ABC Unified Introduces New Magnet School, Palms Accelerated Learning Academy

Palms Accelerated Learning Academy in Lakewood, a kindergarten through 6th grade elementary school, is one of the new magnet schools in ABC Unified School District. 

Their innovative program prepares students for the rigors of college and career in the 21st century by focusing on critical thinking and problem solving skills, collaborative learning, and creativity via the arts and technology. Palms students learn to articulate their learning through written and oral communication across the curriculum and make connections between their learning and the real world. 

The outcome is that Palms students are highly motivated young people with confidence in their own learning and potential.

A stroll around the Palms campus gives visitors an opportunity to see that the focus of college and success begins at a very young age. It is, in fact, embedded in the school culture with classrooms decorated with the colors and logos of universities and students sporting T-shirts with the words, “Save a spot for me in college.”

Students are serious about obtaining a place in college and enthusiastically attend

College and career day activities with a long list of questions for the presenters.

Sixth grade students participate in the Springboard program, a pre-advanced placement curriculum that assists students in being prepared for advanced courses once they enter high school.  

Fifth and sixth grade students are involved in the AVID program (Advancement Via Individual Determination) that provides students with academic rigor and the support to attain it.  This program assists Palms students in being fully prepared for advancement to middle school, high school, and college and provides them with the skills needed to be successful. 

All students regularly attend the Accelerated Learning Lab that provides them with the basic organizational skills needed to be a successful student at all grade levels.

This January, Palms will feature a parent workshop focusing on college and career readiness and what the parent can do to facilitate the growth of their child. Working as a team, educators, administrators, students and parents at Palms Accelerated Learning Academy set high goals for the future and work together to help children attain them.

For more information about Palms Accelerated Learning Academy contact Fran Barron, ABCUSD Magnet School Office, (562) 926-5566 ext. 21075.