MAS P.R.I.D.E. | MAS ORGULLO
Prepared | Respect | Imaginative | Determined | Engaged
Meet Ms. Maria Gamboa
Principal, 2019-current
Born in a small town in Zacatecas, Mexico, Maria was brought to Chicago on a cold and snowy winter in 1979. She grew up in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, attending Hedges Elementary and St Joseph High School. From the young age of 16, she began to work to help out her parents and her 6 brothers and sisters. This struggle, and the mentorship of her high school teachers, ignited in her the desire to pursue her college degrees. She obtained her Bachelor degree in English Education from DePaul University in 1998 and her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University in 2008.
This is now her 20th year in Chicago Public Schools. She has served as a High School English Teacher, Instructional Support Leader, Resident Principal assistant Principal, on the south, west and north side of Chicago. She is currently the Principal at Multicultural Arts High School in the Little Village Lawndale High School campus.
As a first-generation college graduate, Maria believes that a quality and equitable education are at the core of students’ success. Throughout her career, she has witnessed the positive impact that the school leader can have. She works tirelessly to ensure that every child receives a quality education and a chance to succeed. She inspires change and foster a positive school culture in which teachers, students, parents and the community can flourish and can motivate and inspire each other to love learning.
On a personal level, she loves spending time with her beloved family including her 3 children and her 10 nieces and nephews.
Our Vision
The Multicultural High School (MAS) will be a stimulating, exciting, and safe school, offering youth a unique range of learning experiences and opportunities for self-expression in a 21st century classroom, preparing students for college.
MAS educators will cultivate a common culture of respect, appreciation of differences, non-violence, and shared decision-making. Through cultural exploration, students will gain sensitivity to the experiences of others and will learn to interpret and express historic, scientific, mathematical, and literary concepts through the arts. The richness of art experiences will be ensured through vital partnerships with arts institutions and community artists, providing an arts environment unparalleled in the communities we serve. MAS is a place of respect for learners and teachers, and fosters unity and civic engagement among students from the North Lawndale and Little Village communities.
Our Mission
Foster students’ multifaceted ability to create.
We believe that arts education allows for the development of student’s abilities through a rigorous curriculum that is differentiated, affirms cultural identity, interconnects knowledge, and makes learning meaningful.
We are committed to providing authentic opportunities for students to learn life skills, achieve high academic standards, and demonstrate cultural proficiency that prepares all students for college and post-secondary success.
It is the combined responsibility of administration, teachers, parents, students, and community members to create a safe and innovative environment.