The Los Angeles Leadership Academy opened in September 2002 with 120 students in grades six and seven. Currently, in our seventh year of operation, we serve over 400 students in grades 6-12. When students meet the gateway requirements at the middle school, they may transfer to the high school. We will continue to expand by adding one grade per year to eventually serve 455 students in grades 6-12. The middle school is housed in the education building of the Immanuel Presbyterian Church on Wilshire Boulevard, three blocks west of Vermont Avenue, but is moving to a permanent site closer to the High School soon. The high school is located at 234 E Avenue 33 in Los Angeles.
LA Leadership is a neighborhood school, though we do outreach to achieve ethnic diversity in the student body. 74% of our students are Latino, 15% are African American, 9% are Asian American or Pacific Islander, and 2% are White. The majority of our students speak a language other than English at home. Of those, 90% qualify for the federal Free or Reduced Meal program.
The Los Angeles Leadership Academy aims to inspire a love of learning in the students who are often overlooked in large urban schools, and seeks to:
- Prepare students to succeed in college or on their chosen career paths;
- Promote students' healthy personal development in an environment that prioritizes strong relationships and active participation in school and community life; and
- Build a cadre of young leaders taking action to advance their visions for a just and humane world.
The academic program emphasizes critical thought, sophistication in reading and writing, application of learning in real-world contexts, reflection, and cooperative learning. Through critical inquiry and community action projects, students examine important social issues, develop a personal philosophy and vision, and act as thoughtful, effective community leaders.
In grades six through eight, reading and writing are a focus across the curriculum to ensure that all students are equipped to succeed in a demanding academic program. Students' progress is demonstrated in portfolios and exhibitions and evaluated using school-wide rubrics rather than relying on testing alone.
As students move into high school, there is a strong focus on standards-based instruction along with college preparatory coursework. Internships and community mentor programs are also made available. The curriculum meets state standards and University of California admission requirements and College Board guidelines. Through advisory classes and other courses, students will examine social issues such as immigration, criminal justice, ethnic relations, labor issues, and the environment through the lenses of history, civics, literature, science, statistics, and demography. Graduates of Los Angeles Leadership Academy High School boast acceptances and scholarships to top private and public universities across the United States, as well as local University of California and Cal States schools
Faculty and administrative staff at the school each have the role of advisor for a group of 11-12 students, following the students for two to four years. This relationship is critical to assuring that each child's needs and interests and challenge areas are known and addressed by the school. Parents, advisors and students will meet at least twice a year to discuss the students' progress and goals in a student-led conference. Like many of the nation's most innovative and successful small schools, the Los Angeles Leadership Academy will follow the organization principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools.
The school's charter petition was approved by the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education in March of 2002. Before the school opened its doors to students in September of 2002, teachers, parents, students and community partners developed a detailed school design in keeping with the school's mission and vision. The process reflected a commitment to democratic governance, and began the creation of a school culture that values the perspectives and talents of a diverse group of stakeholders.