Our Story
Hawking STEAM Charter Schools began with a simple but ambitious vision: to create an exceptional public school where every child is inspired to think, create, innovate, and discover.
In 2012, our first campus opened in Chula Vista with 140 students serving Transitional Kindergarten through 3rd grade. One year later, we expanded by opening a second campus in South San Diego, welcoming another 144 students.
Today, Hawking proudly serves more than 1,300 students across two TK–8 campuses. While much has changed since our founding, our purpose has remained the same: to provide an innovative, student-centered education that challenges every learner to reach their fullest potential.
Our Mission
Hawking’s mission is to uplift the diverse communities we serve by empowering all children to maximize their potential through opportunities to think, create, innovate, and discover in a safe, academic and inclusive environment.
Our Vision
Hawking’s vision is excellence. We prepare all students through STEAM Project Based learning to be culturally competent, self-motivated, creative problem solvers, and life long learners inspired to positively impact the world.
Our Commitment to Equity
At Hawking, educational equity means that every adult routinely reflects on their practice to increase academic and social-emotional learning. We pledge to advocate for and connect to each and every one of our students by providing them access to quality and culturally relevant instruction, from a foundation of love.
The Hawking Difference
At Hawking STEAM Charter Schools, we believe every child has the potential to achieve extraordinary things. We combine rigorous academics with hands on STEAM learning to cultivate curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving in every classroom.
Our commitment extends beyond academics. We foster meaningful relationships with students and families because we know that trust, collaboration, and a strong sense of belonging create the foundation for learning. Every student is known, valued, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential.
At Hawking, learning is purposeful, innovation is embraced, and high expectations are matched with meaningful opportunities to grow. Our goal is to prepare students not only for success in high school and beyond, but to become confident learners, compassionate leaders, and engaged citizens who make a positive impact on the world.
Whether you are exploring schools for your family, considering joining our team, or learning more about our organization, we invite you to become part of the Hawking story.