Three New Alliance Schools to Open in September

The 140 ninth graders who comprise the inaugural class at CRAHS #5 and its new faculty will begin their College-Ready education in high spirits - for a few weeks at the temporary location before moving into their new permanent site. The expansion means that ten Alliance schools will be in full operation just three years after the first campus welcomed students in 2004.

“We are right on schedule. Our timeline is 20 schools by 2010,” says Judy Burton, Alliance CEO.  The three newest schools will bring high performance education to more than 400 students in disadvantaged neighborhoods in this new school year.  The Los Angeles School Board has also approved petitions for three additional College-Ready high schools expected to open in the 2008-2009 school year. 

Our schools ready to open in September are:

College-Ready Middle Academy #2 – serving the Gompers Middle School community
603 East 115th Street (permanent site)
Los Angeles 90059
Principal: Joy May-Harris

The Alliance’s second middle academy will be the feeder school for Heritage College-Ready Academy High School.  The principal of this new campus is Joy May-Harris, who has been Assistant Principal at Heritage for two years.  “The first class of 140 sixth graders is full and we have a waiting list,” she reports. “Interested parents call every day. They are disenchanted with the local schools. They know our culture - high expectations, rigor in the classroom, and a college-going culture – and want it for their children.”  She’s hired experienced teachers for the faculty. “We want to send our kids on ready for high school, just as Alliance high schools will send their graduates on ready for college work,” she says.

College-Ready Academy High School #5– serving the Jefferson High School community
644 West 17th Street (temporary site)
3020 Wilshire Blvd. (permanent site)
Los Angeles 90046
Principal: Dean Marolla

The 140 ninth graders who will comprise the inaugural class at CRAHS #5 and the new faculty will begin their College-Ready education at their new permanent campus. Principal Dean Marolla can’t wait to open the doors.  “Big school districts don’t work for all students,” he says. “In a small charter school, teachers and staff have the access and freedom to be able to do what is best for the students.” He speaks from experience. He’s been teaching in New York and Southern California for twenty years. Mr. Marolla comes to the Alliance from the Long Beach Unified School District, where he was Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction at Cabrillo High School.  “I wanted to come to the Alliance because it is led by educators,” the former math teacher explains. He is currently hiring teachers for CRAHS #5, including some quality new teachers. “It’s a good mix for a new small school. I teach in a University credentialing program; I know how energetic, innovative, and committed young teachers can be.”

College-Ready Academy High School #7 – serving the Fremont High School community
6501 112th Street (temporary site)
8140 South Vermont (permanent site – 2008)
Principal: Raul Carranza
Asst. Principal: Adriana Lepe

Dr. Carranza is excited about opening one of the Alliance’s new high schools because as a veteran educator he has worked in large urban high schools, been an administrator in small high schools, and knows first-hand that small, personal schools are best for students.  CRAHS #7  will open in September with 120 ninth graders.  “Our faculty and staff will be able to bond with the students,” Dr. Carranza says. “Parents, teachers, and staff can get to know each other very well, too.”   He began his career in educator as a teacher in Fremont and Crenshaw High School and comes to the Alliance from his position as a principal with San Diego County Office of Education.