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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Questions were prepared by parents Michele Alper and Karin Fielding.Responses by Margaret Evans, AP
What is the school's mission statement and philosophy? The mission of Palisades Charter High School is to educate our diverse students by developing their skills and talents to help them make a positive contribution in our global society. Where is Palisades Charter High School located? Palisades Charter High School is located in the community nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the scenic hills of Pacific Palisades, California, just north of Santa Monica and south of Malibu. The address is 15777 Bowdoin Street, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. What is the history of the school? Palisades High opened in 1961 as a community high school when Temescal Boulevard was only a canyon. The first classes to graduate were in 1963, Winter and Summer. They were named the Poseidans and Jamaicans, respectively. The students all came from the Palisades and Brentwood. The principal was Dr. Herbert Aigner. Jim Mercer was the Boys Vice Principal, who later became principal and Kathryn Wallace was the Girls Vice Principal. There were 65 teachers and all the students worked together in getting the school started. Every teacher had a myriad of duties from sponsoring clubs, Honor groups, Community Service to school groups, etc. There were school Boards to enable school to be unified, spirited and working for the school: Boys Athletic Board; Community Relations; Health and Safety; Publications; Publicity for Media (L.A. Times and Post); Scholarship; School Spirit; Student Activities; Student Relations; Senior Honor Boys (Commodores); Senior Honor Girls (Athenians); 11th grade Honors (service to school); l0th grade Honors (service to school). There was a choir, The Madrigals, Orchestra, Band, Sound Crew, Emergency Squad, and of course clubs. The biggest club was G.A.A. and BAC - intramural sports, ending in a huge Play Day where everyone took part. There was a Spirit Band, Spirit Girls Drill Team, Spirit Yell Leaders, etc., Varsity and Bee Teams in Football, Basketball, Baseball, Tennis, Swimming, and Gymnastics. All groups were determined to keep the school clean and unified. All Graduations and Proms were in the Big Gym. Many famous people have graduated from Palisades High: J.J. Abrams - ProducerlDirector of Movies and TV; John Mauceri - Conductor at the Hollywood Bowl; Jeannie Buss - Part owner of the Lakers; Kiki Vandeweghe - Player for the LA Lakers, NY Knicks, Manager of the Denver Nuggets, and All American; Judge Kathy Maier and Judge Patti Titus; Carole Kezziah, Chief State Environmental Coordinator; Michael Medved - TV Commentator; David Wallace Author; Cindy Good - TV Anchorwoman; Tom New - Composer and Academy Award Winner; Rita Batru - 1st Woman Rhodes Scholar; Michael Sandel-Rhodes Scholar; John Good - Rhodes Scholar; Michael Golden - Pulitzer Prize Winner; "Forest Gump" produced by many of the class of' 74: Eric Roth and Mary Weinstock, Producer and Writer; David Tokofsky - LAUSD Board of Education; and many doctors, lawyers, actors, and Ph.D.'s. (Rose Gilbert) Table of Contents What is the status of the school's charter? The charter is in its third year of independence from LAUSD. The charter was renewed July 1, 2005 for five years. How many students attend the school?
What is the average class size? 42 What is the geographic composition of the student body?
What is a "traveling student"? Students who live in the Los Angeles designated sending areas and are transported to and from school on school buses are typically called traveling students. However, students who live in areas not served by school buses, but outside the 2 mile radius of the school and have to depend on public transportation to get to school, are also considered to be traveling students. For purposes of integration, traveling students who receive bus transportation are minorities. All students in the Magnet program receive transportation. Where do the traveling students come from? The high school communities of Belmont, Crenshaw, Dorsey, Fairfax, Fremont, Hamilton, Hollywood, Jefferson, Los Angeles, Manual Arts, Van Nuys, and Washington. However, students can come from anywhere in the county of Los Angeles outside of Pacific Palisades and be considered a traveling student. Only minorities from the above mentioned high school areas receive PWT transportation. Table of Contents What is the process for acceptance as a traveling student? Students who have been accepted for enrollment and desire bus transportation must complete a PWT (Permit With Transportation) application. Traveling students from Revere Middle School have first priority for bus seat assignments. Other traveling students who live in the 12 high school sending communities of the school may get transportation depending on space available on buses in those areas. Students who live in Topanga are also eligible for bus transportation. How do traveling students get to school? School buses, public transportation, car pools, etc. What is the ethnic make up of the student body? School buses, public transportation, car pools, etc.
How is the school administered? Administration
The committees are:
How many faculty members are there? 118 - Click Here to see the complete list of faculty members. What are the school's academic departments?
What are the school's requirements for graduation? Click Here to see the school's graduation requirements. Are honors and Advanced Placement classes offered? Yes - Click Here to see the list. Does the school offer college counseling? Yes - Click Here to visit the counseling office. What percentage of graduating seniors go on to college? 95% Is a list available of colleges attended for recent graduates? Yes - Click Here to see the list. What is the attendance policy? Click Here to see the school's attendance policy Table of Contents Does the school have a dress code? No, except that hats are not to be worn inside buildings. There is a code of conduct. How is discipline handled at the school? Through the Dean, Assistant Principal, School Police Officer, and Campus Aides. There is an Honor Policy and Referral Policy that could result in detentions, suspensions, or expulsion. Information meetings regarding discipline are held at the beginning of each school year. What sports are offered?
Yes. There is a Special Education Department for students with learning and physical disabilities. Does the school have a psychologist? Yes. There is a full-time school psychologist on campus who is available to address the ongoing social, emotional, and academic needs of all students. Our school psychologist provides crisis intervention, individual and small group counseling for students as needed. She consults with teachers, school staff, and provides family counseling and ongoing support for parents. The school psychologist is involved with special education referrals and re-evaluation of students. Table of Contents Is there a student government? Yes. There is a very active Leadership class with representatives from each grade level. Student government leaders participate in all committees in the school What technology resources are available to students? In addition to computers in every classroom, the Library and Study Center, there are 2 computer labs, a Media Center, a Web Design Course, a Graphic Design Course, and the East Project where students use technology to solve science problems. Does the school have a library? Yes. It consists of 18,000 volumes, reference materials and a bank of computers for student use Other than sports, what after-school programs are available to students? MESA, AVID, CBOP, Tutoring, Drama, Dance, Cheerleading, and Marching Band. What clubs are available to students? Click Here to see the listing of clubs and organizations. Is there a community service requirement? Click Here to see the school's community service program Table of Contents |
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