What was the purpose of the email?
The email was sent to invite families to an upcoming town hall and begin gathering input. The district is in the early, exploratory stage of looking at the current 7th–8th grade model at Chavez and Home Gardens and wants to hear directly from staff and families before anything is considered.

Are they closing 7th/8th grade?
No decisions have been made about closing 7th or 8th grade. This is strictly a conversation to gather feedback and perspectives.

Is this already a done deal?
Absolutely not. Nothing has been decided. No plans have been finalized, and no changes have been approved. Community input is a critical part of this early process.

Is anything changing next school year?
No. There are no changes planned for next school year. Students and families can expect things to continue as they are. If any changes are made, they would not be implemented before the 27/28 school year.

Why is this being discussed?

The district regularly reviews its programs, enrollment trends, and student opportunities to ensure we are providing the strongest possible educational experience. This is a long-term, exploratory discussion focused on what’s best for students, not an immediate change.

This process includes recognizing the incredible work happening in our classrooms and building on the strengths our teachers bring to students every day. This current discussion is part of that ongoing, thoughtful review.

Like many school districts across California, we are experiencing a decline in enrollment. While this is one factor we must consider as responsible stewards of public resources, our primary focus remains on supporting high-quality teaching and ensuring all students have access to strong, engaging academic and enrichment opportunities.

What should I do?
We encourage you to attend the upcoming town hall meetings:

Cesar Chavez, Wednesday, April 29th at 5:30 p.m. at Chavez
Home Gardens, Thursday, May 7th at 5:30 p.m. at HGA

It’s an opportunity to hear accurate information, ask questions, and share your input. Your voice is an important part of this process.

Is this a discussion to change the name of Cesar Chavez Academy?
No.

DISTRICT

Elementary

K-8 Academy

Intermediate

High School

Specialty

Corona-Norco Unified School District

HGA & Chavez 7th & 8th Grade Model Exploratory Stage Frequently Asked Questions