El Sol Science and Arts Academy is the first of K-8 public school of its kind in Orange County. As a charter School with an emphasis in Arts and Science through a double immersion program, promoting bilingual and bi-literacy in English and Spanish. When Ms. Muro-Dittes was approached by the School in February 2003, she was given the challenge of helping them provide a minimum of four new classrooms by September of the same year. The school had restrictive funding sources along with a very tight schedule and a very involved parent community. The challenge of designing, achieving all community and city approvals along with construction was nearly impossible in 8-9 months, but not impossible.

The City became a quick partner in the decision making along with the school board and bi-weekly presentations to the Parent Construction Committee. The decision was made to renovate and seismically upgrade an existing two story building on campus. The construction was phased along with the permit process and approvals in order to start construction almost immediately. The communication channels were very open with the city staff and decision makers along with the Fire and Police Departments of the City of Santa Ana. This became a high profile and high priority project for all involved. Unexpected problems and solutions arouse during the last couple of months, but the school board, the city and the community were not allowed to lose sight of the goal.

The Building gave the school the four new classrooms it required to remain open for the 2003-2004 school year. It took only 8 1/2 months from conception of the project to obtaining a Final Occupancy permit for over 80 children. We provided 6,000 sf of classrooms, including restrooms and offices, along with another 6,000 sf of seismically upgraded second floor ready for another five classrooms to be added when the funding and timing are right for the school.