For over a decade, Executive Director Alexa Greenland has masterfully guided Kavod Charter School to our current status as an award-winning TK-8 public school in San Diego. To celebrate 12 years with Kavod, we asked Alexa to share a bit about herself and what she loves about serving our students and families.
What do you love most about your role at Kavod?
I find so much joy in the simple, everyday moments that reflect the heart and purpose of the Kavod program. Walking into a classroom and seeing a vibrant, diverse group of explorers smiling and engaged in learning always lifts my spirits. Hearing them speak in their native languages beautifully highlights the inclusive and welcoming culture we’ve cultivated. I love watching our teachers join in at recess, sharing laughter and play, creating bonds that go beyond the classroom. One of my favorite moments is seeing our explorers sing in Hebrew with such enthusiasm and pride, united as one joyful community. It’s in these small, meaningful moments that the true essence of Kavod shines through—a nurturing, joyful, and deeply connected community for all our explorers.
Tell us a bit about you!
Before stepping into the role of School Director, I taught literature—a passion that still runs deep. I have a love for stories in all their forms and what stories can teach us. I cherish the moments when I can get lost in a good book and find just as much joy in the world of theater—there’s nothing like the energy of a live performance.
I am fortunate that both of my daughters have passions and interests similar to mine. I love taking my older daughter to the theater and every opportunity to see her perform on stage. My younger daughter has fallen in love with horseback riding, a passion I once shared as well. I love to see her smile light up when she is riding.
Tell us about the Kavod community
The Kavod team is the heart of our community, shaping the culture that makes our school such a vibrant and joyful place. They create meaningful experiences that spark joy in our explorers’ learning and, most importantly, make every child feel seen, supported, and valued. Whether it’s through daily moments of kindness or larger community events, the Kavod team ensures that our explorers’ time here is both fun and unforgettable.
This year, we hosted our first-ever Fall Festival, and it was a perfect example of our team’s dedication. One highlight was the water bucket challenge—several staff members happily got soaked, all to bring laughter and excitement to our students.
Our music teacher recently organized an off-campus gig for some of our middle school band members. Joining them were our PE teacher, science teacher, and even a Kavod parent, all performing together to support our young musicians. What made it even more special was seeing every middle school team member show up to cheer on their peers and our explorers as they performed proudly in front of a crowd.
Collaboration is at the core of our approach. In a cross-disciplinary project, our science and music teachers partnered to create a unit for our 7th graders focused on environmental issues like pollution and extinction. The explorers shared what they learned through educational booths and performed original songs at what we now call the OLAM Festival—“olam” meaning “world” in Hebrew. This annual event, completely designed by our teachers, has become a cherished tradition that unites our entire community.
Support for one another spans all grade levels. When our TK explorers complete their letter parade, the whole school comes out to cheer them on. Our middle schoolers also serve as buddies for explorers in TK through second grade, building meaningful connections across ages. At year’s end, our middle schoolers are there again—clapping and celebrating as our youngest explorers are promoted.
Our parent community plays a vital role in enriching the Kavod experience. Through volunteering and event planning, they bring to life school-wide celebrations like dances, cultural fairs, the La’tet fun run, and Israeli Independence Day. Every month, families also organize appreciation breakfasts or luncheons for our staff—a heartfelt reminder of how much their work is valued.
At Kavod, there’s a true sense of shared purpose and pride. From the warm welcome you receive from Ms. Lopez in the front office to the joyful energy that fills our hallways, our community is one where everyone—students, staff, and families alike—feels connected, appreciated, and inspired to be part of something meaningful every day.
What’s a favorite memory of your work at Kavod?
Since 2019, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside OBR Architecture to design new buildings that support the growth of our school and reflect the spirit of our community. Now that construction is underway, I visit the site weekly to meet with San Diego Unified Facilities, Balfour Beatty—the construction team—and OBR to review progress. This journey has been nothing short of unforgettable.
A particularly meaningful moment took place in October, when our entire community—explorers, founders, board members, and team members—came together to sign a structural beam. Joined by dignitaries like Chris Ward, we watched as the beam was hoisted into place in our new multi-purpose building, where it will remain as a lasting symbol of this special milestone.
One of my favorite memories was touring the future middle school classrooms with our middle school team, knowing these very spaces will open this fall. Walking through the new building with them and seeing their excitement as they envisioned the possibilities was truly special.
