First Academies -- Communications Academy, Engineering, and ROCK (Grade 9-10 Integrated Studies) instituted in 1992-3
Upper School Grade 11-12 Academies in Communications, Pre-Engineering, Environmental Science Academy, and Academy X, which emphasizes humanities and public service.
2001-02, added the International Studies Academy.
40% of 11th and 12th graders remain in “traditional HS option” or about 400-500 students
2002-03 all 9th graders were assigned to small learning communities called "clusters". Three teachers in each cluster share a common group of students and thus are able to coordinate instruction and expectations. The Revolution of Core Knowledge (ROCK) program for 9th and 10th graders integrates English, social studies, science and art/drama.
While Sir Francis Drake is not as large and possesses a higher socioeconomic economic demographic than a typical LAUSD high school, it still holds interesting lessons. Drake did not completely convert to all students in SLCs. Instead, it left a “space” for those students, parents, and/or teachers that wanted a “traditional option”. That group is small enough that they themselves gain some of the attributes of an SLC.
