Port of Los Angeles High School

Port of Los Angeles High School (POLAHS) is a public charter tuition free high school in San Pedro, California, United States.^[1] 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 ran by its own independent school district, Port of Los Angeles High School District.

Marks of Excellence^[2]

2015 STATE OF 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.

2012 WASC Report

STATE OF CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOLS 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.

California Distinguished Schools Program

GRADUATION AND COLLEGE ENROLLMENT ACHIEVEMENT

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' 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.

OUTSTANDING CAHSEE PASS-RATES

POLAHS’ 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 state-wide 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.

OUTSTANDING ADVANCED PLACEMENT PASSING RATES

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

PRINCIPAL SCOTTI IS NAMED EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

POLAHS Principal Tom Scotti was named "Daily Breeze People of Distinction: Educator of the Year" in November 2011. Daily Breeze readers nominated over 100 individuals for awards in ten categories, including Education, Innovation, and Volunteerism. Principal Scotti received numerous award nominations for his unparalleled commitment to serving the 950 students who attend POLAHS.

Principal Scotti Wins Educator of the Year

OUTSTANDING ATTENDANCE MARK

POLAHS has an outstanding average attendance rate (ADA) of 96%.

References

External links

• Official website