TAS Brochure - The Accelerated Schools

THE ACCELERATED SCHOOLS
LOS ANGELES
The Accelerated School was the first charter school in South Central Los Angeles, and the first charter
school in California to be recognized by TIME Magazine as “Elementary School of the Year.”
The Accelerated Schools Story
Founded in 1994 by Johnathan Williams and Kevin Sved, two Los Angeles Unified School
District teachers, The Accelerated Schools started as a single school in space rented from
a nearby church with 50 students in grades K-4. They envisioned a school that would
combine the best qualities of two models: the community and parent participation
characteristics of charter schools and the high expectations of an accelerated learning
program where every student is treated as gifted and expected to succeed.
Using innovative strategies to foster academic achievement, the two teachers created an
intensive learning environment where students realize the benefits of articulation from
grade-to-grade in the same setting along with the same teaching and administrative staff.
As a result, today’s teachers possess invaluable knowledge of students’ performance and
history, while instilling students with a sense of continuity and stability.
That first school has since grown to encompass a warm and thriving community of schools
that continues to serve as a shining example of achieving educational reform in the urban
community of South Central Los Angeles. And we are still growing!
The Accelerated Schools create a place for education that allows more children
to learn and succeed, while continuing to transform our South Central Los Angeles community.
An Innovative, Engaged and Supportive Charter School Community
The Accelerated Schools were founded on the belief that every child be
treated as gifted, and that students achieve when supported in a learning
environment with high expectations and extensive parent involvement.
Incoming students are accepted by lottery, regardless of their academic
achievement elsewhere.
Student success at The Accelerated Schools is distinguished by a culture
focused on higher education. This emphasis on excellence and achievement
integrates continuous improvement of teaching methods and professional
development, which ensures students gain the knowledge and skills needed
to succeed at the college or university of their choice.
Our goal is to graduate students who are prepared for the challenges that
lie ahead and, ultimately, enter the workforce—not only as informed and
productive employees, entrepreneurs and community leaders—but, who
also will become socially aware and responsible citizens.
Given these goals, The Accelerated Schools continue to create a place for
education that allows more children to learn and succeed, while continuing
to transform our South Central Los Angeles community.
THE ACCELERATED SCHOOLS
LOS ANGELES
The Accelerated Schools continue to be among the most
highly regarded and desirable charter schools in Los Angeles.
Challenging Academics in a Caring, Creative Environment
Our Schools
As one of the first charter schools in California, and a pioneer in the charter
school movement, The Accelerated Schools continue to be among the
most highly regarded and desirable charter schools in Los Angeles. Our
students participate in a variety of broad-based curriculum of mathematics,
language, literature, history and science—plus AP/Honors, arts, music and
technology classes—along with well-balanced physical education and
sports programs.
Serving students from early learning through high school, The Accelerated
Schools comprise a warm, thriving community of teachers, administrators,
students and parents—distinguished by a strong focus on academics and
a nurturing, college-centric culture.
Families are essential members of our community and a valued presence as
educational partners on our campus. All parents agree to participate in their
child’s education and commit to volunteer at the school for a minimum of
three hours per month.
Together, we create opportunities for personal, social, artistic and academic
achievement, which empower students to fulfill their potential and follow
their dreams for college, career—and beyond.
W.M. Keck Early Learning Center (KECK ELC)
The Accelerated Charter Elementary School (ACES)
The Accelerated School (TAS K-8)
Wallis Annenberg High School (WAHS)
Shot of Campus with Kids
The program enables children to: develop their self-identity and
independence; build physical strength, motor skills and coordination; and
establish a foundation for health, wellness and safety.
W.M. Keck Early Learning Center (KECK ELC)
The W.M. Keck Early Learning Center (KECK ELC) opened in August of 2005 to provide highquality, accessible and affordable early childhood development and education, supporting
Pre-Kindergarten-age children and their families. KECK ELC, which uses district-approved
curriculum, prepares children for Kindergarten by applying theoretical principles of child
development and learning, based on the work of Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, Erik Erikson,
Howard Gardner and Lilian Katz and other child development experts. As a result, the
program enables children to: develop their self-identity and independence; build physical
strength, motor skills and coordination; and establish a foundation for health, wellness and
safety. KECK ELC students also learn to constructively express emotions and ideas through
arts and language, along with appreciating and understanding diversity in both the
classroom and community—developing the invaluable qualities of intellectual curiosity
and the desire to achieve.
