Cypress Grove, Elk Grove Unified’s newest elementary, opens in Rancho Cordova
A new elementary school in Rancho Cordova is now open and ready to welcome students for the first day of school.
Cypress Grove Elementary School, at 4189 Cypress Grove Drive in Rancho Cordova, is the 44th elementary school in the Elk Grove Unified School District and the third in Rancho Cordova. The district’s boundaries extend into Rancho Cordova, Wilton and other parts of unincorporated Sacramento County.
The 11.65-acre campus can accommodate 600 students in transitional kindergarten through sixth grade and comprises seven buildings totaling nearly 70,000 square feet, according to the school’s website. The project was funded by the district’s Measure N, a $542 million bond dedicated to improving school facilities and creating new schools as needed in expanding neighborhoods.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, Principal Martin Hock said the responsibility of leading the school was “an honor” that he would always cherish. The school’s mascot is the Jets, honoring the area’s connection to aviation through the former Mather Air Force Base, and he said the theme of flight is prevalent throughout the school and its messaging.
“I’m so pleased to be your flight captain for flight 2627 with a destination of excellence,” Hock said. “At Cypress Grove, we say we are rooted to rise, and we will rise to the highest of heights with resiliency and integrity by being safe and by being engaged.”
The school’s “inaugural flight” Wednesday, welcoming students on the first day of school, was the result of a successful partnership between the district and families, Hock said.
“In partnership with our community, Cypress Grove Elementary’s mission is to nurture lifelong learners who grow and thrive as human beings first and as scholars,” Hock said. “Our vision and pledge is to provide an inclusive and engaging learning community where every student is known, valued and empowered to succeed.”
Most Elk Grove Unified schools operate on one of several “track” schedules for the school year unlike other districts in the capital region. Cypress Grove is in session from mid-June until the end of May with two nearly monthlong breaks through the year.
Elk Grove Unified School District Trustee Heidi Moore, who represents the school’s area, said the school was the result of the board’s commitment to provide a quality education to every student, no matter what neighborhood they live in.
The school is expected to feed into Katherine Albiani Middle School and Pleasant Grove High School, at 9531 Bond Road in Elk Grove.
Rancho Cordova Mayor Garrett Gatewood said the opening of the school “represents a significant investment in the Cordova community.”
Elk Grove Unified School District Superintendent David Reilly said the school was “more than just a building,” but a place for children in the community to learn and grow.
“It is really a symbol of community coming together,” Reilly said. “It really is inspiring to see so many families here today, children and families, parents, who are going to breathe spirit into this building.”
