Port of Los Angeles High School (POLAHS) is a public charter tuition-free high school in San Pedro, California, United States. It was established in 2005, and fuses a college preparatory program with elective coursework in International Business and Maritime Studies. Such studies reinforce the significant impact of California's ports on the global economy and international trade. Although under the umbrella of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the charter school is run by its own independent school district, Port of Los Angeles High School District.
Board of trustees and directors
The board of trustees is responsible for establishing and overseeing the mission of Port of Los Angeles High School. It has the ultimate authority over and responsibility for all fiscal and operational policies within the limitations and guidelines of the California State Charter School Education Code, the California Non-Profit Public Benefit Law and the POLAHS Charter and Board of Trustees Bylaws.
The board may delegate the management of the corporation's activities to any person(s), management company, contracted business entity, or committees, however composed, provided that the activities and affairs of the corporation shall be managed and all corporate powers shall be exercised under the ultimate direction of the board.
Directors on the board of trustees*
- Sandra Bradley, President of the Board of Trustees
- Jose Ongpauco, Teacher Trustee of the Board of Trustees
- Jorge Grijalva, Student Trustee of the Board of Trustees
*The board of trustees consists of more than the directors displayed on this page. Refer to the official school website portal for more information on the Board of Trustees and its directors.
Marks of Excellence
2015 California Gold Ribbon Schools Award
In May 2015, POLAHS received the 2015 California Gold Ribbon Schools Award, a recognition honoring schools that embrace rigorous academic standards, provide excellence and creativity in teaching, and create a positive school climate.
WASC accreditation
POLAHS received a full-term, six-year accreditation granted from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in 2012. Following a week-long site visit, the WASC Committee noted that “maintaining an effective quality program for students in the face of today’s challenges is a truly commendable feat.†We consider this highest compliment a testament to the rigor and value of our program.
California Distinguished School Award
In 2011, POLAHS was one of ten high schools in Los Angeles County to receive the California Distinguished School Award. The recognition highlights schools that exemplify a clear narrowing of the achievement gap between the highest and lowest subgroups, and act as a model for surrounding institutions.
Graduation and college entrollment
POLAHS has achieved graduation and college enrollment rates averaging 96% from 2009-2015. POLAHS alumni attend prestigious institutions including UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, and the California Maritime Academy. Graduates have received full-tuition merit scholarships to colleges and universities including Yale University, University of Notre Dame, United States Air Force Academy, Dickinson College, and University of Virginia. Sixteen percent of POLAHS's alumni have been the first in their family to earn a high school diploma, and 69% have been the first in their family to enroll in college.
CAHSEE
POLAHS’s 10th graders received pass-rates of 95% in English/Language Arts and 93% in Mathematics on the 2014-2015 California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE).
Academic Performance Index SURPASS
POLAHS scored an 840 on the 2012 Academic Performance Index (API), surpassing the statewide target of 800 for the first time. This represents a 49-point increase in only one year. POLAHS outperformed surrounding public high schools by over 160 points on average.
Advanced Placement exams
The passing rates on AP exams have increased significantly each year. In 2015, the pass rates were highly commendable overall. Examples include:
- AP Calculus | 100% pass-rate | 13 students
- AP English | 96% pass-rate | 26 students
- AP Spanish | 95% pass-rate | 19 students
- AP US History | 88% pass | 17 students
- AP Government | 81% pass | 16 students
References
External links
- Official website