KECK ELC
Through the specialized ACES curriculum, students are thoroughly prepared,
not only for entry into TAS K-8 at the 6th grade level, but also for
greater participation in the larger Los Angeles community.
The Accelerated Charter Elementary School (ACES)
Established in 2004, the Accelerated Charter Elementary School (ACES) features a distinctive dual
language immersion model—providing 50 percent of classroom instruction in Spanish and 50 percent
in English—in a unique, academically challenging environment that allows students in grades K-6 to
learn from each other in a project-based setting. ACES uses the Gomez & Gomez Dual Language
Enrichment model, allowing students to develop English and Spanish language skills, as well as
valuable self-expression and multicultural skills.
In addition, ACES teachers attend specialized workshops at Inner City Arts to provide them with
meaningful strategies for incorporating the visual and performing arts into the classroom curriculum.
ACES also offers continuing partnerships with The American Heart Association and the Lorax teaching
gardens, as well as with the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, where students work on problem
solving and sustainability issues.
Additional support is provided through after-school tutoring for students who are struggling in English,
Language Arts/Spanish Language and Arts/Math.
This dual language program, the only one of its kind in California, is designed to enable students to
develop literacy skills in English and Spanish simultaneously. Through the specialized ACES curriculum,
students are thoroughly prepared, not only for entry into TAS K-8, but also for greater participation in
the larger Los Angeles community and a wider range of options in the bilingual, bi-cultural workforce
of the future.
The Accelerated School (TAS K-8) was founded on the premise that good schools
transform communities, that “community” is created by shared values and
common goals—and that all children can learn and achieve.
The Accelerated School (TAS K-8)
Providing elementary and middle school education
to students in Kindergarten through eighth grade,
The Accelerated School (TAS K-8) was founded in
1994 on the premise that good schools transform
communities, that “community” is created by shared
values and common goals—and that all children
can learn and achieve. Equally significant is the role
education plays in cultivating a prosperous and
fulfilling life, as well as its power to inspire and
rejuvenate communities. TAS K-8 is considered a
national model for education reform and continues
to earn widespread acknowledgement and respect.
More than ninety percent of our graduates are accepted into
the college of their choice and many go on to such top-tier schools as
Yale, Cornell, MIT, UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC—and many more.
Wallis Annenberg High School (WAHS)
Made possible by a generous $10 million gift from Wallis Annenberg and the
Annenberg Foundation, the Wallis Annenberg High School (WAHS) opened
in 2003 and now serves 9th-12th grade students. Each WAHS student is
challenged with a strong focus on becoming both mentally and academically
prepared for entering—and succeeding—in college.
This is achieved in an environment where all students can accelerate their
progress and achieve at high levels through powerful learning experiences.
Our high school students are encouraged to achieve personal success and a
strong sense of self and community, along with a deep appreciation for the
art of learning. Ultimately, WAHS graduates are prepared to be independent
critical thinkers and decision-makers who recognize that learning is a lifelong
process. Ninety percent of our graduates are accepted into the college of
their choice and many go on to such top tier schools as Yale, Cornell, MIT, UC
Berkeley, USC, UCLA—and many more.
Special Education
The Accelerated Schools offer students and families a broad range of programs to meet the unique
needs of each student. The Special Education Program is designed to provide a free appropriate
public education for students with disabilities that enables them to achieve academic success.
The comprehensive program addresses the individual needs of each student through a variety of
learning support resources, including differentiated instruction, daily afterschool tutoring,
assistive technology and reading intervention programs.
The program offers:
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student laptops
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written expression
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increases reading fluency, spelling and decoding skills
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Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Programs
The Accelerated Schools develop and provide programs for high achieving students through
integrated differentiated learning as well as augmented individual or small group activities related
to accelerating the core curriculum. Gifted students are screened and referred for assessments by
teachers, administrators and school psychologists, who provide enriched resources and materials
that challenge students appropriately.
