Curricula Differ in Valley Magnets

Gifted and Highly Gifted Magnet Centers

These schools provide a broad, demanding academic program with emphasis on problem solving and higher-level thinking skills. To qualify for grades 1-8, students must have at least one of the following: total scores of 7, 8 or 9 on standardized reading and math achievement tests, be identified as a gifted student or perform at two or more years above grade level in two academic areas. To qualify for highly gifted centers, students must have a recorded IQ of at least 145 on a Los Angeles Unified School District test administered by a public school psychologist.

Welby Way Gifted. Grades 1-6. 23456 Welby Way, Canoga Park, 91307. 992-8229.

Porter Gifted. Grades 7-9. 15960 Kingsbury St., Granada Hills, 91344. 891-1807.

Balboa Boulevard Elementary Gifted. Grades 1-6. 17020 Labrador St., Northridge, 91325. 349-4801.

Portola Junior High Highly Gifted. Grades 7-9. 18720 Linnet St., Tarzana, 91356. 708-2865.

San Jose Elementary Highly Gifted. Grades 1-6. 14928 Clymer St., Mission Hills, 91345. 365-3218.

Sepulveda Junior High Gifted. Grades 7-9. 15330 Plummer St., Sepulveda, 91343. 891-5859.

Vena Avenue Elementary Gifted. Grades 1-6. 9377 Vena Ave., Arleta, 91331. 896-9551.

Canterbury Elementary Gifted. Grades 1-6. 13670 Montague St., Pacoima, 91331. 892-1104.

Kester Avenue Elementary Gifted. Grades 1-6. 5353 Kester Ave., Van Nuys, 91411. 787-3026.

Fundamental Schools Magnet schools in this category offer structured, traditional learning environments that emphasize reading, writing and mathematics in an enriched setting. Parents and students may be asked to sign a contract agreeing to school-established standards.

Vintage Street Fundamental. Grades 1-6. 15848 Sepulveda Blvd., Sepulveda, 91343. 894-3547.

Nobel Junior High Fundamental. Grades 7-9. 9950 Tampa Ave., Northridge, 91324. 349-4200.

Lorne Street Elementary Fundamental. Grades 4-6. 17440 Lorne St., Northridge, 91325. 344-7556.

Bradous Fundamental. Grades 4-6. 12561 Filmore St., Pacoima, 91331. 896-5236.

Byrd Junior High Fundamental. Grades 7-9. 9171 Telfair Ave., Sun Valley, 767-9550.

Monlux Elementary Fundamental. Grades 4-6. 6051 Bellaire, North Hollywood, 91606. 763-5071.

Alternative Schools These schools are built on an open-structure model that requires student independence and motivation. Student experiences in the community and active student, parent and teacher decision making are stressed in these schools.

Valley Alternative. Kindergarten through grade 12. 6701 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys, 91406. 342-6133.

Centers for Enriched Studies Students are assigned to classes at the centers according to needs and interests, not by age or grade level. The curriculum emphasizes creative and critical thinking enriched by a variety of course offerings and school and athletic experiences.

Sherman Oaks CES. Grades 4-12. 18605 Erwin St., Reseda, 91335. 342-5175.

Humanities Centers

Humanities magnets focus on literature, art, language, anthropology, philosophy, music and history. Field trips, guest speakers and individualized learning experiences provide an appreciation of the cultural world.

Cleveland High School Humanities. Grades 9-12. 8140 Vanalden Ave., Reseda, 91335. 349-8410.

College Incentive Programs These magnet schools offer a full academic program supported by courses that develop the student’s organizational and study skills. San Fernando High School is linked to California State University, Northridge, to provide a variety of learning experiences. Other CIP schools work with a variety of other universities, including UCLA, USC, Loyola-Marymount, Occidental and Cal Tech.

San Fernando High College Incentive Program. Grades 10-12. 11133 O’Melveny Ave., San Fernando, 91340. 361-0672.

Television, Theater and Fine Arts Centers

These schools provide students who are interested in radio and television production, script writing, stage, music and dance with an opportunity to learn about all phases of performance.

Pacoima Junior High Television, Theater and Fine Arts and Computer Science and Math. Grades 7-9. 9919 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, 91331. 899-5221.

Performing Arts High School Centers

Schools in this category offer university-oriented course work and a range of classes that include acting, voice, music, dance and theater. Students participate in productions and presentations in their specific area of interest.

Van Nuys High Math Science and Performing Arts. Grades 10-12. 65635 Cedros Ave., Van Nuys, 91411. 781-2371.

Computer Science and Mathematic Centers

Students interested in math and the sciences are given the opportunity to explore algebra, geometry, advanced sciences, logic, computer programming and operations at these centers. Students have access to state-of-the-art computers.

Pacoima Junior High Television, Theater and Fine Arts and Computer Science and Math. Grades 7-9. 9919 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, 91331. 899-5221.

Animal and Biological Sciences Center

The center works with the staff and uses the resources of the Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park to provide a two-track curriculum.

North Hollywood High / Los Angeles Zoo Biological Sciences. Grades 10-12. 5231 Colfax Ave., North Hollywood, 91601. 769-8510.