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Meet Hattie Mitchell of Crete Academy in South Central Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hattie Mitchell.

Crete Academy was founded by a group of individuals passionate about creating opportunities for children living in poverty. The vision for the school developed from the Founder’s life-changing experience on Skid Row, sixteen years ago. The Founder recalls watching a disconnected mother, watch her daughter crawl through the filthy streets of the city. As she observed the child crawling, she thought, “something has to change for children in these circumstances.” The vision of a school that serves underserved children in impoverished communities emerged from that experience. The Founder, along with many other passionate individuals developed the Crete model.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Struggles along this journey include: financial constraints, politics, and general first-year business obstacles. Luckily, I have had some great mentors and team members who have helped work through such obstacles and get our school to where it is today.

Please tell us about Crete Academy.
The Crete Educational Model focuses on the immediate, basic needs of students and their long-term educational needs. Our goal is to provide resources and support services to every student, so that they are successful.

Crete’s educational model includes a college preparatory curriculum that is designed to prepare students to succeed beyond the classroom. Students at Crete learn to think critically about problems and learn multiple ways of approaching issues. Through differentiated instruction, thematic learning and arts integration across subjects, our students experience a well-rounded education. Lastly, Crete teachers support the development of students’ character so that they develop positive dispositions and traits.

A key component of the Crete model is the Wellness Program. The Crete Founding team developed a research-based program that ensures all students receive the proper nutrition, physical, mental, and emotional care they need to succeed. Through the Wellness Program, students are taught to monitor their physical and mental well being while participating in workshops and other programs. All services are provided through our partnerships with community organizations.

We are most proud of our integrated school model whereby we offer a world-class education and also meet the various non-academic needs of both students and families.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t personally believe in luck. I believe you have to work hard to achieve your goals and when you are prepared for the various opportunities that life offers, if you have worked hard, you will be ready.

Contact Info:

  • Address: 6103 Crenshaw blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90043
  • Website: www.creteacademy.org
  • Phone: 323-791-1600
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Instagram: Crete_Academy
  • Facebook: Crete Academy
  • Twitter: Crete Academy

Image Credit:
California State University Los Angeles, Grusbeck Studio

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