The Accelerated Schools strive to ensure that gifted education services are an integral part of the
general education program. Teachers provide differentiated instruction and curriculum to
continuously improve student achievement and performance. Additionally, teachers provide for the
social and emotional needs of advanced-level learners and educators are provided comprehensive
professional development to help them meet the unique needs of advanced-level students.
It is our goal to recognize and develop diverse abilities and talents.
Health Services
The S. Mark Taper Family Health Center provides quality healthcare services
to the residents of South Central Los Angeles. Located on The Accelerated
Schools’ campus and operated in partnership with a community based
healthcare provider, the Center offers comprehensive preventive and primary
healthcare services to students, families and the greater community. The Center
became a Federally Qualified Health Center in 2002, enabling the provision of
services to uninsured residents of this medically underserved area.
Additional resources for families include:
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individual and group counseling to students in consultation with
parents, teachers and administrators
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vision assessment
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The Accelerated Schools offer a wide range of classes and volunteering
opportunities for parents.
Classes for parents are offered through the South Central Family Health Center,
Jefferson Adult School, Youth Policy Institute, Planned Parenthood and WAHS.
Classes include:
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Parent volunteers are always welcome; opportunities are offered in a
number of areas, such as:
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THE ACCELERATED SCHOOLS
116 East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90011
Phone: 323-235-6343 Fax: 323-233-1167
w w w. a c c e l e r a t e d . o r g
TAS Board of Trustees
2013
Eric C. Johnson, President
Victex Inc. / Crail Johnson Foundation
Simeon P. Slovacek, Ph.D., Vice President
Charter College of Education, AASE, PERC
California State University, Los Angeles
Michael J. López, Treasurer
Smiths Interconnect
Elizabeth Espinosa
ACES Parent Representative
Peter B. Morrison
Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Juli P. Quinn, Ph.D.
President, FREEducation, LLC
Leonard Rabinowitz
President and CEO, StudioCL
Alma A. Rodriguez
TAS Parent Representative
John W. Ward
Vice President, Wells Fargo & Company
Binti Yost
Managing Director, KPMG LLP
The Accelerated Schools
College/University Acceptances
(Partial Listing)
Ninety percent of all graduates go on to attend two- and four-year colleges and universities including:
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Art Institute, Los Angeles
Art Institute, San Francisco
Azusa Pacific University
Bucknell University
Cal Poly San Louis Obispo
California Lutheran University
California State University, Chico
California State University, Dominguez Hills
California State University, Fullerton
California State University, Los Angeles
California State University, Northridge
California State University, San Luis Obispo
Clark Atlanta University
Cornell University
Dickinson College
La Sierra University
Loyola Marymount
Marymount College
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mills College
Morehouse College
Mount St. Mary’s College
Mt. Sierra University
New Mexico Highlands University
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San Diego Christian College
San Francisco State University
San Jose State University
Southern Oregon University
St. John’s University
St. Mary’s College of California
Tuskegee University
University of Arizona
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Davis
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Merced
University of California, Riverside
University of California, San Diego
University of California, Santa Cruz
University of New Mexico
University of Pennsylvania
University of San Francisco
University of Southern California
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Vanderbilt University
Western Oregon University
Yale University
JOHNATHAN WILLIAMS
FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Johnathan Williams is the Founder and Chief Executive
Officer of The Accelerated Schools. Under his leadership,
The Accelerated Schools—in partnership with the Los
Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), California State
University, Los Angeles, along with foundations and
corporate supporters—completed construction of a $50million dollar comprehensive pre-K—12th grade school
complex in 2003. This model public/private partnership
charter school has begun to dramatically change educational opportunities for
the South Central Los Angeles community and has served as a catalyst for the
growth of charter schools regionally and nationally. In 1994, The Accelerated
School was distinguished as the first charter school in South Central Los
Angeles, and in 2001 was the first charter school in California to be recognized
by TIME Magazine as “Elementary School of the Year.”