It was especially meaningful for Mx. Vickers and Mr. McKerring. For the past three years, Mx. Vickers has taught Individuals and Societies, as well as Science and Design, without a dedicated classroom—constantly rotating between spaces. Mr. McKerring, who joined our team 10 years ago, has led physical education in shared or outdoor areas, always at the mercy of the weather. To finally show him a real gymnasium, where students can enjoy PE rain or shine, was like watching a decade-long dream come true.
I am incredibly excited for our opening ceremonies this fall, when we will celebrate the completion of this phase and, more importantly, see our explorers thrive in the new spaces built just for them.
How has Kavod changed over the past 12 years?
Kavod is incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated and forward-thinking team that is always seeking new ways to enhance our program and enrich the student experience. Over the past twelve years, we’ve cultivated a remarkable community rooted in growth, resilience, and shared purpose.
What began with just 52 students in a few portable classrooms behind another school has grown into one of San Diego’s top-performing charter schools, now serving nearly 400 students. Our expansion has included the addition of two Transitional Kindergarten classes and a thriving middle school—one of only four in the region to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate program.
We are proud to be recognized by the state of California as a Seal of Biliteracy Pathway school, a designation that affirms our commitment to fostering cultural awareness and language appreciation, key pillars of our mission.
As our student body grows, so does our campus. Thanks to the support of San Diego voters and bond funding, we’ve been able to build modern classrooms designed to meet the evolving needs of our explorers. And next year, we will open a brand-new multipurpose building, complete with a professional gymnasium for Physical Education and a vibrant theater space. This expansion—made possible in part by Prop 28, which allocated additional funding for arts education—will allow us to further support our growing performing arts program and offer even more opportunities for creative expression.
What was your response when you learned Kavod was recognized as being in the top 5% for Best Charter Schools in America for Elementary AND Middle School?
I am, and always will be, deeply grateful to the entire Kavod team. Every accomplishment we’ve achieved is a direct reflection of their unwavering dedication to nurturing a community where students are encouraged to embrace challenges and are inspired to care—for themselves, for one another, and for the world around them. Their commitment is what makes Kavod such a special place.
As a parent of 2 Kavod students, what has been a favorite that you have experienced in the classroom from the parent lens?
Catching glimpses of my children throughout the day—whether it’s passing them in the hallway, seeing them at recess, or observing them in the classroom, is always a nice perk of having my children attend Kavod. Beyond those moments, my experience is much like that of any parent: watching with pride as they perform in a theater production or participate in student showcases. Seeing them happy and thriving always fills me with joy.
But one of my favorite moments happened far from the classroom. We were out running errands when a gentleman passed by and remarked on the beautiful weather, saying it reminded him of home. He then asked if we had ever been to Jerusalem. I replied that I hadn’t, but shared that my children were learning Hebrew, and I hoped to visit one day. He smiled and began speaking to my children in Hebrew—and they responded with ease and confidence.
At a time when anti-Semitism is on the rise and many feel hesitant to speak Hebrew or express a connection to Israel openly, that simple, genuine exchange reminded me why the Kavod program matters so deeply. It was a moment of pride—not just because my children could respond in Hebrew, but because it reflected the kind of people they are becoming: respectful, open-minded, and globally aware. While those values are certainly nurtured at home, I know their school environment plays a vital role in shaping them. And I’ll be the first to admit—I didn’t teach them Hebrew. That beautiful interaction happened because they are Kavod explorers, not simply because they are my children. That realization made me proud—not just as the Director of Kavod, but even more so as their parent.
Ready to start fresh this Fall, and switch your child to an award winning school? Join us at Kavod Charter School! We are enrolling TK-8 grade students and would love to have your child join our caring school community. Schedule a tour today to learn more.
About Kavod
Founded in 2013, Kavod is a tuition-free public charter school in San Diego committed to growing the next generation of bilingual, globally aware leaders who will make the world a more respectful place. We offer modern Hebrew and Spanish to diverse TK-8th graders alongside a rigorous curriculum, the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, and enriching electives. As a non-religious, dual language elementary and middle school, we are consistently ranked as a top 5% charter school in California and across the country. Kavod means respect – we believe respect makes a world of difference. Enroll with Kavod today!
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