{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"De Diego Community Academy","outOfStateSupporters":35.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5520886,"projectId":10018976,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our classroom project! Because of your support, our first-grade classroom is now equipped with the essential organization and teacher supplies needed to create a healthy, engaging environment. \r\n\r\nMy curious and energetic students now have the exact tools they need to explore, collaborate, and build confidence every single day. By providing these foundational materials, you are directly supporting hands-on learning and fostering student independence, allowing each child to reach their full academic potential. \r\n\r\nYou haven't just sent us supplies—you have given us the tools to build a lifelong love of learning and a structured environment where every child can succeed. Thank you for your amazing support!","fullyFundedDate":1777949214516,"projectUrl":"project/equipped-to-learn-inspired-to-grow/10018976/","projectTitle":"Equipped to Learn, Inspired to Grow","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5520886_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x32,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708408056361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5520886"},{"teacherId":5520886,"projectId":10262512,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support of our classroom project. Because of your kindness, our students now have access to \"The Book of Endless Discovery\" learning materials, which are already making a profound difference in their education.\r\nThis project directly impacts my students' lives by transforming the way they approach reading and critical thinking. Rather than just passively decoding words on a page, your donation has provided them with interactive, visual tools to actively investigate stories.\r\nYour support helps them: grow in confidence: students who once struggled with reading comprehension now have a clear, visual roadmap to discover key details all on their own. spark joy in reading: these immersive, hands-on materials turn everyday reading into an exciting adventure, inspiring a genuine, lifelong love of learning. Connect with the World: by mastering the art of asking questions, our students aren't just figuring out classroom stories—they are learning how to thoughtfully observe and understand the world around them.","fullyFundedDate":1778290948564,"projectUrl":"project/a-year-of-growth-a-lifetime-of-memories/10262512/","projectTitle":"A Year of Growth, A Lifetime of Memories","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5520886_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x32,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708408056361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5520886"},{"teacherId":5520886,"projectId":10265471,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our classroom project. Because of your kindness, our students had the essential art and storytelling supplies that encourage creativity, self-expression, and joy.\r\nAs we approach the end of the school year, students had the exciting opportunity to design and decorate their own t-shirts using fabric markers, paint, and crafting materials. Each shirt became a personal canvas where students shared their stories, celebrated their individuality, and expressed themselves in meaningful ways.\r\nYour contribution helped create memorable learning experiences that went beyond the classroom. More importantly, you gave students the chance to feel proud of their ideas, their creativity, and their voices.\r\nThank you for believing in our students and supporting their growth through art and storytelling. Your generosity truly made a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1778290802290,"projectUrl":"project/design-create-celebrate-t-shirts-full/10265471/","projectTitle":"Design, Create, Celebrate: T-Shirts Full of Student Stories!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5520886_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x32,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708408056361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5520886"},{"teacherId":5520886,"projectId":10259610,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my wellness project. Because of your generosity, we were able to provide items like water bottles, fidget toys, and other wellness resources that brought comfort, encouragement, and care to those who received them. \r\nYour support helped make this project meaningful and impactful, and I truly appreciate your kindness and belief in this mission. \r\nI am incredibly grateful for your contribution and for helping promote wellness and positivity in our community. Thank you again for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1778017269271,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-growth-wellness-for-every-le/10259610/","projectTitle":"Empowering Growth: Wellness for Every Learner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5520886_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x32,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708408056361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5520886"},{"teacherId":1020026,"projectId":9418820,"letterContent":"This project had a meaningful impact on my students by creating a comfortable and welcoming space where they could learn together. The rug gave each child their own personal space, helping them better understand boundaries, respect, and how to participate during group time. It quickly became a central part of our daily routine, supporting engagement during lessons, story time, and classroom discussions.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the rug helped build a sense of community and belonging. Students used it to read, complete puzzles, and take quiet moments when needed, making the classroom feel more like home. This safe and cozy environment supported their social-emotional growth and helped them feel secure, valued, and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1758814132836,"projectUrl":"project/the-more-we-get-together/9418820/","projectTitle":"The More We Get Together...","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bago","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1020026_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530832374217","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/reina-bago-prek"},{"teacherId":1020026,"projectId":9418782,"letterContent":"This project had a meaningful impact on my students' social-emotional growth. My 3- and 4-year-olds used art materials to express their feelings in positive ways, building confidence, creativity, and emotional awareness through drawing, painting, and sculpting.\r\nThe sensory tools, like kinetic sand and play-dough, helped students calm down and refocus during the day while also strengthening their fine motor skills. Overall, the project supported self-regulation and created a more positive, engaging learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1754775529044,"projectUrl":"project/art-colors-the-world/9418782/","projectTitle":"Art Colors the World!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bago","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1020026_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530832374217","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/reina-bago-prek"},{"teacherId":9885989,"projectId":10112952,"letterContent":"I have been able to begin rolling out the sensory tools to students through whole class lessons to demonstrate the use and impact of these items and how they can help them with emotional regulation. \r\n\r\nThe students have greatly enjoyed the lessons and have learned how to advocate for when they need the tools as part of their academic journey. They have been able to work with their teachers to establish classroom norms for their use and be a part of their social emotional learning. \r\n\r\nI can't thank you all enough for the impact you have helped me make for these students. My school is truly grateful to all of you!","fullyFundedDate":1775386637552,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-and-emotional-processing-tools-f/10112952/","projectTitle":"Sensory and Emotional Processing Tools for Lower Elementary Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ash-Burch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9885989"},{"teacherId":5520886,"projectId":10018962,"letterContent":"The new tools are helping students stay organized, participate more actively in lessons, and engage with reading and math in hands‑on, meaningful ways. Because everything they need is now at their fingertips, students can focus more on learning and less on the frustration of not having the right supplies. This has created a calmer, more confident learning environment where everyone can participate fully.