H.E.M. School was launched in 1995 by Mrs. Gloria Medina and Mrs. Trinidad Muñoz in the building shown on the right. The school started with only 4 pre-school programs plus grades 1 to 7, 77 students and 10 teachers other than Mrs. Medina and Ms. Muñoz. The school grew quickly and soon the students were physically divided between two buildings with grades 1 - 6 in a new facility just down the block (the annex) and everything below and above grades 1 - 6 staying in the original facility. The advantage was obviously serious attention for each student given the small class sizes compared to the public schools. The disadvantage is that private bilingual schools are not publicly funded -- making resources scarce for even basics like art class, text books, chalk boards etc. By 2000, the school had grown to 217 students and 20 teachers. In that year, construction was started on our new facilities. By April, 2002, we were extremely fortunate to move everything from grades 1 to 11 into our new home. In early 2004 we started to expand the new facility to provide more class space for high school and to provide an auditorium that will serve for graduation ceremonies and other school functions.