Lake Balboa College Preparatory Magnet K-12

www.valleyaltmag-lausd-ca.schoolloop.com

587 Students

Other K - 12th

School Overview

Valley Alternative Magnet (VAM), located in Lake Balboa, California, is a unique K–12 public school within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Unlike traditional neighborhood schools, VAM operates as a magnet program that emphasizes a personalized, student-centered approach to learning. The school is known for its small-school atmosphere, which fosters strong relationships between students, staff, and families, creating a supportive community environment that encourages academic exploration and social-emotional growth.

The school’s curriculum is designed to provide students with flexibility and choice, often integrating project-based learning and interdisciplinary studies to keep students engaged. By offering a continuous K–12 experience, Valley Alternative Magnet allows for long-term mentorship and academic consistency, helping students develop self-reliance and critical thinking skills. It serves as an attractive option for families seeking an alternative to the large-campus model, providing a focused, safe, and collaborative space for students to thrive throughout their primary and secondary education.

587

Total Students

28.4

Full-Time Teachers

20.7

Student/Teacher Ratio

77.2%

Free/Reduced Lunch

School Location

School Details

Status:	Open
School Level:	Other
School Type:	Alternative School
Charter Status:*	Public Non-Charter
Virtual Instruction:	No virtual instruction
Shared Time Status:	N/A
District:	Los Angeles Unified
Phone:	(818)342-6133
Website:	http://www.valleyaltmag-lausd-ca.schoolloop.com
Grade Range:	K - 12th
Total Students:	587
Full-Time Teachers (FTE):	28.4
Pupil/Teacher Ratio:	20.7
NSLP Participation:¹	Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Qualified Free Lunch:	433
Qualified Reduced Lunch:	20

* Charter Schools: A public charter school is a publicly funded school that operates independently under a legislative contract (or "charter") with a state, school district, or designated authorizing entity. Charters grant these schools greater operational flexibility over curriculum, staffing, and budgeting in exchange for strict accountability to achieve performance standards established in their charter agreement.

¹ National School Lunch Program (NSLP): The National School Lunch Program is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to eligible children each school day based on household income thresholds or community eligibility options (CEO).

Title I Program Overview: Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) allocates federal financial assistance to local educational agencies and public schools with high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.

Grades Taught

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

7th

8th

9th

10th

11th