Overview of CAL

Overview of Center for Advanced Learning

Center for Advanced Learning was established by the Los Angeles Board of Education on June 12, 2007 and the State of California as a public school under the Charter Schools Act of 1992. 

What is a Charter School?

A charter school is a public school that was approved by the State of California to have special freedoms and programs. Charter schools can be independent from normal school district and state regulations. The State of California established charter school legislation with the intent of giving public schools more autonomy in exchange for increased student achievement. Charter schools must be authorized by the State Board of Education, which must approve the charter school's petition for charter status. The charter petition describes the school's goals, governance structure, insurance requirements, employee benefits, and almost every area related to the school's functioning. 

What Does the Charter School Status Mean for Center for Advanced Learning?

Autonomy

As a Charter school, Center for Advanced Learning is granted many freedoms by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and the State to implement an effective educational program. The School has decision-making authority on-site, and the freedom to create policy without having to obtain approval of the LAUSD.

Accountability

The State of California and LAUSD are responsible for holding the Center for Advanced Learning accountable for meeting the goals as outlined in the charter petition. These goals include increasing student test scores and maintaing a high degree of parent involvement. If the Center does not meet these goals, LAUSD may not renew the School's charter petition, which would force the school to close.