DANIEL PEARL JOURNALISM & COMMUNICATIONS MAGNET

Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet is a Title I public high school that is part of the Los Angeles Unified school district, located in Lake Balboa, CA with about 355 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 17 teachers, Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet has a student/teacher ratio of about 20:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet (DPJCM) is a specialized public school located in Lake Balboa, California, that operates as part of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Distinct from a traditional comprehensive high school, DPJCM focuses heavily on media literacy, digital storytelling, and journalistic ethics. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for higher education and professional careers in communications by integrating academic rigor with hands-on training in broadcast, print, and digital media production.

Beyond its academic focus, the school is known for fostering a close-knit, collaborative community environment, often cited for its small student body and personalized instructional approach. Named in honor of the late Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, the school emphasizes the values of integrity, investigative curiosity, and the power of the press. Students at DPJCM have access to modern media labs and opportunities to publish in student-run outlets, providing them with a robust portfolio and practical experience that distinguishes them as they transition to college and the workforce.

For more information, contact Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet at (818) 654-3775 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.