Middle School Academics
STANDARDS
Educational standards describe what students should know and be able to do in each subject in each grade. In California, the State Board of Education decides on the standards for all students, from kindergarten through high school.
See the educational standards below by subject.
- English Language Development
- History / Social Science
- Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Science
- Visual and Performing Arts
FRAMEWORKS
Curriculum frameworks provide guidance for implementing the standards adopted by the State Board of Education.
See curriculum frameworks below by subject
- English Language Arts / English Language Development Framework
- History / Social Science Framework
- Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Science
- Visual and Performing Arts
RESOURCES
Preparing Our Students for College and Career!
At LESD we take great pride in offering students from Lawndale and adjacent communities with a rigorous middle school program. We are an educational community with a robust roster of resources to ensure our students become successful and productive members of society. Our programs ensure our students develop into innovative thinkers and creative problem-solvers.
Our curricula are designed to be academically stimulating—encouraging creativity, providing hands-on opportunities, and—most notably, engaging our students! We are proud to instill in our students a life-long passion for learning as they successfully prepare for high school, college, and beyond!
Beyond Academics: Ensuring Social & Emotional Wellness
At LESD we place a high value on meeting our students’ social and emotional needs. We have systems in place to provide additional support to students that need it in order to be successful at school.
Our Student Support Services Department can provide students and families with resources and services to improve their lives. We also have social workers at all sites to help students who are struggling with problems that might affect their academic performance or social and psychological well-being. In addition, we have Community Liaisons at schools to support parent engagement.
Find out more about our efforts to foster safe and positive school culture.
Middle School Curriculum: LESD has 2 middle schools: Jane Addams and Will Rogers Middle Schools.
Both campuses foster powerful learning opportunities both in the classroom and through a vast array of extracurricular activities. Our middle school students are challenged to tackle real-world problems on a daily basis. This inspires them to think creatively and critically. Furthermore, we encourage students to collaborate, listen to differing viewpoints, and ultimately learn from one another in an environment that promotes respect for intellectual diversity.
Our curriculum fosters learning through academic discussions in and out of the classroom and hands-on learning experiences that develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Through our 1:1 Chromebook program (one laptop for every student), classroom technology, and robust Library Media Centers on both campuses, our students are further encouraged to explore and satisfy their curiosity in learning environments that will ensure success in the 21st century.
Middle School Courses
To prepare our middle school students for future success, we focus on the following academic core requirements, with some available at honors levels:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics): earth science, computer science, coding, chemistry, physics, biology, pre-algebra, algebra, algebra II
- English: grammar, vocabulary, literature, and writing
- Social Studies: ancient history, world studies and U.S. history
- VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts): dance, theater, chorus, ceramics, 3D sculpture, drawing, graphic design, painting
- Music: beginning, intermediate, and advanced band
- Communication Studies: public speaking, debate, and speech
- Physical Education: team and individual sports, personal fitness, and wellness program
Our middle schools also offer electives to quench further our student’s thirst to learn and enrich their academic development:
- Creative Writing
- Information & Digital Literacy
- Keyboarding
- Spanish Literature
- Speech & Debate
- Social Justice
- Leadership
- Consumer Science
- Health & Nutrition
- Conflict Mediation
- CPA (College Preparatory Academy)
Our middle schools also offer the following clubs:
- ECO Club
- Film Club
- Cooking Club
- Tinkering Club