Overview

Cerritos Elementary School is under consideration to become a magnet campus focused on computer science, aimed at boosting enrollment and providing students with essential coding skills. The proposal comes as the school has seen a significant decline in student numbers over the years.

Currently, Cerritos Elementary is projected to have 388 students for the upcoming school year, a notable drop from a peak of around 580 students in 2001. The Glendale Unified School District is closely monitoring the situation as enrollment dips below 400 students.

Key details

  • Cerritos Elementary may transition into a computer science magnet school.
  • The proposal aims to address declining enrollment at the school.
  • Enrollment has decreased from approximately 580 students in 2001 to 388 expected this year.
  • Kelly King, assistant superintendent, noted the importance of monitoring schools with fewer than 400 students.
  • Valley View Elementary has also faced low enrollment but is currently seeing an increase, with nearly 450 students.
  • The Glendale school board is set to vote on the proposal next month.
  • If approved, Cerritos will partner with Code to the Future for a five-year program.
  • The partnership with Code to the Future will cost $266,000, averaging $53,000 per year.
  • Cerritos previously applied for a grant in 2013 to become a STEM campus but was unsuccessful.
  • Despite the grant denial, technology has been integrated into daily classroom activities.
  • About 84% of Cerritos students come from low-income families, qualifying them for free and reduced-price lunches.
  • 54% of the student population consists of English learners.

Context

The proposal to turn Cerritos Elementary into a computer science magnet school reflects ongoing efforts by the Glendale Unified School District to enhance educational offerings and attract more students, particularly in a demographic where a significant portion of the student body comes from low-income households.

What happens next

The Glendale school board will review and vote on the proposal next month, determining whether Cerritos Elementary will move forward with the partnership with Code to the Future and the transition to a computer science focus.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific curriculum changes, the timeline for implementation, and the potential impact on current students have not been confirmed.