Los Angeles City School District facts for kids
The Los Angeles City School District was a school system that helped educate students in Los Angeles, California, and some nearby areas. It operated from 1870 until 1961, playing a big role in the growth of education in the city.
Contents
A Look Back: The District's History
How the District Started
The Los Angeles City School District was created on May 2, 1870. At first, its boundaries were the same as the city of Los Angeles itself. As the city grew, so did the need for more schools.
Later, in 1890, a separate school system called the Los Angeles City High School District was formed. This new district was specifically for high school students. The Los Angeles City School District then focused on educating students in elementary and junior high schools.
Growing Bigger: New Areas Join
Over the years, many smaller school districts joined the Los Angeles City School District. This helped the district grow and serve more students as Los Angeles expanded. Some of the areas that joined included:
This process of smaller districts joining meant more schools and resources became part of the larger Los Angeles system.
Torrance Decides to Go Its Own Way
The city of Torrance was once part of the Los Angeles City School District. However, people in Torrance wanted their own local school district.
- In the 1920s, Dr. J.S. Lancaster led a campaign to create a separate school district for Torrance.
- There were two votes in the 1930s, but both failed.
- Finally, on August 20, 1946, Torrance voters approved a new city plan that allowed them to create their own district.
- In 1947, Torrance officially left the Los Angeles City School District.
- By 1948, it became the Torrance Unified School District (TUSD).
When Torrance left, the Los Angeles City School District even removed all the furniture from the elementary and middle schools in Torrance!
The End of an Era: Becoming LAUSD
The Los Angeles City School District stopped existing on July 1, 1961. It merged with another school system, the Palos Verdes School District. Together, they formed a new, larger school system called the Los Angeles Unified School District. Today, this district is one of the biggest in the United States.
