St. HOPE: Home
Author Talk featuring Verde Arzu
Underground Books Presents
Join us for a powerful evening with writer, poet, and educator Verde Arzu as she shares from her latest book, Promise Keeper—a coming-of-age story about identity, conviction, and the promises we make to ourselves.
Verde centers Black queer woman in her work and publishes through her own imprint, RAINBOW EDITIONS LLC. Come meet the author, hear her story, and get your book signed!
Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater
Join us for a free family movie matinee at the Guild Theater on Sunday, August 3, at 2 PM, featuring Moana 2. In this exciting sequel, Moana returns to the seas on a new adventure, facing fresh challenges and discovering more about her heritage and the power of her people. Filled with stunning visuals, captivating music, and an inspiring story, Moana 2 is a perfect film for audiences of all ages. Bring the whole family for a memorable afternoon at the Guild Theater!
Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater
Join us at the Guild Theater on Sunday, September 7, at 2 PM for a free family movie matinee featuring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. This action-packed animated adventure follows Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael as they step out of the shadows to protect their city from a mysterious crime syndicate. With thrilling battles, humor, and heart, this film is perfect for all ages. Bring the whole family and enjoy an exciting afternoon at the theater!
Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater
Join us at the Guild Theater on Sunday, October 5, at 2 PM for a free family movie matinee featuring Hocus Pocus 2. The Sanderson sisters are back in this fun and magical sequel, bringing new adventures and mischief to Salem. After being accidentally resurrected, the witches must be stopped before they cast a spell over the town once again. Filled with humor, magic, and Halloween spirit, this film is perfect for the whole family. Do not miss this special afternoon at the theater!
Oak Park Black Film Festival 2025
Guild Theater
Join us from October 7 to October 12, 2025, for an unforgettable celebration of African-American stories and history through the power of cinema. The Oak Park Black Film Festival shines a spotlight on the voices of African-American filmmakers, featuring an inspiring lineup of independent feature films, thought-provoking documentaries, and captivating short films.
Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater
Join us at the Guild Theater on Sunday, November 2, at 2 PM for a free family movie matinee featuring The Wild Robot. This heartwarming adventure brings Peter Brown’s beloved book to life, following Roz, a robot stranded on a remote island who must learn to survive and connect with the wildlife around her. Filled with breathtaking animation, action, and touching moments, this film is perfect for audiences of all ages. Do not miss this unforgettable story of discovery, friendship, and resilience on the big screen. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of excitement and wonder.
Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater
Join us at the Guild Theater on Sunday, December 7, at 2 PM for a free family movie matinee featuring The Grinch. Experience the heartwarming and hilarious story of the Grinch as he plots to steal Christmas from the cheerful residents of Whoville. With stunning animation, festive spirit, and a message about the true meaning of the holiday season, this film is perfect for the whole family. Do not miss this fun and magical afternoon at the movies.
St. HOPE Academy Founded by Kevin Johnson
July 1989
St. HOPE began in 1989 as an afterschool program in a portable classroom at Sacramento High School
After 13 years, St. HOPE realized that an after school program simply wasn’t enough to dramatically improve the academic outcomes of children, that it would be necessary to establish and run our own schools.
In 2003, St. HOPE Public Schools was founded as a preK-12 independent charter school district that provides high-quality education to nearly 2,000 students.
St. HOPE Facility Grand Opening
January 1992
7,000 square foot facility opening at 4101 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
40 acres Art & Cultural Center Grand Opening
May 2003
St. HOPE’s largest economic development project opened with Underground Books, Uncle Jed’s Cut Hut, Starbucks and the Guild Theater.
40 Acres is the jewel of the SHDC efforts in the Oak Park community. The building was the historic Woodruff Hotel which was build in 1922 and was renovated by St. HOPE Development company in 2003.
The 23,000 sq. ft. mixed use facility includes:
- Guild Theater
- Underground Books
- Old Soul Coffee House
- Coopers Wine Bar
- Upper Room Apartments
Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Eliana Argueta, Class of 2005
Eliana Argueta attended Sac High from 2001 to 2005, witnessing a major transformation during her time there. By her junior year, the school had transitioned from a traditional public high school into a public charter under the St. HOPE Public Schools umbrella. The school’s new focus on providing specialized programs meant that some of her friends moved to different buildings on campus, but it also gave students a unique opportunity to explore their specific interests.
