For the second year in a row, they just wrapped up their initiative program, "La Escuelita," where a handful of select students learn more about their history through art and conversation.
ABC13's morning anchor Rita Garcia went inside for a tour of the little gray house at 7515 Avenue J.
JoAnna Rodriguez is the homeowner and explained how it has been in her family for years.
"So the actual land has been in the family for over 100 years. It belonged to my great-grandparents," she said.
She said the home was originally a shotgun home, very similar to the others on the block, but unique to the neighborhood with a floor plan reimagined for "La Escuelita," which means little school in Spanish.
Originally, she was inspired by her husband's artwork and wanted to create a space where the community could come together and learn more about Magnolia Park, Houston's first Hispanic neighborhood.
"This right here was originally my grandparents' bedroom," Rodriguez said. She pointed out pictures on the walls and artwork that had been drawn over the last year. "This was originally the living room. So we turned this into the learning area."
She also pointed out how her family has really worked to keep some of the originality to the house, like the woodwork in some of the rooms.
Now, the walls come together to make the "escuelita."
It's a concept that dates back to the 1870s. They were started in South Texas by Mexican Americans because of the discrimination they faced. She says students will learn in-depth lessons about Mexican American History, a subject not often taught or available in schools.
SEE ALSO: Hispanic Heritage Month dates back to 1968 as weeklong celebration before it was extended
Hispanic Heritage Month dates back to 1968 as weeklong celebration
Dr. Desi Rios is a co-founder and says it's not just about what's being taught but by whom.
"We wanted it especially concentrated so they're surrounded by doctors, right? And so that it becomes so normal to them so that when they go out into spaces where they might be the only person -- they don't see anyone else who looks like them -- they're gonna hold it in their bodies," Dr. Rios said.
It's a lesson in itself for students like Ethan Garza, an inaugural graduate of the program, who says he'll carry it with him while studying vocal performance.
"Joe Campos Torres, Sgt. Macario Garcia, and then also, this is one of the first high schools from La Raza School that has a lot of Hispanic students," Garza said.
Garza said it was such a great program that he's actually back as a volunteer before heading to Vanderbilt, where he plans to study vocal performance.
Dr. Rios adds how this goes beyond learning and conversations here at the escuelita, but the discussions can stay with students for a lifetime.
"We know that kids who learn their own history, they have better academic outcomes, higher rates of civic engagement, and also academic engagement. And this is true especially for the lowest performing students," Dr. Rios said.
If you're interested in learning more or participating in "La Escuelita" program, you can apply online.