Empire Gardens Elementary

Empire Gardens Elementary sits in the heart of San Jose's historic Eastside, a vibrant, working-class neighborhood with deep community roots and a strong Latino cultural presence. The school serves a population that faces real academic challenges, and families choosing it will want to be active partners in their child's learning journey — connecting with teachers, seeking enrichment outside the classroom, and tapping into the broader San Jose community for resources. For families already rooted in this neighborhood, it's a local school with a tight-knit feel, and San Jose itself offers plenty — from Kelley Park to the farmers markets and cultural events that make the Eastside a genuinely lively place to grow up.