the school, she doesn’t hesitate: Familia.

At Para Los Niños (PLN), a nonprofit public charter school network rooted in the community school model, families are not just welcomed—they are empowered.

For Elvia, that meant discovering something she didn’t realize she had: her voice.

PLN serves students and families in one of the most historically underserved areas of Los Angeles. Founded on Skid Row, the organization now supports more than 10,000 children, youth, and families each year through a network of schools and integrated services designed to break the cycle of poverty.

At its charter elementary school and middle school, that support shows up every day.

Nearly all staff members speak Spanish, reflecting the families they serve. Meetings, workshops, and school communications are accessible and inclusive—ensuring parents can fully engage in their child’s education.

Para Los Ninos charter schools serve roughly 600 students through a robust community school model. Founded in Skid Row in 1980, PLN partners with more than 10,000 children, youth, and families each year through integrated education, wellness supports, and advocacy. -Photo courtesy of PLN. 

PLN Charter Elementary School Principal Gabriela Cárdenas says removing language barriers is essential to building trust with families at both the primary and secondary grade levels.

That means offering translation, creating space for dialogue, and even providing childcare so parents or cargivers can attend school meetings.

It also means inviting them into the process.

Through programs like Café con la Directora, families meet directly with school leadership to review academic progress, ask questions, and share their perspectives.

“We believe that strong partnerships with families are the foundation of a successful school year,” Cárdenas shared with families. “Strong communication and collaboration between school and home is essential to a child’s success.”

Over time, that approach transforms how parents or caregivers see their role.

PLN Charter Middle School exemplifies the impact of community schools by consistently building on initiatives rooted in equity, family engagement, attendance, culture, academics, and social-emotional learning. -Photo courtesy of PLN.

Staff say parents often begin as advocates for their own children—and grow into leaders and voices within their broader communities.

That transformation became real for Elvia when her son Alexis began struggling socially and emotionally in middle school.

She knew he needed help.

In the past, she might have stayed quiet—unsure how to ask or where to turn.

But at PLN Charter Middle School, she felt supported enough to speak up.

With guidance from school staff, Elvia connected with teachers and identified the resources her son needed. Today, Alexis receives one-on-one support from a therapist—helping him succeed both in and out of the classroom. 

That kind of support is possible because PLN’s community school model goes beyond academics.

Students and families have access to mental health services, basic needs support, and community resources that address the challenges many face outside of school.

From food distributions to large-scale community events—like an annual holiday celebration where families receive meals, clothing, and essential items—PLN ensures families are supported in meaningful, tangible ways.

Because when families are supported, students are too.

PLN’s community transformation work brings together neighborhood residents, community-based organizations, city and county agencies, elected officials, and businesses to tackle issues that impact PLN families so that their children can thrive. -Photo courtesy of PLN.

Across California, charter public schools like Para Los Niños are showing what’s possible when schools invest not just in students—but in families.

They recognize that language should never be a barrier to opportunity.

That parents are essential partners in education.

And that when families are given the tools, trust, and space to lead, entire communities grow stronger.

To learn more, visit paralosninos.org/charter-elementary-school or paralosninos.org/pln-charter-middle-school.