Meet Our Principal

Welcome to Ánimo Jackie Robinson Charter High School (AJR)!

A part of the Green Dot Public Schools California network, we are a charter high school established in July 2006 with a mission of transforming the way young adults are educated in the inner city of South Los Angeles. To date, we have had 14 graduating classes of approximately 145 students each, while our current enrollment is approximately 630 students in grades 9-12. Demographically, we serve a population of low income minority students, most of whom will become first generation college students. 

Our intention is to continue working to carry out our school mission and to provide an education for our community that will equip our resilient, self-reliant, and compassionate students with the skills necessary for success in college, career, and their adult lives.

In our brief history, we have been able to establish an authentic, family environment, where students and adults feel that they are part of a community aimed at nurturing their success. 

AJR offers a comprehensive college-preparatory academic program. All students are enrolled in courses that meet the A-G requirements for the California State University/University of California college systems. We also offer a comprehensive Special Education program and a substantial intervention program for struggling learners. We pride ourselves on the fact that we have established a safe, nurturing yet challenging, academic environment for all students, especially our students with special needs, who have been able to succeed academically throughout our history, including being accepted at and enrolling in California State universities and local community colleges.

As Principal of Animo Jackie Robinson going on for ten years, I am both proud and humbled by the accomplishments of our students and teachers. I encourage anyone to come and visit our school, get to know our community and join the family. As all our alumni state with pride: “Once a Monarch, always a Monarch!”

Thank you,

Kristin Botello
Principal