La Joya Middle School

Infobox School3
name = La Joya Middle School


motto = Exploring excellence in academics
established = 1994
type = Public
grades = 7 - 8
head_name = Principal
head = Mary Whitfield
city = Visalia
state = California
country = United States
students = 1,050
faculty = 80
school_colors = Green & White
mascot = Explorer
free_label = Calendar
free = Traditional
free_label2 = Feeds to:
free2 = Redwood High School (Visalia)
website = http://visalia.k12.ca.us/lajoya/

History

La Joya opened it's doors to students in 1994. La Joya boasts it's high technology environment and focus on a SPACE theme. La Joya has welcomed many notable personalities including Captain Jim Lovell, USN; Sally K. Ride; Cal Dooley; and Dr. Cheick Modibo Diarra.

In 1996, La Joya was recognized as a California Distinguished School.

La Joya has a very good education program. The Spelling Bee has been one of their best.

Muhammad Baig, 7th Grade, received 2nd place in the 2007-2008 Tulare County Spelling Bee. Rini Singh also got 2nd in 2003.

Mission Statement

La Joya Middle School will provide students with a caring transition as they move from elementary school to high school. They will be "connected" to the goals and purposes of the school in a positive way and have numerous opportunities for personal growth.

All students will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become successful life-long learners, workers, and citizens through a wide variety of instructional options that meet their needs. Within a nurturing educational environment, individual development will be maximized, which will allow students to reach their fullest potential.

Demographics

* African American: 3.9%
* American Indian or Alaska Native: 1.3%
* Hispanic or Latino: 41.4%
* Other: 4.1%
* Pacific Islander: 0.2%
* White (Not Hispanic): 49.1%

Academic Performance Index (API)

The state of California rates schools using the Academic Performance Index (API). Based on test scores, schools are ranked on a scale from 200 to 1000. The state expects all schools to eventually obtain an API of at least 800. Schools are also ranked by deciles from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest), according to type of school (e.g., middle school).

* 2006 API Growth Score: 726
* Statewide Rank: 5 [cite web|url=http://visalia.k12.ca.us/sarc/La_Joya.pdf|title=La Joya Middle School Accountability Report Card Summary (2005-2006)] .

External links

* [http://www.visalia.k12.ca.us/lajoya/ La Joya Middle School]
* [http://visalia.k12.ca.us/sarc/La_Joya.pdf La Joya SARC 2005-2006]
* [http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/communities/schools/lajoyamid.html Visalia Times-Delta School Profile: La Joya Middle School]

References