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 |
| Motto | "Once a Titan, Always a Titan!" |
| Established | September 3, 2008 |
| School district | LAUSD |
| Principal | Blanca Cruz |
| Staff | 67.94 (FTE) |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Enrollment | 1,143 (2023–2024) |
| Student to teacher ratio | 16.82 |
| Campus | Urban |
| Color(s) | Maroon |
| Mascot | Titans |
| Website | www.roybaltitans.net |
Edward R. Roybal Learning Center is a high school in Los Angeles, California. It is located in the Westlake area of the city. This school was built to help reduce the number of students at the nearby Belmont High School.
The school's construction faced some challenges. There were concerns about how much it would cost. Also, harmful gases and an earthquake fault were found on the land. This caused the building work to stop for a few years. Even though planning started in 1988, the school finally opened its doors on September 3, 2008.
Contents
School History
Early Plans and Challenges
Planning for a new school began in 1988. It was first called the Belmont Learning Center. The goal was to ease overcrowding at Belmont High School. Some of the land used for the school was once part of the Los Angeles City Oil Field.
There were some disagreements about the cost of the school. People also questioned how the project would be paid for. Construction started in 1997. However, work stopped in 1999. This happened after tests showed methane and hydrogen sulfide gases in the ground. These gases came from the old oil field.
Construction Delays and Restart
Two years later, in 2001, another problem was found. The land was also on a major earthquake fault line. Because of these issues, the project was put on hold in 2002.
In 2003, a new team took over the project. They had the support of the new school superintendent and the LAUSD Board of Education. In 2004, more than half of the buildings were torn down because of the earthquake fault. Construction started again in 2006. This meant some completed classroom buildings had to be demolished. The total cost for the school was about $400 million.
Renaming and Opening
On March 25, 2008, the LAUSD Board of Education voted to rename the school. It was changed from Vista Hermosa Learning Center to Edward R. Roybal Learning Center. This honored Edward R. Roybal, a former city councilman and Congressman. He had represented the area where the school is located.
Before the school opened, Vista Hermosa Park opened on July 19, 2008. There was a celebration with the Mayor and other leaders. On September 3, 2008, the Roybal Learning Center welcomed 2,400 students. A special ribbon-cutting ceremony happened the day before.
Academics and Programs
When it first opened, Roybal Learning Center had four smaller learning communities. These were like mini-schools within the main school. They 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).
The school also had two independent pilot schools. These were the Civitas School of Leadership and the School for Visual Arts and Humanities. Later, the ISL was replaced by the Academy for Social Work and Child Development (SWCD). The Activists for Educational Empowerment was renamed the Academy of Educational Empowerment.
Each Academy has its own special focus:
- Business and Finance Academy (BFA): Helps students learn about the business world.
- Social Work and Child Development (SWCD): Prepares students for jobs helping people and working with children.
- Computer Science Academy (CSA): Teaches students about computers and technology.
- Academy of Educational Empowerment (AEE): Gives students a sense of power and helps them get involved in their community.
In 2021, a new magnet school opened on campus. It is 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.
Schools Housed at Roybal
Some other schools share the campus with Roybal Learning Center.
Current Schools
- Downtown Magnets High School (since 2022)
- Roybal School of Film and Television Production Magnet (since 2022)
Former Schools
- 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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Roybal Learning Center before its opening 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), whom the school was renamed after in 2008.
See also
In Spanish: Centro de Aprendizaje Edward Roybal para niños