Author Talk at Underground Books Features Verde Arzu
Join us on Sunday, June 29 from 1:00 – 3:30pm at Underground Books for a powerful afternoon with writer, poet, and educator Verde Arzu as she shares from her latest book, Promise Keeper. The book is a coming-of-age story about identity, conviction, and the promises we make to ourselves. Verde centers Black queer women in her work and publishes through her own imprint, RAINBOW EDITIONS LLC. We’re excited to feature Verde Arzu during Pride month – come meet the author, hear her story, and get your book signed!
Join Us for the 5th Annual Juneteenth Block Party on Saturday, June 14
You won’t want to miss St. HOPE’s annual Juneteenth Block Party on Saturday, June 14 from 4-9pm that will take place in and around the 40 Acres Complex in Oak Park (35th Street and Broadway). Check out the video from last year!
Scholars Rising: A Celebration of Purpose and Progress
President's Message - 06.11.25
Yesterday was a fabulous celebration of our Sac High seniors as they received their diplomas and walked across the stage at Memorial Auditorium. Our scholars have worked so hard over the past four years and we are proud of all that they have accomplished as students, athletes, and as community members. At the graduation ceremony, we heard inspiring messages from Valedictorian Edie Park and Salutatorian Mariah Bowman about the importance of perseverance and resilience and how their focus on purpose and passion helped them get to where they are today.
In Loving Memory of Lisa Marie Ruda
Her Vision, Her Leadership, and a Scholarship That Will Carry It Forward
With profound sadness we announce the passing of Lisa Marie Ruda who served as Superintendent of St. HOPE Public Schools since summer 2022. Despite battling health challenges, Lisa was a warrior throughout the entire process. She loved St. HOPE Public Schools – she cared immensely about our scholars, families, and staff. She led Sac High and PS7 with integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose.
Personal finance becomes the newest ‘adulting’ lesson for high schoolers
May 11, 2025
Teenagers aren’t known for taking the long view with money. But a growing number of high school students are taking classes to learn how to handle their financial future: what a budget is, why saving is important and how to invest.
In March, Kentucky became the latest state to codify financial literacy as a stand-alone class needed for high-schoolers to graduate. That brings the total to 36 states with some form of financial literacy requirement for high school graduation, according to the Council of Economic Education — up from 21 states in 2020.
Inspire U Academy Brings Summer Learning to Life for St. HOPE Scholars
This summer St. HOPE will again be hosting FREE 2-week camps for PS7 Middle School scholars to enjoy swim lessons, dancing, painting, cooking, music, STEAM activities, and more. We will also have credit recovery and academic programs for our scholars who need additional support before the next school year.
Meet Dru Burks: The Guild Theater’s Resident Comedian
Long before he took center stage at the Guild Theater, Dru Burks was one of St. HOPE’s first students. Enrolled in the organization’s original summer program back in 1989, Dru’s connection to St. HOPE runs deep—so much so that he often says it’s “in his blood.” Today, he’s helping shape that same community, now as the Guild Theater Manager, a role he officially stepped into in 2018.
Join Us for the 5th Annual Juneteenth Block Party on Saturday, June 14
You won’t want to miss St. HOPE’s annual Juneteenth Block Party on Saturday, June 14 from 4-9pm that will take place in and around the 40 Acres Complex in Oak Park (35th Street and Broadway). The free event will have activities for everyone including a kids zone, live music, black-owned vendors, cultural activities and of course amazing food! We have a great event lineup including:
The Legacy of Literacy: Celebrating Mother Rose
President's Message - 04.29.25
This month, we celebrate the birthday of Mother Rose (April 7), a beloved figure whose vision and resilience helped shape Underground Books into the cultural cornerstone it is today. Mother Rose believed in the power of literacy to transform lives. Her mission was never just about selling books, but about creating access—especially for those whose stories have often been overlooked. She filled the shelves of Underground Books with works by Black authors, historical voices, and emerging thinkers, cultivating a space where conversation and connection could thrive.
Sac High Scholars Visit Colleges During Spring Break
St. HOPE Academy recently hosted two trips for Sac High seniors to tour colleges to help them make decisions about their higher education options. One trip was to the Bay Area where scholars toured CSU East Bay, CSU Monterey Bay, San Francisco State, and San Jose State. On the Southern California trip, scholars visited UCLA, CSU Bakersfield, CSU Los Angeles, CSU Fullerton, Fresno State, and Long Beach State. A couple of the tours were even hosted by Sac High Alumni who are currently attending these schools.
Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Shon Tyler, DDS, Class of 2008
Pipeline April 2025
Shon Tyler, DDS attended Sac High from 2004 to 2008, a pivotal time in the school’s history. His freshman year corresponded with St. HOPE’s transformation of Sac High into a charter school along with the opening of PS7, which now serves TK-8th grade scholars. The changes brought by St. HOPE were immediately noticeable, and Shon recalls how much the faculty cared about the students and their success. The new vision and initiatives resonated with both students and staff, creating a sense of purpose on campus.
Black History Month Events Recap: Reflecting on Heritage and Culture
February was an incredible month as we hosted a month-long celebration of the achievements, culture, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. From powerful speakers to engaging events for families, we recognized the achievements and resilience of Black leaders past and present.
St. HOPE Public Schools hosted events nearly every day during February to raise awareness about the importance of inclusion and equity in our multicultural society.
Cassandra Jennings Recognized as One of Comstock Magazine’s 2025 Women in Leadership
We are thrilled that our very own Cassandra Jennings is named one of Comstock Magazine’s 2025 Women Leaders. Cassandra joins nine trailblazers including Jita Pandya Buno, Associate COO of UC Davis Health, Ann Patterson, Governor Newsom’s Cabinet Secretary, and Faye Nabhani, President and CEO of Safe Credit Union, who were all recognized for their perseverance, dedication, and commitment to success. Judy Farrah, editor of Comstock’s Magazine, said determination was the throughline that connected the Women in Leadership Class of 2025.
Honoring the Women Who Lead: Celebrating Their Impact at St. HOPE
President's Message - 03.31.25
As we close out Women’s History Month, I’ve been reflecting on the enormous contributions women leaders make to St. HOPE each and every day, from the female Principals who run Sac High, PS7 Middle School, and PS7 Elementary to the St. HOPE Public Schools Superintendent to the women leaders at St. HOPE Academy to all of the women who sit on our board of directors. You all provide guidance and inspiration daily and demonstrate an unwavering commitment and dedication to our mission. Thank you!
Luxury or thrift? Sacramento High students practice financial literacy
February 20, 2025
About 200 students at Sacramento Charter High got some financial life lessons on Wednesday.
The school’s junior and senior classes participated in an immersive budget workshop as part of a financial literacy event held by Golden 1 Credit Union.
The students, assuming identities with specific professions and incomes, built personal budgets that included necessities such as housing, food, transportation and childcare.
Women in Leadership 2025: Cassandra Jennings
March 5, 2025
Cassandra Jennings
President and CEO, St. HOPE
All through school, Cassandra Jennings was a straight-A student. So when she got her first-ever B — in a college bowling class, of all things — she went to the instructor and argued (unsuccessfully) for a higher grade. More than 40 years later, she says with a laugh, “I’m still mad about it.” Now president and CEO of Sacramento’s St. HOPE, Jennings still has the attitude of the straight-A student she once was. “I’m a get-it-done sort of person,” she says. “I do what I do with a lot of passion, nonapologetically.”
Walking tour highlights Oak Park’s Black history and revitalization
A walking tour led by Dru Burks highlights Oak Park’s Black history, cultural landmarks and ongoing revitalization efforts.
OAK PARK, Calif. —
Oak Park is one of Sacramento’s most historic neighborhoods, and this Black History Month, a special walking tour is bringing its stories to life.
The tour of the 40 Acres Art and Cultural Complex takes participants through the legacy of Oak Park. Leading the tour is Sacramento comedian Dru Burks, who shares the history behind this cultural hub. The hour-long tour kicks off at the historic Guild Theater.
Sacramento community pillar Mother Rose honored with celebration of life: “Our jobs to continue her legacy”
January 23, 2025
SACRAMENTO — Over 1,000 people gathered at St. Paul Church in Sacramento on Thursday for a celebration of life for Georgia Peat West, better known to the community as “Mother Rose.”
Mother Rose died after a battle with cancer last month at age 75.
“She was generous with her time,” said Cassandra Jennings, the CEO of St. Hope, the nonprofit Mother Rose was involved in.
Underground Books owner, mom of Sacramento’s first Black mayor honored at memorial
January 25, 2025
Former Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said his mother Georgia Rose Peat West likely was saying, “Dang K, you trying to send me home on a rocket ship?” as she looked down on the service celebrating her life on Thursday at Saint Paul Baptist Church.
Gospel luminaries Tramaine Hawkins, BeBecq Winans and Erica Campbell (formerly of Mary Mary) each honored West’s life and comforted her sons Johnson and Ronald West with songs such as “Goin’ Up Yonder” and “Stand.”