The Accelerated Schools have since served as a community service facility
including an on-site health clinic and fitness center. Mr. Williams has also served
as a regional and national spokesperson for the charter schools movement and
received commendations from former presidents Bill Clinton and George W.
Bush.
Mr. Williams is also a founding board member of several state and national
support organizations including the California Charter Schools Association
(CCSA), National Association of Public Charter Schools (NAPCS) and Education
Sector. He was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to the California State
Board of Education (2004-2011), and in 2011 was appointed by Mayor Antonio
Villaraigosa to the LA City Recreation and Parks Board of Commissioners and to
the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission. Mr. Williams is also a lifetime
member of the Black Alliance for Educational Options.
THE ACCELERATED SCHOOL’S LEADERSHIP TEAM
2013
Mr. Johnathan Williams
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Mr. David Borovay
Chief Financial Officer
Ms. Katherine Aguirre
Wallis Annenberg High School Principal
Ms. Lenita Lugo
The Accelerated School Principal (K-8)
Ms. Susan Raudry
Accelerated Charter Elementary School (ACES) Principal
Mr. Francis Reading
W. M. Keck Early Learning Center Director, and
Director of Student Accountability for all schools
Cumulative List of Funders
(Partial Listing)
Ahmanson Foundation
Annenberg Foundation
Atlas Family Foundation
Bank of America Charitable Foundation
K & F Baxter Family Foundation
Beaumont Foundation of America
California Community Foundation
The California Endowment
Charitable Foundation of Prudential
Realty
Annie E. Casey Foundation
Challenge Foundation
J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation
Roberta M. Childs Charitable Foundation
Carol and James Collins Foundation
Davidson Foundation
Christel Deltaan Family Foundation
Draine Family Charitable Foundation
Joseph Drown Foundation
Dwight Stuart Youth Fund
Edison International
Eisner Foundation
Elizabeth Bixby Janeway Foundation
Favrot Fund
Angelica and Howard Flagg Foundation
Franklin Mint Princess Diana Fund
Harriet Glickman Fund for Children
Gleitsman Foundation
Gonda Family Foundation
Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc.
Lynda Guber Organization
Hitachi Southern California Regional
Community Action Committee
Home Depot
Hotchkis Foundation
Crail-Johnson Foundation
W. M. Keck Foundation
A. Z. Kruse Foundation
Carole Little and Leonard Rabinowitz
Los Angeles Annenberg Metropolitan
Project
LA84 / Amateur Athletic Foundation
Los Angeles Lakers Foundation
Bowen H. and Janice Arthur McCoy
Charitable Foundation
Majestic Realty Foundation
Mandalay Pictures
Moss Foundation
Nell Soto Parent/Teacher Involvement
Program
Nissan Foundation
Leonard and Susan Bay Nimoy Family
Foundation
Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris
Foundation
Peter Norton Family Foundation
Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
Pacific Enterprises
Plum Foundation
Promises Foundation
Ralphs/Food 4 Less Foundation
RGK Foundation
Riordan Foundation
Rose Hills Foundation
William E. B. Siart Family Fund
Cynthia L. & William E. Simon, Jr.
Foundation
Smarter Kids Foundation
State Farm Insurance
Sony USA Foundation
Stranahan Foundation
Superior Foundation
S. Mark Taper Foundation
Target
Times Mirror Foundation
Toshiba America Foundation
Toyota Motor Sales USA
Verizon Foundation
Wallis Foundation
Walton Family Foundation
Washington Mutual Foundation
Lawrence Welk Family Foundation
Wells Fargo Foundation
Weingart Foundation
Westly Foundation
Winnick Family Foundation
Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship
Foundation
Together, we create opportunities for personal,
social and academic achievement, which empower
students to fulfill their potential and follow their
dreams for college, career—and beyond.
THE ACCELERATED SCHOOLS
116 East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90011
Phone: 323-235-6343 Fax: 323-233-1167
w w w. a c c e l e r a t e d . o r g
Special thanks to the Crail-Johnson Foundation for its general suppor t of this brochure.