An MLA Partner School is a public school designed and managed in a collaboration between MLA, LAUSD and community stakeholders. There are currently two MLA Partner Schools. The city’s first Partner School, West Adams Prep, opened in September 2007 to serve 2500 students with a first-rate education setting a new standard for public schools and anchoring a strategic revitalization of the surrounding neighborhood. In 2008, Manual Arts High School joined MLA Partner Schools via LAUSD’s newly created iDesign Schools division, bringing MLA’s total enrollment to over 6000.
Is an MLA Partner School a charter school?
No. All MLA Partner Schools are non-charter public schools, operating within LAUSD. Unlike charter schools, which are limited in their offerings and accessibility, MLA Partner Schools are open to every student in the neighborhood, offering each the best resources and opportunities. There are no lotteries or applications to attend an MLA Partner School.
What exactly does MLA do?
MLA manages its partner schools in collaboration with administrators and community stakeholders. MLA’ work is driven by a 10-point operations plan which includes critical areas for school success such as safety, facilities, professional development and instruction. By placing highly qualified educational leaders directly in the school site to manage these key areas, MLA is able to get deep into the school’s core operations and accelerate reform.
Are MLA Partner Schools like the
schools in the mayor’s Partnership
for LA Schools?
Like the mayor’s Partnership for LA Schools, MLA is a "Network Partner" in LAUSD’s iDesign Schools division. iDesign Schools is a newly formed division created by LAUSD as an alternative support system for schools interested in using greater decision-making authority as a strategy for increased academic achievement. Schools adopt an external organization (Network Partner) to manage day-to-day operations and facilitate reforms at the school. However, MLA has also been operating a school prior to the creation of iDesign. With West Adams Prep, MLA became the city’s first community based organization to operate a non-charter public school.
Who is MLA accountable to?
MLA is accountable to the Board of Education through a five-year performance contract. LAUSD administers an annual scorecard to document the success of MLA and the schools it operates. Most importantly, MLA is accountable to the students and families of the Manual Arts and West Adams Prep community.
How does MLA measure its success?
MLA believes in relevant, transparent, and consistent use of data. MLA publishes an annual scorecard to document the success of its schools. The scorecard is shared publicly with the school community to ensure that data is used to continuously drive its progress toward improvement. Indicators measured include student achievement, academic progress, graduation rates, school safety, parent involvement and other factors.
What role do parents play in an
MLA Partner School?
MLA believes that parents are key partners in achieving a school’s vision. Our schools thrive with engaged parents in paid and volunteer roles to assist with the school’s daily operations. Parents support our schools by chaperoning field trips, supervising safety, providing clerical support, leading campus tours, assisting with uniform sales, and much more. Additionally, parents serve on numerous committees that make key decisions about critical issues including school safety, school policy, and budgetary items.
How is MLA Partner Schools funded?
MLA Partner Schools is privately funded through the generous support of corporations, foundations and individuals. At this point, MLA does not receive public funds of any kind.
