The Corona-Norco Unified School District is considering making changes that could impact the seventh and eighth grade programs at two of its campuses.
The district — one of the biggest in California — said no decisions have been made and that any potential changes at Cesar Chavez Academy and Home Gardens Academy in Corona wouldn’t happen until the 2027-2028 school year.
“This review is centered on ensuring equitable access to the same academic opportunities and experiences for students in these programs as those available to the 7th and 8th grade students in non-academy schools,” the district said in a news release.
Some parents at both schools told NBC Los Angeles they fear this could mean those grades could be eliminated and are now looking for answers about where their children could be transferred to if that’s the case.
“Frustration, shocked,” said Amanda Cromer, who has children attending both schools. “When I first got the text message — all moms are in a chat — they sent it out, and I thought, ‘That’s not going to happen.'”
They received a message from the school about a town hall meeting Wednesday evening to discuss the K-8 structure. Cromer said few details have been released about the possible changes.
“It was like, did anyone know the school is planning to shut down the junior high? No, they can’t do that. We are dual language K-8, and that’s why many families brought their kids to Corona,” Cromer said.
The district declined NBCLA’s interview request on Wednesday but said it is in the early stage of exploration with families and staff about the seventh and eighth grade programs at two of its 53 schools.
During Wednesday’s meeting, the district released details about declining enrollment and said it wants to possibly eliminate the two grades at the two schools.
Parents like Cromer say they want answers about what the future will look like for the students and staff.
“There is a small amount of schools in the district that has dual language,” Cromer said. “I believe the other one is down the street, which is about 5-6 miles from us. It completely changes the dynamic for us for everyday lives.”
Another town hall meeting is slated to take place at Home Gardens Academy on Thursday, May 7, at 5:30 p.m. The district said these meetings provide community members with information and give them a chance to ask questions and share their feedback.
NBCLA reached out to the teachers union but has not heard back.