STOCKTON, CA – A groundbreaking charter school is set to open its doors in Stockton next fall, offering a unique curriculum designed to cultivate community leaders. Phillip Hon, a Stockton native and the visionary behind this initiative, aims to transform the educational landscape in his hometown by fostering a deep connection between students and their community.
Hon, whose journey took him from the classrooms of Stockton to Stanford and then to the University of the Pacific for his master's degree, draws inspiration from his time as a school administrator in Hawaii. There, he embraced place-based learning, which he now seeks to integrate into Stockton's educational system through the launch of his tuition-free charter school for fourth through seventh graders.
Named Dream-Unbound Community Charter School, the institution is a response to the isolation experienced during the pandemic and a testament to Hon's belief in hands-on, engaging education. "We feel like kids haven't had the opportunity to connect with community, connect with each other," Hon explained. The school's curriculum will allow students to apply their learnings in English, math, science, and social studies to real-world community experiences, ranging from yoga and gardening to producing peace plays.
The anticipation for the new school is palpable among local families. Joel Juarez's foster siblings, who experienced the unbound curriculum through summer and spring break camps, are eager for the school year to begin. "As kiddos that have different learning needs they are excited about the model because they are constantly learning and having hands-on activities," Juarez shared.
Asa Wright, another parent whose son will be transferring from a public school, praised the school's commitment to diversity and community involvement. "We actually want them to stay and put the bright minds here," Wright emphasized, highlighting the desire to retain Stockton's youth within the city.
With space for 120 students, the Dream-Unbound Community Charter School is in its final stages of construction in a building that previously housed another charter school near downtown Stockton. As Hon and his team put the finishing touches on the school, they look forward to welcoming students and parents who are drawn to their vision of an education that bridges learning and community leadership.
For those interested in becoming part of this innovative educational community, applications are now being accepted online. As the school prepares to launch, it stands as a beacon of hope for a new generation of Stockton leaders, deeply rooted in their community and ready to make a difference.