Dear Henderson Collegiate Community,

In 2002, we were both sent to teach here in Vance County public schools as part of Teach for America. Not only did we meet each other, fall in love, and get married thanks to this experience, we also fell in love with the Henderson community. In our local classrooms, we saw the need here to help close the achievement gap, and we realized what the right charter school could do to support both students and their families of this area.

Though we were being recruited to teach in other cities across the country, we were committed to making this change happen together in Henderson. We applied for the charter in 2009, at a time when only three of the 60 applications would be accepted. Because the State Board shared their desire to invest in and support the Henderson community, we were one of the three chosen. We opened in 2010, and the Pride began to move together. Today, we serve over 1,300 students across elementary, middle, and high schools, with over 175 staff members. We continue to exceed our growth goals, we’ve been consistently nationally-recognized, and we’ve earned multiple “A” school ratings and other distinctions from the state.

But just like it started, the story of Henderson Collegiate continues to be a love story to this day. It’s about a love for our students - also for our parents, our caregivers, our teachers, instructional coaches, and staff. It’s a love for this community where there continues to be so much possibility for meaningful change and success. And every day we walk onto campus, it’s a love that we’re still so grateful to have in our lives.

So, whether you’re a parent, caregiver, alumni, or new to the Pride, know that that kind of love, gratitude, and passion are always right here for you. They’re what brought us here and keep us here, and we’d love to welcome you home to Henderson Collegiate.

Go Pride!

Eric and Carice Sanchez, Co-Founders