Charter School OKd for San Fernando Valley
The Los Angeles Board of Education voted unanimously this week to approve a charter middle school in Lake View Terrace, the first such school in the San Fernando Valley and the third in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Community Charter Middle School plans to open in late July with 100 sixth-grade students in 4,200 square feet of former medical suites near Lake View Terrace Hospital. By 2001, the school would have 300 students in grades 6 to 8.
About 40 charter schools have opened in the state during the past year, according to the California Department of Education. In exchange for pledges of higher student achievement, charter schools operate outside most state and school district guidelines and control finances and curriculum.
Planners said the school’s small staff would nurture the children and try to instill the self-worth needed to be successful in high school and college and avoid such dangers as gangs, drugs and sexual promiscuity.
“Middle school is often the last chance we have with kids,” said Jackie Elliot, a former teacher, administrator and health educator who is working to establish the new charter school.
Elliot has secured state and private grants, a partnership with Cal State Northridge and about 200 signatures of parents interested in sending their children to the school.
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