Palisades Charter High School

It is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to Palisades Charter High School, a high-performing, comprehensive high school serving approximately 3,000 diverse students from more than 110 zip codes throughout the Los Angeles area. A charter school since 2003, Palisades Charter High School is one of the first high schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District to achieve independent charter school status. PCHS is a California Gold Ribbon School, a California Distinguished High School, as well as being recognized by Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, and LA Magazine.

An important characteristic of California’s charter school landscape is the distinction between schools that operate as a non-profit public benefit corporation—called “independent” charters —and ones that, similar to traditional public schools, are governed by the district board—called “affiliated” charters. Independent status allows the school stakeholders and governing board to make important decisions regarding instruction, budget allocations, and policy, all areas that were recently reevaluated by the PCHS Board of Trustees at the Back to School Retreat held in August.

I hope you will take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the school’s 2018/2019 School-wide Goals and Charter Renewal Report. We have put into place a comprehensive strategic plan to increase student achievement, create a more responsive school climate, and address facilities and technology needs.

An exceptional school succeeds only if it has the full engagement of all stakeholders - students, families, faculty and staff, alumni, community members and friends - who support our mission. Thank you for your dedication to ensuring Pali High’s excellence for years to come!