Students and staff praise remodeled Edward Wenzlaff Education Center

A new year means a new school for some Palm Springs Unified students.

The re-named Edward Wenzlaff Education Center relocated just over a mile from it’s previous location in a Desert Hot Springs shopping center.

The alternative education center caters to students who need to catch up with credits with a more personalized learning experience.

“I love being here at school because I feel really welcomed. Teachers are just great at motivating us and helping us with work,” twelfth grader Nelytza Torres said.

What used to be an elementary school, now educates more than 100 high school students.

The schools previous location was a storefront in a Stater Brothers parking lot.

Teachers said it had more of an office vibe, but the new locations looks and feels more like a school campus.

The more spacious building includes basketball courts and a multi purpose room which opens up the possibility for intramural programs.

“It’s our wish and desire to have performing arts, choir, student programs, so those are things we have on our agenda for next year,” assistant principal Joddi DeMarco said.

Teacher Juan Vargas said he’s just grateful for the extra space.

“More facilities, more opportunities, more activities that we’re now able to offer our students. I mean there’s more, I love the outdoors. I love the trees. I mean my room didn’t have windows, now I’m able to see how the weather is outside before I step outside,” Vargas said.

Everyone agrees the family like feel makes the school feel like home.

“At our smaller campus we had a very strong family feel. Students liked the feeling of being a close knit group. And so coming here, we wanted to be sure we carried that over,” DeMarco said.

Torres said the new school will help her achiever her dreams of attending a performing arts school after graduation .