City School accepting applications

The City School, a new public charter school in the South Robertson neighborhood, has opened applications for the upcoming school year. Located on Robertson Boulevard several blocks south of Pico, the campus is open to sixth- and seventh-grade students only, and it plans to expand to grades six through 12.

Curriculum will focus on writing, debate and civics and will emphasize student involvement in the greater community. The school plans to keep classes small relative to other public schools, initially admitting only 120 students.

Most classes will be smaller than average public schools. Rebecca George, one of the City School’s founders and a board member, said that classes will have an 18:1 students-to-teacher ratio in writing classes and a 24:1 ratio in other classes.

George said much of the curriculum will be experiential, following a problem-based model, in which students learn subjects such as math and science through real-world applications.

“It’s important to engage our young learners with their surroundings,” George said.

The City School will offer Hebrew language courses, along with other foreign languages, through a blended-learning program in which students learn through a traditional teacher as well as with computer programs. George said parents requested Hebrew courses.

On March 7, LAUSD officially approved the City School’s charter to open middle school. The school plans to add an eighth grade for the 2013-2014 school year and an additional grade each year until it develops a full high school. The campus plans to hold an open house Aug. 23 and is still accepting applications for the school year beginning Aug. 27.

Sheri Werner, who has done extensive work in bullying prevention, will serve as the school’s founding principal. Werner served 15 years as head of school for Foundations School Community in Van Nuys, a constructivist-based K-8 program she helped found.

“The City School is committed to instilling in its students civic responsibility while engaging them in a democratic school environment,” Werner wrote in a welcome letter. “Our commitment to overall excellence demands that we support our students to internalize the value of academic achievement while also acknowledging and focusing on learning as it relates to social and emotional growth.”

For more information about the City School, visit citycharterschool.org.