Alliance College-Ready Public Schools

Alliance Environmental Science and Technology High School is a free public charter school authorized by the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Alliance Environmental Science and Technology High School concentrates on college-readiness through a themed curriculum that includes experiential learning. With a focus on environmental science and technology, the school’s mission is to equip students with the tools necessary to excel in high school, succeed in college and acquire skills and experience to live in and contribute to a sustainable economy. This commitment will beseen through specific course work, cross-discipline projects, community partnerships and activities including a green garden space, comprehensive recycling plan and environmental club and more.

Performance

Alliance Environmental Science and Technology High School achieved a 2010 Academic Performance Index (API) score of 859, ranking it the 7th top-performing public high school in LAUSD. CST results: 73% Advanced Proficient in English, 78% Advanced/Proficient in Math.  For more on the school's 09-10 Performance Indicators, click here.

Community

The school sits on Los Angeles Community College’s Van de Kamp Innovation Campus in the Glassell Park/Atwater Village area through a long-term lease with the community college district. The roughly 45,000-squarefoot space consists of two adjacent buildings that house 19 classrooms, a library, multipurpose room, lecture halls, fitness area, offices, and chemistry and science labs. The campus was designed to minimize the environmental impact of new buildings and promote healthier indoor conditions for students and staff as part of art of LACC’s commitment to the field of sustainable development.

Demographics and Average Daily Attendance

90% Hispanic, 2% African American, 2% Caucasian, 6% other; 11% English Language Learner (ELL) students, and 90% free or reduced meal program participants. To date, average daily attendance is 96%.

Principal Profile

A life-long educator, Howard Lappin spent 20 years as a dedicated teacher and vice-principal in Los Angeles. In 1989, he took on the role of principal at Foshay Learning Center, one of the worst performing schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District. He subsequently turned it into one of the top 10 schools in the district and top 100 schools in the country before retiring in 2001. He joined the Alliance as the founding principal of our first school, Gertz-Ressler High School, An Alliance College-Ready Academy, in 2004.  Prior to joining the Alliance, he served as the director of the Urban Learning Centers at the Los Angeles Educational Partnership. He has a Master’s in secondary administration from Cal State Northridge.