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Middle School Handbook

The Middle School Handbook is available year-round as a resource for families. Whether your child is in TK or 5th grade, it’s never too early to start learning about the middle school options in our area. The handbook is updated throughout the year so parents always have access to the latest information about schools and programs.

GALA

Susan Leslie

323.900.4533

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Richard Merkin Middle School

Roxana Fiallos

213.748.0141

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Berendo MS/Berendo Game Development & Esports Magnet

Marie Takahashi

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William Jefferson Clinton Middle School

Medical and Health Careers Magnet; 

Police Academy Magnet

Ri Ek

323.235.7200 (Ext 8)

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James A. Foshay Learning Center

Mary Lou Hillman

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Yolanda McCoy

213.743.1591

LAUSD MAGNET POINTS

The LAUSD Magnet point system is a way for families to increase their child’s chances of being accepted into a magnet program, since there are often more applicants than spaces available. Here’s a brief explanation:

How Points Work

  • Points are earned based on specific factors (not grades or test scores).

  • Each student can earn up to 23 points total, and these are used in the lottery selection process.

Main Ways to Earn Points

  1. Matriculation (Continuing Pathway) – 12 points

    • If your child is moving from a feeder school in the magnet pipeline

    • (ex: elementary magnet → middle magnet, or middle → high).

  2. Sibling – 3 points

    • If a sibling is currently enrolled in the requested magnet.

  3. Overcrowded School – 4 points

    • If your child is zoned to an overcrowded school (as defined by LAUSD).

  4. PHBAO (Predominantly Hispanic, Black, Asian, and Other Non-Anglo school) – 4 points

    • If your child’s home school meets this demographic category.

  5. Prior Year Waitlist – 4 points

    • If you applied to a magnet program in the prior year and were waitlisted (but not accepted), you get 4 points toward the next application.

Important Notes

  • Points don’t stack indefinitely: Only one type of each category can be applied.

  • Maximum is 23 points.

  • Even with the max points, acceptance is not guarantee, it’s still a lottery, but higher points give better odds.

  • Points reset once your child is accepted into a magnet.

  • You can only accumulate 12 pts before middle school

NAI PROGRAM

The USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative (NAI) is a comprehensive college access and success program designed to prepare middle and high school students from the surrounding community for admission to college—especially first-generation college-bound students.

Students who are accepted into NAI commit to an intensive, multi-year program that includes Saturday Academy classes at USC, academic tutoring, college readiness workshops, and family development sessions. Through this partnership, students build strong study habits, leadership skills, and the confidence needed to thrive in higher education.

Graduates who complete the program and meet USC admission requirements are eligible for a full-tuition scholarship to the university.

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Click here to watch an informative video about the NAI Program

About Dr. Theodore T. Alexander Jr. Science Center School

Dr. Theodore T. Alexander Jr. Science Center School is an affiliated charter school and represents a unique partnership between the Los Angeles Unified School District, USC and the California Science Center. Our school's mission is to establish the highest quality STEM educational program for our students.

Contact

Scan To Join Friends of Alexander Science Center School Booster Club Mailing List

Dr. Theodore T.
Alexander Jr.
Science Cente
r School


3737 S Figueroa St,
Los Angeles, CA 90007
213.746.1995


 

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"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller

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