YES Prep Public Schools is proud to announce Norma Gonzalez as the founding principal of YES Prep Fifth Ward Elementary, opening in August 2027. 

Gonzalez will lead the work of building a school where students receive an excellent education; families are valued as partners, and the history and strengths of the Fifth Ward community are reflected throughout the campus. 

“There is something incredibly special about opening the doors of a new school and creating a place where children and families feel they belong,” Gonzalez said. “Fifth Ward already has a rich history, strong families, deep pride and so many strengths. My role is to listen, learn and honor those strengths while helping create a school that reflects the community it serves.” 

A personal commitment to educational opportunity 

Gonzalez’s journey into education was shaped by her experience as a child in a bilingual elementary classroom. As a first-generation English speaker, she learned to navigate school between two languages and cultures. 

She remembers looking across the hallway at an English-speaking classroom and noticing it had a play kitchen while her classroom did not. At the time, she simply wondered why the other students had something her class did not. As an adult and educator, she came to understand that the difference represented something much larger: access, resources and opportunity. 

That experience shaped her commitment to ensuring every student has what they need to thrive, regardless of their language, culture, background, or life experiences. 

“I became an educator because I believe every child deserves the resources, opportunities and belief they need to thrive,” Gonzalez said. “That belief is at the heart of why I am so honored to build Fifth Ward Elementary.” 

Building alongside the Fifth Ward community 

Throughout her career, Gonzalez has seen how listening to families and creating a genuine sense of belonging can transform a school. 

When she became principal of a D-rated campus, one of her first steps was surveying families on what was working and what needed to change. She partnered with staff to strengthen systems and improve the experience for students and families. Over time, the campus earned an A rating. 

While the academic growth was significant, Gonzalez said the trust established with families remains the accomplishment that makes her most proud. 

“Families went from feeling like visitors in the school, to true partners in their children’s education,” she said. “I learned that meaningful school transformation doesn’t start with test scores. It starts with listening, building relationships and creating a culture where people feel valued and heard.” 

Gonzalez plans to bring that same approach to Fifth Ward Elementary by building relationships with families before the campus opens. 

“I don’t see my role as coming into Fifth Ward to define what the community needs,” she said. “I see it as listening, learning and building alongside the families who know and love this community best.” 

Rooted in community and prepared to rise 

“Rooted to Rise” will serve as the campus rally cry, representing its commitment to honoring the Fifth Ward community while creating opportunities for every student to succeed. 

Through the ROOTED habits of Respect, Own It, Opportunity, Teamwork, Excellence and Determination, students will learn to live out YES Prep’s SPARKS core values each day. 

“We don’t rise by leaving our roots behind. We rise because of them,” Gonzalez said. “We will honor what is already rooted in Fifth Ward and build together toward what is possible.” 

Gonzalez envisions an elementary school where students feel known, valued and safe while being held to high expectations. Students will work together, ask questions, lead discussions and take ownership of their learning. 

“We will know your children, believe in them, celebrate them and remind them every day that there is no limit to what they can achieve,” Gonzalez said. “We are committed to providing an excellent education that builds strong readers, thinkers and leaders while laying the foundation for success in secondary school, college and beyond.” 

Become a founding family 

YES Prep Fifth Ward Elementary will open in August 2027, serving students in pre-K through second grade during its founding year. The campus will add a grade level each year until it serves students through fifth grade. 

Join the YES Prep Fifth Ward Elementary Interest List to receive updates about enrollment, upcoming events and important milestones as we prepare to welcome our founding families.