[3] The school was founded by Philip Lance, an activist Episcopalian priest, community organizer, and psychologist.[8] Camino Nuevo's official mission statement is "to educate students in a college preparatory program to be literate, critical thinkers, and independent problem solvers who are agents of social justice with sensitivity toward the world around them."Over ninety percent of students at Camino Nuevo High School qualify for free or reduced lunch, and 79% enter as English learners.The school serves students from a variety of local areas, including Koreatown, Rampart, Westlake, Downtown, Pico-Union, Silverlake, and Echo Park.In association with the Teach for America program, Camino Nuevo hires teachers training to earn their credentials in order to further the initiative to aid underserved communities.