When seventh graders stepped off the bus at Allan Hancock College’s Lompoc Valley campus Tuesday morning, they weren’t just starting a new school year — they were making history.

For Manzanita Public Charter School Superintendent Suzanne Nicastro, the moment reflected years of planning, partnership, and persistence.

“When the kids got off the bus in the morning and walked up to the gathering space, the look in their eyes — seeing each other, the nerves and excitement of being on that campus — was like a dream,” Nicastro said. “We’ve worked really hard to make this happen. It’s rare in education to create something like this. To see everyone’s joy brought me so much joy.”

For the first time in its 15-year history, Manzanita Charter School has expanded beyond elementary grades, launchin

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