Academic Overview

ACADEMIC MISSION

Our mission at GALA is to provide a highly rigorous college preparatory STEM-focused education in an all-girls environment. In many schools across the nation, girls, particularly girls of color, are not provided with the opportunity to take rigorous math, science and computer science courses. GALA, with a focus on equity, access and rigor, provides the opportunity and support for success in college and beyond.

EQUITY AND ACCESS

Our policies at GALA are based on educational research. Numerous studies (Jeannie Oakes, Beverly Daniel Tatem, Jo Boaler) detail the detrimental academic and social emotional effects of academic tracking (students grouped by perceived academic ability), while detailing the benefits of mixed-ability classes. Mixed-ability classes are particularly effective when using collaborative groups. Collaborative groups are one of the mainstays of the GALA educational frame.

Our school embraces the philosophy of growth mindset. A growth mindset is the understanding that intelligence is not fixed but that abilities and understanding can be developed. Based on the work of Stanford Psychology Professor, Carol Dwek, growth mindset allows learners to view failure as an opportunity for growth. At GALA you will hear teachers and learners state often that they haven’t mastered a concept “yet” but also hold the belief that with hard work they can master concepts. Growth mindset allows students to continually learn and challenge themselves.

Our focus on equity, access and growth mindset provides a system with no tracking, which includes not offering honors designated courses. Students may choose an accelerated math pathway in middle school, and in high school students are encouraged to accept the academic challenge of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. In keeping with the College Board’s policy and our equity frame, we do not have barriers to access to what traditionally has kept underrepresented groups from taking and succeeding in AP coursework.

RIGOR

As an LAUSD school, we follow the Common Core State Standards and administer Smarter Balanced Assessments. We have chosen curricula that are rigorous, collaborative and provide real-world applications. By using rigorous and real-world applicable curricula, we ensure that students at GALA meet or exceed the state standards all the while making sure we are providing an equitable education to all our students.

STEM

Students at GALA complete seven years of math, seven years of science, and two years of computer science with a variety of STEM electives.

Science: Our science curriculum is Stanford Science, a Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) lab-based program with students completing numerous weekly lab activities starting in 6th grade.

Engineering and Tech: Our computer science and engineering curricula are infused throughout science and elective courses in middle school and continue in high school with the mandatory classes Exploring Computer Science (9th) and AP Computer Principles (10th).

Math: Our mathematics curriculum is College Preparatory Mathematics which provides collaborative activities that allow students to dive deeply into the mathematics standards and concepts preparing them for the rigors of calculus. You can find our math tragectory chart under the STEM menu.

HUMANITIES

Students at GALA complete seven years of English and six years of history. Our humanities curriculum focuses on evidence-based writing and argumentation, critical thinking and questioning, collaboration, leadership and a sense of social responsibility. Our English curriculum is a college preparatory English curriculum. Students read and analyze literature from a wide variety of authors.

Our history curriculum is infused with the Stanford History project which challenges students to complete document based questions, focusing on providing logical argumentation and appropriate evidence for opinion.

AP Humanities courses consist of AP English Languague and Composition, AP Literature, AP World History, AP US History, and includes the prestigious AP Capstone program. AP Capstone is a two-year program comprised of AP Seminar in 11th grade and AP Research in 12th grade that provides experience in writing college level research papers on a variety of subjects.

THE ARTS

Knowledge of the arts are an important aspect of developing a well-rounded education and many STEM careers require an exposure to education in the arts. Infused into the 6th grade history curricula is the New Heights architectural and design lessons. Students interested in architecture can continue in high school, where the completion of two years of architecture provides a California Technical Education architectural design certificate and opportunities for internships. Students can begin to take music in the 7th grade. See the "Arts" menu for full details.

THE ADVISORY SYSTEM

Our advisory curriculum is an academic and social emotionally based class that receives a grade and credit for the course. Designed by teachers, this course includes academic skill-building, college education, career exploration, digital citizenship, social responsibility, mindfulness practices, and community circles. Each grade level focuses on a theme based on SpringBoard’s curricular themes, as well as monthly themes that are uniform across all grade levels.These themes are infused with age appropriate topics which are discussed and analyzed within the advisory classroom. Advisory classes stay together from 6th grade through 12th grade, fostering community and building lasting relationships along the way.

GROWTH MINDSET & EQUITY GRADING

Growth mindset, the idea that intelligence is not fixed but that ability and intelligence can grow, is the impetus behind the establishment of mastery grading at GALA. Equity grading, based on the work of Benjamin Bloom and Fred Keller, is an approach to student assessment in which student work is graded directly on whether it demonstrates objective mastery. Rather than using points or partial credit, final grades are based on the degree of mastery each student has demonstrated by the end of the course. Students typically have multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery of each objective. Equity grading puts emphasis on learning, provides clarity for students, and encourages perseverance and growth mindset.

G A L A A C A D E M I C A W A R D S

GALA is one of less than 100 schools in the nation to receive CollegeBoard's Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in both AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles. GALA has received this award from 2020-Present. You can see more awards on our GALA-At-A-Glance Page.

