Bob Hope School is expanding its Cypress campus to include fourth, sixth and ninth grades for the upcoming term, following its successful pre-K3 through third grade debut in the 2025-26 school year.
This expansion marks the next phase in the free public charter school’s long-term vision to provide a seamless pre-K3 through 12th-grade experience. It will allow students to grow within the same academic model from early childhood through graduation.
“We want to have a program where our students have the choice to stay with us all the way [through 12th grade] if the families choose to do so,” Deputy Superintendent Giselle Easton said.
The school’s history
Bob Hope School operates under The Hughen Center, a nonprofit organization that began in Port Arthur in the 1920s, serving students with disabilities.
In 2010, the organization expanded into education by opening Bob Hope School, named in honor of Bob Hope, who supported the center’s fundraising efforts over the years.
Helping students reach their full potential
At the center of Bob Hope School’s approach is a focus on preparing students for long-term academic and professional success through language immersion, hands-on learning and advanced coursework opportunities.
Students begin dual-language immersion in English and Spanish in pre-K3, spending half the year learning in each language through fifth grade. Starting in kindergarten, students also take Mandarin Chinese and violin classes.
Easton said the violin program, in particular, often surprises families when they see students perform during school concerts.
“One of the reasons we chose the violin, and we have all of our students learn how to play it, is because when you’re playing it, you’re using your left and your right brain at the same time,” Easton said.
The school also teaches using Montessori methods from pre-K3 through second grade. These methods encourage students to take an active role in their learning through hands-on exploration and child-led instruction.
Together, the dual-language immersion program, music education and Montessori instruction are designed to strengthen students’ cognitive development while exposing them to a wide range of skills and experiences early in life.
As students move into middle and high school, the focus shifts toward college preparation and advanced coursework.
Easton said that at the school’s established high school campus, 94% of students in the class of 2024 completed dual-credit college courses compared to the state average of 25%. Additionally, 62% of the current graduating class is earning an associate degree alongside their high school diploma.
The Cypress campus plans to follow the same model by incorporating SAT and PSAT preparation into coursework, introducing advanced classes early and offering dual-credit opportunities that allow students to earn college hours year-round.
Easton said the long-term impact of the program is already visible through former students who have returned to serve their communities, an act that is highly encouraged.
One former Bob Hope School student graduated, earned a bachelor’s degree in pre-med studies and has returned to teach fourth-grade math and science. She plans to teach for two years before going to medical school.
Athletics and extracurriculars support student growth
Bob Hope School is launching a new basketball program at the Cypress high school campus.
The program is structured to support both athletics and academics, rather than requiring students to choose between them. Students will have time built into the school day for weightlifting, drills, film review and athletic development.
The goal is to create opportunities for students who are serious about sports, without sacrificing academic opportunities.
The basketball program joins a growing list of extracurricular opportunities across the school system, including soccer, volleyball, ballet, tennis, music and student clubs.
“We want our students to enjoy high school, learn a lot and be active,” Easton said.
Enrollment remains open for new grade levels
Bob Hope School is an open-enrollment charter school. Families apply during the school’s enrollment window, and available seats are assigned through a lottery system. Students who apply after the lottery are placed on a waitlist in the order applications are received.
Because the sixth- and ninth-grade programs are newly opening, Easton said seats are still available heading into the summer.
Families interested in applying are encouraged to submit an application, even if a waitlist exists, as spots can open throughout the year.
Click here to learn more about Bob Hope School, or click here to apply today.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact’s Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their “sponsored content” purchase through our advertising team.