A school serving homeless teens is on the move, preparing to leave its old quarters Downtown for new ones.
East Village redevelopment is causing Monarch High School, formerly known as The P.L.A.C.E., to leave its spot at Market Street and 13th Avenue. A challenging search for space near the trolley line is over. School administrators choose a former warehouse at 808 W. Cedar St., where remodeling is in progress.
All told, remodeling and furnishing the school will cost around $1.2 million, said Susan Armenta, a one-time MBA candidate who is now head teacher at the school. She estimated the school has raised more than half the money it needs for the project.
Several local businesses and institutions are helping the school grow, and the school has embarked on a new wave of fund-raising.
The San Diego County Office of Education provides the educational basics at Monarch High School. Private benefactors provide the rest. The program offers breakfast and lunch, showers, clothes, laundry facilities and information on drugs, family planning and AIDS.
In general, Monarch High provides a safe haven for teens living in a tough world. Some students drop in for the day; others stay long enough to receive a high school degree or equivalency.
In addition to three classrooms, a kitchen, a shower and medical facilities, the school’s Cedar Street home will have a view into the work world. Rubio’s Baja Grill is teaming up with the school to create a restaurant at the Cedar Street address. The eatery, to be called the Cabo Caf & #233; & Grill, will be staffed by students and will provide them with work experience , real-world skills that Armenta called one of the school’s biggest emphases.
Under the plan, proceeds from the restaurant will go back to the school to help the students.
On top of its search for funds, the Monarch High School Project is looking for volunteers. Call (619) 687-3535 for more information.