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is the ability to work together and explore concepts in new ways. The hands‑on materials have turned routine practice into something interactive and fun, and the organizational tools make independent work feel empowering rather than overwhelming. Students love being able to choose materials, use them effectively, and take ownership of their work.","fullyFundedDate":1770314110169,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-tools-that-support-student-suc/10018962/","projectTitle":"Classroom Tools That Support Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5520886_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x32,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708408056361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5520886"},{"teacherId":6322795,"projectId":9766920,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our photo printer, paper, and ink through Donors Choose. Your generosity has already began making a meaningful difference in our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.\r\nBecause of you, we are able to capture and share the special moments that happen in our classroom every single day.\r\n From hands-on learning activities and creative art projects to collaborative group work and joyful celebrations, our students are constantly growing, exploring, and achieving. Having the ability to print allow us to document these experiences and send them home so families can truly see and celebrate\r\nFor many of our families, these printed photos are more than just pictures—they are treasured keepsakes. They open the door to conversations at home about what students are learning, who they are working with, and what excites them most about school. \r\nThank you for believing in our students and for helping us create lasting memories. Your kindness and generosity are deeply appreciated, and our classroom community is better because of you.","fullyFundedDate":1767217723552,"projectUrl":"project/capturing-preschool-precious-memories-wi/9766920/","projectTitle":"Capturing Preschool Precious Memories With Instant Photos","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bucio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6322795_orig.jpg?crop=1840,1840,x648,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1553320430063","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6322795"},{"teacherId":5520886,"projectId":10018972,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping us stay healthy and ready to learn. Your generosity in providing cleaning supplies makes a meaningful difference in our daily lives.\r\n\r\nTo keep my students healthy and focused, we rely on cleaning supplies that help prevent the spread of germs in our classroom. Because of you, we are able to maintain a safe and clean learning environment where students feel comfortable and cared for.\r\n\r\nWith these essential supplies, my students can fully participate in lessons, collaborate with their peers, and explore new ideas without worry. When students feel safe, they are more confident, engaged, and prepared to do their best each day.","fullyFundedDate":1768649747825,"projectUrl":"project/sparkling-spaces-healthy-faces/10018972/","projectTitle":"Sparkling Spaces, Healthy Faces","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5520886_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x32,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708408056361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5520886"},{"teacherId":5520886,"projectId":9963167,"letterContent":"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for bringing this project to life for my students. Your kindness and support mean more than words can truly express.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students will have the opportunity to explore Lunar New Year traditions in meaningful, hands-on ways. The materials you've provided will give them concrete opportunities to learn through art, symbols, storytelling, and collaborative activities that deepen both their understanding and their engagement.\r\n\r\nRather than simply reading about Lunar New Year, my students will experience it — creating, discovering, and connecting with the traditions in ways that make learning come alive. These creative experiences will not only build cultural awareness, but also spark curiosity, conversation, and joy in our classroom.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is opening doors to richer learning and helping create lasting memories for my students. Thank you for investing in their growth, their creativity, and their understanding of the world around them.","fullyFundedDate":1766247822199,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-traditions-helping-students-ex/9963167/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Traditions: Helping Students Experience Lunar New Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5520886_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x32,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708408056361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5520886"},{"teacherId":3721386,"projectId":9486769,"letterContent":"Thank you for your kindness and generosity, as well as belief in my students. With the materials you have provided, particularly the flexible seating, my students have become more comfortable in my room and are able to push through incredibly challenging material. The lap desks that go with the gaming chairs have created a cozy area for students to collaborate and work on projects where they are becoming agents of change and providing services for our school and neighborhood communities.\r\n\r\nAs the boxes arrived, students became more and more interested and intrigued with the materials. My room has become a go-to spot for children who need a quiet place to work, a place to regulate their big emotions, or just a place to be reflective and solve problems. They get excited when they are able to choose the color pattern of the lights and took great care to hang up the lights around the room. The cushions, either for the floor, chairs, or couch, have become comforting materials, sometimes just being held as the students work. \r\n\r\nFinding a way to help my students step into their individual and collective greatness by providing these materials has been transformative. I am forever appreciative.","fullyFundedDate":1760381829902,"projectUrl":"project/comfortable-choices-create-engaged-learn/9486769/","projectTitle":"Comfortable Choices Create Engaged Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vincent","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3721386_orig.png?crop=720,720,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630091840318","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jennifer-vincent"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5470","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":517,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":84,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":19,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":72,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.0,"schoolId":5470,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about De Diego Community Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"De Diego Community Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/de-diego-community-academy/5470"}
Join the 811 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
De Diego Community Academy is
an urban public school
in Chicago, Illinois that is part of Chicago Public School District 299.
It serves 517 students
in grades Pre-K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.6:1.
Its teachers have had 327 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades Pre-K - 8
517 Students
41 Teachers
1313 N Claremont AveContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
91%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
De Diego Community Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Jun 10, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
De Diego Community Academy
$158,468
raised using DonorsChoose
327
projects
funded
60
teachers
funded
811
donors
35
projects
for
basic supplies
53
projects for
technology
27
projects for
books
31
projects
for
art supplies
De Diego Community Academy has received support from
527 individuals from Illinois and
284 individuals out-of-state.