Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there tours of the campus?

 

Yes!  Just call my office (818-686-4201) and we will schedule a tour for you. I love to show off our school!

 

2. How many Magnet students attend Pacoima Middle School? Where do they come from?

 

We have approximately 400 students attending our Magnet programs. The Performing Arts Magnet has about 225 students and our Computer Science/Math Magnet has about 175 students. Our Magnet students come from all over the Los Angeles Unified School District, and form a very diverse group of young adults. Diversity proves every year to be one of our real strengths.

 

3. Is there a dress code or uniform at Pacoima Middle School?

 

Yes, we have both. Our students proudly wear black pants, shorts or skirts, and a solid black, red, or white collared shirt (our school colors). Our uniform creates an environment conducive to the high academic standards set forth by our dedicated teachers. In addition, our uniform unites our Pacoima campus into a family-like atmosphere.

 

4. How does a magnet student enroll in the Pacoima Performing Arts or Computer Science/Math Magnets?

 

There is an on-line application: https://lausdmagnets.com/  where you will find all the information needed to apply. When completing the application, if you do not have access to a computer, or are experiencing difficulty, please stop by the main office and pick up a brochure.

 

5. Who decides if my child gets into one of the Magnet Programs?

 

Students are assigned to the magnet program through the Office of Integration by the use of an official point system as well as a lottery process. Please keep in mind that Magnet openings are determined by the need to maintain a racially balanced enrollment and by available space. If you require specific information about this process, please visit their website: lausdmagnets.com.

 

6. What is the curriculum for a typical student in your Magnet program?

 

Both of our Magnet programs follow the core academic curriculum set up by the State of California. In addition to that, our 6th grade Performing Arts students take Dance as their Physical Education class and are involved in an elective “wheel” – a rotating 10 week schedule that includes classes in Drama, Stagecraft, Film and Musical Theater. Unlike some schools, our students take their elective every day.

We offer Honors classes in the 6th grade, and  Accelerated Math for qualifying students beginning in the 7th grade, continuing thru 8th.

 

7. Is there transportation provided with acceptance into the Magnet program?

 

Yes! Any student who lives 5 miles outside of Pacoima Middle School is eligible for school bus transportation.

 

8. What is the average class size?

 

Pacoima Middle School Magnet classes are currently capped at 30 students.  

 

9. Do the majority of your students go on to Magnet High Schools?

 

The answer to that question is yes and no. Many of our students go on to attend some of the best Performing Arts High Schools in LA Unified. For example, our students routinely attend Hollywood High School, LACHSA, Hamilton High School and Van Nuys Performing Arts High School. While we are very proud of that, we are equally proud that many of our students go on to attend some of the best academic High Schools, such as Cleveland Humanities, North Hollywood Zoo Magnet, Polytechnic Math/Science and Granada Hills Charter.

 

10. What can you tell me about the teaching staff?

 

Pacoima Middle School’s teachers are second to none. We are proud to say that all of our teachers are NCLB compliant and state licensed. They are dedicated to the success of our students, and care about their well-being.  Many teachers have their students participate in Community Building Circles, and keep their classrooms open at lunch with a variety of clubs.

 

11. Why should I send my child to your school?

 

We are the best kept secret in all of LA Unified! We have been doing this since 1979. If you want your child to be part of a thematically taught curriculum, where the academics are as high in quality as the productions, then Pacoima is the only choice. I urge you to take a tour of our beautiful campus. You will be impressed by our school grounds, our energetic students, and our caring faculty.