CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS TO WATCH
California Schools to Watch is a statewide program implemented by the California League
of Middle Schools, California Department of Education, California Middle Grades Alliance, National Forum, and the California Schools to Watch model schools.
Redesignated: 2023
Designated 2020
Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District
Los Angeles County
Jenny Bae, Principal
13900 Estero Road, La Mirada, CA 90638
(562) 944-3268
School Characteristics
Community: Urban. Enrollment: 680. Grade Levels: 6-8. School Schedule: All students have at least six periods per day, with an optional zero period to participate in a second elective.
School Demographics
Free/reduced lunch: 52%. Students with disabilities: 10%. English learners: 5%.
Replicable Practices
The master schedule allows daily common planning time for content- and grade-level teams.
The STEM portion of STEAM learning includes courses such as environmental and structural engineering, automation and robotics, and medical detectives; arts courses include choir, guitar, band, wind ensemble, and orchestra.
Electives are self-selected by students and progressive in challenge and rigor as students matriculate through all three grades with pathways for STEM/Project Lead The Way, performing arts, academics, and leadership.
A staff-created academic discourse rubric increases rigor for verbal and written communication.
Parent engagement is a priority: parenting seminars, partnerships with the city for transportation and classes taught at the school, an on-site YMCA after-school program, and parent communication software are available.
Students’ social-emotional skills are built through staff and peer mentoring; training in growth mindset, organization, and goal setting; and interviews at the end of 8thgrade with community members.