MISSION Community Roots Academy (“CRA”) is a Kindergarten through eighth grade learning community where learning is embedded in a meaningful real world context and where children are deliberately taught to see the connections between their formal education and the world. Not only do CRA students meet and exceed the California content standards, but they also are enabled as leaders now and for the future by learning to think independently, to solve problems creatively, to articulate their ideas and to work productively while collaborating with diverse people. At CRA, students learn to combine curiosity and application, leading to a deep understanding of content, self-motivation and confidence. These skill sets empower students to take on challenges to become who they want to be and excel beyond their potential.