Why A Science Center Approach?
Why Our School Was Born
Welcome to a school where innovation, inspiration, and opportunity come together to create an extraordinary learning environment for children and their families.
Imagine a neighborhood school designed with every possible resource a teacher or parent could hope for—nestled in the heart of South Los Angeles, near world-renowned museums, a major university, and a leading teacher development center. This is not just a dream—it’s a reality, made possible through over a decade of collaboration between the California Science Center and the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).
Our school was founded with a bold vision: to provide high-quality education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to underserved communities. With a dynamic, integrated curriculum and a strong emphasis on science, mathematics, and technology, students are inspired every day by passionate, fully credentialed educators who make learning both meaningful and fun.
A key milestone in the California Science Center’s 25-year master plan, the creation of our school represents a lasting commitment to education. Located within the Science Center complex, the campus includes a state-of-the-art classroom building and the beautifully restored Wallis Annenberg Building for Science Learning and Innovation. This space houses classrooms, administrative offices, a multi-purpose room, a library, and the Amgen Center for Science Learning—an 80,000 square-foot hub for student and community programs, science camps, and teacher development.
From the beginning, the school’s creation was a collaborative and inclusive process. In 2002, educators, parents, and community members came together to shape a shared vision for what the school should be. Their work produced a clear vision statement and a detailed development timeline, outlining essential steps such as selecting a principal, designing the curriculum, and preparing the campus for learning.
On September 9, 2004, our school proudly opened its doors. By the 2005–2006 school year, more than 690 students were enrolled and thriving in this vibrant educational community.
Our Instructional Approach
At our school, learning is active, hands-on, and deeply connected to the world around us.
We blend traditional classroom instruction with a unique, "Science Center-style" approach that is interactive, exploratory, and rooted in real-world experiences. This innovative method encourages students to engage deeply with science concepts through the use of real artifacts, experiments, and collaborative projects. Our close partnership with the California Science Center allows students to participate in exhibit development and even contribute ideas for future displays—bringing learning to life in exciting ways.
Dual Language Program – Spanish
We are proud to offer a Dual Language Spanish Program that supports both language development and academic achievement.
At the time of enrollment, families can choose this enriching bilingual pathway for their child. Using a 50/50 model, students receive half of their instruction in English and half in Spanish—ensuring they build strong skills in both languages while mastering grade-level content. This program fosters bilingualism, biliteracy, and cultural understanding, preparing students for success in our diverse and interconnected world.
Learn more about the program on the LAUSD Dual Language website.