Nov. 12, 2025 – There’s no question that Alex Monteagudo has a bright future. He’s a senior at Yale University, double-majoring in economics and political science, and is a member of the Navy ROTC.
As he prepares to graduate from the Ivy League school, he can’t help but express gratitude for his Team Duval roots.
“I don’t think I would’ve gotten into Yale or been as effective in the Navy if it wasn’t for San Jose,” he said. “My fundamental ability to speak English and Spanish comes from San Jose Elementary, so I’m forever grateful.”
The son of Mexican immigrants, Monteagudo said he was raised speaking Spanish at home. As a result, he didn’t know much English when he enrolled at San Jose Elementary School as a kindergartner.
“Coming to kindergarten, there was a lot that was missing,” he said.
But thanks to the school’s Dual Language program, that changed. As a participant in the program, Monteagudo was immersed in two languages, spending half of his academic instruction in English and the other half in Spanish.
San Jose is one of five district schools offering the program, along with Beauclerc Elementary, West Riverside Elementary, Alfred I. duPont Middle, and Englewood High School.
“I could have learned Spanish just by naturally speaking with my parents. But going to San Jose, I’m actually biliterate. So I can read and write,” he shared.
From San Jose, Monteagudo went on to attend Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts and Stanton College Preparatory School. Once he graduates from Yale, he’ll be commissioned into the United States Navy and will work in submarines.
Though many years have passed since his time at San Jose, Monteagudo is intentional about maintaining his bond with the school. So much so, he frequently returns to San Jose with his sister during the summer to help teachers prepare for the new school year.
“The fact that we come back as often as we do, it’s a testament to how much that school mattered,” he said. “I feel like it had such a good grasp of the community that they were serving. It was really meaningful and impactful.”