Riches Within the Maligned LAUSD

The Los Angeles Unified School District is maligned at almost every turn these days, and the proverbial “average” LAUSD student takes quite a few knocks as well. But we have some of the nation’s most gifted youngsters here. In fact, our latest academic ambassador makes “gifted” an understatement.

Scott Schneider, a 17-year-old senior in the Van Nuys High School math and science magnet program, has become one of 20 students across the country named to the U.S. Physics Team. He will now try for one of five spots on a team that will compete in the 27th International Physics Olympiad in Oslo, Norway.

What else? Scott achieved the highest possible score (1,600) on the Scholastic Aptitude Test.

More, you ask? He was a member of the Van Nuys High team that won the prestigious National Science Bowl in 1995.

What did he do on spring break? He helped develop Internet software to be sold by AT&T.;

How does he view himself? “I’m not normal,” Scott told a reporter. (He was kidding, though it’s true he’s definitely not normal in the sense of being average.)

What better reminder than Scott Schneider of the rich talent within the LAUSD?