Maria Hartman-Hernandez

Maria comes to The Primary School as a passionate lifelong learner committed to equity and community.  Her “why” is centered around the belief that educational institutions offer a direct line to societal betterment, by enabling a sense of agency for each student. Eighteen years in educational service have demonstrated that compassion, trust, collaboration, and clarity are keys to a solid foundation for student agency to grow.  

Prior to joining The Primary School, Maria served in roles managing academic programs at multiple school sites for ACE Charter network in East San Jose, and as a K-6 and 6-8 school principal. She is excited to  couple her experience with the East Palo Alto community’s knowledge, skills, and perspectives to create a strong partnership on behalf of The Primary School students. When researching The Primary School, Maria was drawn by its  holistic approach to education through family support systems and its commitment to  longterm student betterment.  She looks forward to growing the  foundational work established over the last nine years into a clearly defined academic framework to support attendance, academic rigor, and positive campus culture.