School of Firsts

Magnolia Schools have been breaking new ground not only in California, but also throughout the ranks of charter schools across the country.

FIRST in Los Angeles: Magnolia Schools entered 16 science projects into the 55th Los Angeles County Science Fair in 2005, which was more than 10% of the total projects (142) from the Los Angeles Unified School District. In the end, Magnolia students brought home two gold medals, one silver and three honorable mentions.

FIRST in California: in 2004, Magnolia students participated in the American Computer Science League—the only computer programming contest for middle school students in the United States—and took home honors as regional winner.

FIRST in Charter School History: Zarathustra Brady was one of only six students on the gold medal winning U.S. National Team to represent the United States at the 2006 International Mathematical Olympiad and was the first student ever to represent a charter school at the competition.

Small School: 470 students in grades 6-12.

Small Classes: 25 students maximum in each class

Reflecting the Demographics of the Neighborhood: 72% Hispanic and 80% free or reduced lunch.

Technology Integration: Core classes taught within the framework of a computer-based curriculum.

Extended Education: After-school tutoring and Saturday classes led by classroom teachers for low-achieving students

Improving Parent Involvement: All parents are visited at home by classroom teachers and encouraged to participate in meetings with teachers and faculty.

TITLE 1 ACADEMIC AWARD: Given by California Department of Education

AYP Scores: MSA has met all the AYP goals consecutively.

Drop out rate: 0%

It is the result of the “no excuse” policy

California High School Exit Exam Success (CAHSEE): 100%

Including SPED students

Higher Education Enrollment: 100%

Including CALTECH and UC Schools. College classes on MSA campus inspired most of the Latino students for higher education.

First generation college enrollment: 19 out of 43 graduates.

24 of those students received free or reduced lunch.
12 of those students took AP classes.

2008 Graduates: 20

4 of those students went to UC Schools.

Zeb Brady: Gold medal at International Math Olympiad with US Team.

First charter school student in US Olympiad team.
First CALTECH enrollment from MSA.

Igor Dubinsky: Semifinalist at National Merit Scholarship

Andres Garcia: Los Angeles County Science Fair Medal

Best Robot Design at Lego-Robotics Competition

Patty Artiga – Anthony Gomez: Chosen to publish in US anthology of student poetry

Student Run LA: 10% of the school population has finished the marathon.

Jose Cardona: 1st MSA 12 grader to finish Students Run LA Marathon