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.
Arlie F. Hutchinson Middle School
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.
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.