Alliance College-Ready Public Schools: A Comprehensive Overview

Alliance College-Ready Public Schools (LA Alliance) stands as one of the largest nonprofit public charter school networks in the United States. Operating 26 high-performing public charter middle and high schools, Alliance serves nearly 13,000 students from Los Angeles’ most underserved communities. Founded in 2004, Alliance operates on the core belief that all children, irrespective of their socioeconomic background, zip code, ability, or origin, possess the capacity to achieve at high levels. With a strong emphasis on rigorous academics, comprehensive college preparation, and diverse extracurricular activities, Alliance aims to uplift scholars and their communities by fostering unparalleled educational opportunities that encourage scholarly thought, resilient learning, powerful communication, mind-body wellness, and community advocacy.

History and Founding Principles

Alliance College-Ready Public Schools was established in 2004 with a clear vision: to provide high-quality educational opportunities to students in Los Angeles' underserved communities. Judy Burton, a former Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) employee with extensive experience in education, played a pivotal role in the founding of Alliance. She left LAUSD in 2003 to help create the charter network, serving as President/CEO until December 2014. Following Burton's return to LAUSD, Dan Katzir assumed the role of President/CEO in January 2015.

The organization's founding principles are rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of their background, has the potential to succeed academically. This conviction drives Alliance's commitment to providing a supportive and challenging learning environment for all its students.

Schools Within the Alliance Network

The Alliance network comprises a diverse array of middle and high schools located throughout Los Angeles County. These schools include:

High Schools:

Alliance Ted K. Tajima High School
Alliance Dr. Olga Mohan High School
Alliance Collins Family College-Ready High School
Alliance Margaret M. Bloomfield High School
Alliance Cindy & Bill Simon Technology Academy HS
Alliance Judy Ivie Burton Technology Academy High School
Alliance Ouchi-O’Donovan 6-12 Complex
Alliance Patti & Peter Neuwirth Leadership Academy
Alliance Piera Barbaglia Shaheen Health Services Academy
Alliance Renee & Meyer Luskin Academy High School

Middle Schools:

Alliance College-Ready Middle Academy 4
Alliance College-Ready Middle Academy 12
Alliance Jack H. Skirball Middle School
Alliance Ted K. Tajima Middle School
Alliance Dr. Olga Mohan Middle School
Alliance Margaret M. Bloomfield Middle School
Alliance Jack H. Skirball Middle School

These schools are strategically located to serve communities with a high proportion of Latine, Black, recent immigrant, and first-generation American families.

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Academic Achievements and Recognition

Alliance College-Ready Public Schools has garnered significant recognition for its academic achievements. The network has received prestigious accolades, including the National Blue Ribbon School Awards and the California Gold Ribbon Awards. U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked Alliance schools among the nation's top public high schools. Among the 17 awarded high schools in the Alliance network, 12 received recognition in the top 10% nationally, showcasing their excellence out of 24,286 schools. Additionally, three Alliance schools, Alliance Ted K. Tajima High School, Alliance Dr. Olga Mohan High School, and Alliance Margaret M. Bloomfield High School, have been specifically highlighted for their outstanding performance.

CREDO has recognized Alliance as a "gap-busting" school system, demonstrating that its scholars are 10-15% more proficient in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics compared to their peers in L.A. County and California public schools. This distinction underscores Alliance's effectiveness in closing achievement gaps and providing equitable educational opportunities for all students.

Since opening its first school in 2004, Alliance boasts a remarkable track record: 95% of Alliance scholars have graduated from high school and been accepted to college. This statistic highlights the network's success in preparing students for higher education and future success.

Commitment to Equity and Community

Alliance College-Ready Public Schools is deeply committed to promoting equity and strengthening the communities it serves. The network's schools are community-driven and people-centered, providing families and educators with access to high-quality public education. Alliance prioritizes meeting scholars and staff exactly where they are, recognizing the diverse needs and backgrounds of its students and employees.

Alliance's dedication to equity is reflected in its mission to advance opportunity for Los Angeles students and families. The network actively engages in conversations and partnerships with community members to address critical issues impacting schools and neighborhoods, including renewals, facilities, immigrant protections, and campus safety.

The organization also emphasizes the importance of cultural understanding and appreciation. Kristine Martinez, a teacher in the Alliance network, embodies this commitment by fostering a classroom culture where students are eager to learn and embrace their identities.

Strategic Vision and Innovation

Alliance College-Ready Public Schools is committed to continuous improvement and innovation. Over the past two years, the network has engaged in a comprehensive rethinking of teaching, learning, work, and community in the post-pandemic era. More than 250 Alliance staff, scholars, families, and community members have contributed to defining the network's long-term strategic vision.

This strategic vision focuses not only on recovery but also on setting a bold course for the future. Alliance is exploring new approaches to teaching and learning, leveraging technology, and fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment.

One example of Alliance's commitment to innovation is the OneAlliance Radio project. This initiative features curated playlists designed to enhance learning and wellness, incorporating music from diverse artists such as Bad Bunny, Shakira, Karol G, J Balvin, and Peso Pluma.

Leadership and Vision for the Future

Alliance College-Ready Public Schools is guided by a dedicated leadership team committed to advancing the network's mission. Angelica Solis, the current CEO, brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and policy advocacy to the organization. As a proud Angeleno, charter school parent, and long-time board member at Gabriella Charter School, Angelica is deeply invested in the success of Los Angeles students and communities.

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Angelica's leadership is characterized by her ability to design transformative strategies, build coalitions, and drive impact. She has been a vocal advocate for racial and social justice in Los Angeles, serving as the immediate past-president of the City’s Human Relations Commission.

Under Angelica's leadership, Alliance is poised to build an even stronger future for its students and communities, ensuring that all scholars have access to a high-quality education that prepares them for college, career, and civic engagement.

Supporting Educators and Staff

Alliance College-Ready Public Schools recognizes the vital role that educators and staff play in the success of its students. The network is committed to investing in its people through professional development, socio-emotional support, and competitive compensation packages.

Alliance values its educators and staff as valuable professionals, providing them with opportunities to grow and develop their skills. The network also prioritizes creating a supportive and collaborative work environment where educators feel empowered to make a difference in the lives of their students.

Addressing Challenges and Controversies

Like many charter school networks, Alliance College-Ready Public Schools has faced its share of challenges and controversies. In 2015, teachers at LA Alliance engaged in a union organizing campaign. This campaign sparked discord within the network, leading to legal battles and public debate.

Despite these challenges, Alliance remains committed to its mission of providing high-quality education to students in underserved communities. The network is actively working to address concerns raised by teachers and staff, fostering a more collaborative and inclusive environment.

The McKinzie Community: A Story of Dedication

The story of Wilfredo and Sandra, custodians at McKinzie High School, exemplifies the dedication and commitment that define the Alliance community. Wilfredo and Sandra have been a constant source of care, pride, and consistency for the McKinzie community for over a decade. Wilfredo joined in 2013 as a part-time custodian and parent before transitioning to full-time. Sandra followed soon after.

From starting a school garden to advocating for campus safety, their impact touches every scholar and staff member. “We’re not just custodians,” Wilfredo said. Their story reminds us that connection, purpose, and pride are what truly make a school community thrive.

Alumni Impact: Angel's Story

Angel's journey is a testament to the transformative power of an Alliance education. When Angel entered McKinzie in 2018, he didn’t expect to stay long. Now in his final year at UCLA, majoring in Education and Social Transformation, Angel has already begun giving back. Angel’s journey exemplifies the impact of empathy-driven leadership. As a first-generation college student, he continues to honor his family’s legacy while building a career rooted in service, flexibility, and respect.

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