Edward R. Roybal Learning Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Edward R. Roybal Learning Center |
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| Location | |
| Information | |
| Type | Public |
| Established | September 3, 2008 |
| School district | LAUSD |
| Principal | Blanca Cruz |
| Staff | 49.33 (FTE) |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Enrollment | 829 (2018–19) |
| Student to teacher ratio | 16.81 |
| Campus | Urban |
| Color(s) | Maroon |
| Nickname | Titans |
| Website | www.roybaltitans.net |
The Edward R. Roybal Learning Center is a high school in the Westlake area of Los Angeles, California. It was built to help with overcrowding at the nearby Belmont High School. The school was once known by other names like Belmont Learning Center and Vista Hermosa Learning Center.
Building the school was a big project that faced some challenges. There were concerns about the cost and discoveries of natural gases and an earthquake fault line on the land. This caused construction to stop for a while in 1999 and it didn't start again until 2003. Even though planning began in 1988, the school finally opened its doors 20 years later on September 3, 2008.
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How the Roybal Learning Center Was Built
Building a new school, first called the Belmont Learning Center, started in 1988. The main goal was to ease the crowded classrooms at Belmont High School. Some of the land used for the school used to be part of the Los Angeles City Oil Field.
The project faced some difficulties, especially about how much it would cost. Construction began in 1997. However, work stopped in 1999 when tests found natural gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide in the ground. These gases came from the old oil field. Two years later, with construction still on hold, it was also discovered that the land was on a major earthquake fault.
After a temporary stop in 2002, a new team took over the project in 2003. In 2004, more than half of the buildings that had already been built had to be taken down because of the earthquake fault. Construction started again in 2006, which meant some completed classroom buildings and the administration building had to be demolished. The total cost for the school was about $400 million.
On March 25, 2008, the school board decided to rename the school the Edward R. Roybal Learning Center. This honored Edward R. Roybal (1916–2005), a former city councilman and Congressman who represented the area. The school officially opened on September 3, 2008, welcoming 2,400 students.
What Students Learn at Roybal
When it first opened, Roybal Learning Center had different smaller learning groups. These included the International School of Languages (ISL), the Activists for Educational Empowerment (AEE), the Business and Finance Academy (BFA), and the Computer Science Academy (CSA). There were also two independent pilot schools: Civitas School of Leadership and the School for Visual Arts and Humanities.
Later, the school changed some of these programs. The ISL was replaced with the Academy for Social Work and Child Development (SWCD). The Activists for Educational Empowerment became the Academy of Educational Empowerment. Each of these academies has its own special focus and teaching methods:
- Business and Finance Academy (BFA) helps students learn about the business world.
- Academy for Social Work and Child Development (SWCD) prepares students for jobs in social work and child development.
- Computer Science Academy (CSA) involves students in the world of computers.
- Academy of Educational Empowerment (AEE) helps students feel strong and get involved in their education.
In 2021, a new magnet school opened on campus. It's called the Roybal School of Film and Television Production. Famous people like George Clooney, Mindy Kaling, Kerry Washington, Eva Longoria, and Don Cheadle supported its opening.
Other Schools at Roybal Campus
The Roybal Learning Center campus also hosts other schools.
Schools Currently on Campus
- Downtown Magnets High School (since 2022)
- Roybal School of Film and Television Production Magnet (since 2022)
Schools That Used to Be on Campus
- Civitas School of Leadership (2008–2014)
- School for the Visual Arts and Humanities (2008–2015)
- Los Angeles Academy of Art and Enterprise (2016–2021)
Images for kids
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The Roybal Learning Center before it opened in May 2008.
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The Vista Hermosa Natural Park, which is connected to the school, in 2013.
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Edward R. Roybal (1916–2005), the person the school was named after in 2008.
See also
In Spanish: Centro de Aprendizaje Edward Roybal para niños
