ERNEST P. WILLENBERG SPECIAL EDUCATION CENTER

Ernest P. Willenberg Special Education Center is a Title I public school that is part of the Los Angeles Unified school district, located in San Pedro, CA with about 186 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten 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 20 teachers, Ernest P. Willenberg Special Education Center has a student/teacher ratio of about 9:1. 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.

Ernest P. Willenberg Special Education Center, located in San Pedro, California, is a specialized school within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) dedicated to serving students with a range of moderate to severe disabilities. The school provides a supportive, structured environment tailored to the unique developmental and academic needs of students from preschool through age 22. Their mission focuses on fostering independence and functional life skills, ensuring that each student receives an individualized education program (IEP) that promotes personal growth, communication, and social integration.

Beyond core academic instruction, Willenberg emphasizes a holistic approach to education by integrating therapeutic and support services. The school’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for success in their daily lives and community environments, often incorporating vocational training and community-based instruction for older students. By maintaining a collaborative relationship between educators, therapists, and families, the center strives to provide a safe and inclusive setting where students are empowered to reach their highest potential and participate as meaningfully as possible in the world around them.

For more information, contact Ernest P. Willenberg Special Education Center at (310) 548-1371 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.