Manual Arts, established in 1910, was the third high school in Los Angeles, and is the oldest high school still on its original site in the Los Angeles Unified School District. This legacy school boasts a rich history and notable alumni such as artist Jackson Pollock, director Frank Capra, and current LA County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. Originally founded as a vocational school, Manual Arts now features nine small learning communities (SLCs), each with its own theme, and offers a rigorous college preparatory education.

Manual Arts was one of LAUSD’s first high schools to successfully convert into nine smaller semi-autonomous schools. The school has received regional acclaim for many of its academic programs including the Academy of Finance, the Imaging Science & Technology Academy, and the College Pathways Project. In 2008, the parents and teachers of Manual Arts voted to join MLA’s network of schools through LAUSD’s iDesign Schools division. Within this new space, students, parents, and school leaders have begun to weigh in on how best to support their students’ education, with the vision of turning Manual Arts into a beacon for the community.

• Students may enroll in one of eight semi-autonomous small learning communities (SLCs) and one magnet:
  • School of Performing and Applied Arts
  • Academy of Business,Education, Specialized Arts, and Technology
  • School of Medical Sciences, Arts and Technology
  • School of Communication and Global Awareness
  • School of Arts, Leadership and Social Action
  • School of Global Studies
  • School of Environmental Studies
  • Imaging Science & Technology Academy
  • College Preparatory Magnet
• The Teen Health Center provides an on-site clinic open to student and families. My Choice Teen Pregnancy Prevention Project and Youth 'N Fitness Project are housed at the clinic.
• USC's NAI Pre-College Enrichment Academy is designed for high-achieving students living in the surrounding neighborhood. These students begin each day on the university campus to take English and Math, then return to Manual Arts for their remaining classes.
• The Academy of Finance (AOF), within the College Preparatory Magnet, offers courses aimed at sharpening skills for a business career path.
• Over 26 student clubs and organizations, such as the Academic Decathlon, Science Club, Human Rights Club, and Expresiones provide extracurricular and enrichment opportunities.
• Students receive essential college information at the school from visiting universities such as Whittier College, Middlebury College, Boston University, and Williams College.
• MLA's "Career Day," held annually at Fox, introduces students to a diversity of careers through workshops with Fox employees and a networking luncheon with executives.

• Successfully joined iDesign Schools division with 72% teacher vote and 99% parent vote
• One of the first LAUSD high schools to successfully convert into nine smaller semi-autonomous schools
• Received citywide acclaim for many academic programs including the Academy of Finance, the Imaging Science & Technology Academy, and the College Pathways Project