La Joya Middle School

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Location
La Joya Middle School
Visalia, California, United States
Information
Principal	Mary Whitfield
Students	1,050
Faculty	80
Type	Public
Grades	7 - 8
Motto	Exploring excellence in academics
Mascot	Explorer
Established	1994
Calendar	Traditional
Feeds to:
Homepage	http://visalia.k12.ca.us/lajoya/

1 History
2 Mission Statement
3 Demographics
4 Academic Performance Index (API)
5 External links
6 References

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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%

[edit] 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^[1].