Phase I

Olive Vista has become one of District 2 ’s prestigious Schools for Advanced Studies. The Advanced Studies Program has been developed to meet the increasing demand for high-level academic programs that challenge highly able learners who require advanced learning beyond the core curriculum.

Olive Vista will begin the program with this fall’s incoming Sixth Graders. The program will feature interdisciplinary classes, team-teaching, academics for college bound students and many stimulating fieldtrips. Students will continue in the program for three years and present their achievements in a portfolio presentation.

Students are chosen following an application process available from the school office.

Program Components

Gifted, highly gifted and high-achieving students together in classes.

Students are required to be GATE identified or to have total reading and total math stanines of 7, 8, or 9 on a recent standardized test.

Teachers are mandated to attend 32 hours of professional development directed toward instructional techniques and strategies appropriate for teaching the gifted student. These teachers have been chosen for their commitment to academic excellence.

Regular assessment and evaluation will be conducted to direct curriculum modification.

Parent education programs will be ongoing and directed toward issues related to gifted children.

Extracurricular School Activities

M.E.S.A. (Math, Engineering and Science Achievement)
Future Scholars
John Hopkins University
Chorus
Ballet Folklorico
N.A.S.A.
Leadership
Band
Drill Team

Gifted Field Trips
Skirball Cultural Center – Students participate in an archaeological dig.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art: Drawing is Seeing – Students receive an art lesson from a professional artist.
Huntington Garden Program: Reading Plants – Students examine a plant, “read” about its natural history, and investigate how plants have adapted to their native habitats.

Museum of the Holocaust – Students tour this important Los Angeles Museum and learn about accepting others.

California Universities – Students will be introduced to the California University System with tours to local colleges.

SAS Personnel

Jackie Ockene-Fogelman - Coordinator & Lead Teacher
Marci Porter - Lead Teacher