Monarch School, known as The Place until about six months ago, is getting more than a new name. It is shedding its cocoon at 1245 Market St., and moving to 808 W. Cedar St., where an existing warehouse will become a school for a homeless population of students ages 12 through 18.

The school is funded by the county Office of Education, but many of the extras needed are being provided by community organizations and individuals, says Susan Armenta, head teacher. For example, she says, the Stichler Group voluntarily designed the school. Construction drawings were donated by Cooper Roberts & Co., and the Downtown Rotary Club has been especially supportive.

The new site will have space to enhance an already popular art component, a computer area and medical provisions. In addition, it will house the first not-for-profit Rubio's restaurant open to the public, Armenta says, to be run completely by students. All money raised will go back into the Monarch High School Project.

Armenta and Barbara DePass-Smith, along with support staff, work with an enrollment of 60 to 75 students. Because they are homeless, these students need more than most high school students. Donations of food and clothing are welcomed, although Armenta says she is desperately short of storage space.

While not well-known, the school has existed since it was founded in 1988 by Sandra McBrayer, who was named national teacher of the year in 1994. It moved to its current site in 1993. The student population is somewhat transient, but Armenta points to "a steady core group." Graduates frequently go on to San Diego City College, get into ROP programs or get jobs, breaking the cycle of homelessness.

Fund-raising for the school has reached about half of the $750,000 goal targeted for July 1. In addition to monetary contributions to the Monarch High School Project, Armenta says in-kind partnerships, voluntary labor and mentors are, and will be, needed.

"This school is being designed for kids," Armenta says. "It’s not just these kids, but as a national prototype." Out of this project will come a book that Armenta says "will be a blueprint" for how others can meet the needs of this population segment. The school is one of several to be featured in a nationally televised PBS report April 18, Armenta says, on how teachers reach student populations in unique ways.

— Sandy Pasqua