"Research shows that female students who take AP computer science are more likely to major in computer science in college compared to female students of similar background and academic preparation who didn't take AP computer science courses. Through your leadership in diversifying computer science education, you're preparing your female students for the high-paying, in-demand jobs of the future and giving them the opportunity to help solve some of society's most challenging problems."

G R O W T H M I N D S E T

GALA embraces the philosophy of growth mindset. A growth mindset is the understanding that intelligence is not fixed but that abilities and understanding can be developed. Based on the work of Stanford Psychology Professor, Carol Dwek, growth mindset allows leaners to view failure as an opportunity for growth. At GALA you will hear teachers and learners state often that they haven’t mastered a concept “yet” but also hold the belief that with hard work they can master concepts. Growth mindset allows students to continually learn and challenge themselves.

Growth mindset goes well with our Equity Grading frame. Equity grading focuses the learner on demonstrating knowledge of a concept by demonstrating mastery through assessments linked to standards in the course. Equity Grading allows the student to continually work on a concept to dig deeper into the material for mastery.

Based on these philosophies, we do not have "Honors" classes at GALA. Teachers differentiate within classes provide either assistance with mastering the standards or enrichment that is accessible to all students. Starting in 6th grade, students can "accelerate" in math and beginning in high school, they have the opportunity to consider taking college-level AP or Dual Enrollment classes in 9th grade.

E Q U I T Y G R A D I N G

Equity Grading and Instruction is an intentional way for teachers to track their students' progress and achievements while focusing on helping students learn and reach their highest potential. It is based on students showing signs of mastery or understanding various lessons and skills. See image and video below explaining.

Evidence-based Growth Mindset Approach to teaching and learning based on the expectation that everyone can learn given the right conditions and support. Equity Grading and Instruction allows students to succeed academically and ultimately to take charge of their own learning. And allows them to make mistakes and take more risks.

GRADES ARE BASED ON MASTERING THE STANDARDS.
THERE ARE CLEAR CRITERION OF WHAT CONSTITUTES MASTERY.
STUDENTS ARE GIVEN SUFFICIENT TIME AND ASSISTANCE TO MASTER THE STANDARD.

G A L A C O U R S E H A N D B O O K

For a complete listing of our courses, click below. For course maps, scroll down or click on the GALA Course Handbook below.

H I G H L Y R I G O R O U S A C A D E M I C P R O G R A M

GALA is a highly rigorous college preparatory school.

All Middle School students complete:

College board pre Advanced-placement (AP) course work in all core subjects
Advanced mathematics courses can be taken beginning in 6th grade (based on assessment)

All High School students complete:

4 years Mathematics
4 years Science
4 years English
3 years History
2 years Advanced Computer Science
AP courses in multiple subjects (18 AP classes)
AP Capstone (1 of only 5 schools in the district)

GALA ELECTIVES: Each student participates in a 7th period elective of her choice. A full list can be found HERE.

M I D D L E S C H O O L C O U R S E M A P

6TH GRADE

ADVISORY	ENGLISH CC ENGLISH 6	HISTORY WORLD HISTORY: ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS	MATH CC MATH 6 ACCELERATED MATH 6 (based on assessment)
SCIENCE SCIENCE 6: INTEGRATED SCIENCE	PHYSICAL EDUCATION INTRO TO PE	ELECTIVE WHEEL AEROSPACE COMPUTER SCIENCE MYTHOLOGY WORLD CULTURES	7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE CHOICE OF ELECTIVE

7TH GRADE

ADVISORY	ENGLISH CC ENGLISH 7	HISTORY WORLD HISTORY: Medieval Modern	MATH CC MATH 7 OR Accelerated CC Math (Math 7 & Math 8) OR ALGEBRA 1 (Prereq. Accelerated Math 6 & invitation only)
SCIENCE SCIENCE 7/ HEALTH (1 SEMESTER OF EACH)	PHYSICAL EDUCATION BEGINNING PE	ELECTIVE - CHOICE OF 1 ARCHITECTURE CHOIR EXPLORATORY SCIENCE GRAPHIC ARTS MUSIC ORCHESTRA	7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE CHOICE OF ELECTIVE.

8TH GRADE

ADVISORY	ENGLISH CC ENGLISH 8	HISTORY UNITED STATES HISTORY	MATH CC MATH 8 OR ALGEBRA 1 (pre-rec Accelerated Math 7) OR GEOMETRY (pre-req Algebra 1)
SCIENCE SCIENCE 8	PHYSICAL ED INTERMEDIATE PE	ELECTIVE - CHOICE OF 1 ARCHITECTURE CHOIR EXPLORATORY SCIENCE GRAPHIC ARTS MUSIC MUSICAL THEATER ORCHESTRA	7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE CHOICE OF ELECTIVE.

All middle school courses subject to change.

H I G H S C H O O L C O U R S E M A P

For descriptions, see Course Handbook and ask your counselor for assistance. All courses subject to change.

A P C L A S S E S

2025-2026 Classes - Future years are subject to change.

For descriptions, see Course Handbook and or contact your counselor.

D U A L E N R O L L M E N T

Dual Enrollment College Courses at GALA

Dual Enrollment (DE) allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn both high school and college credit simultaneously. DE courses are offered during the school day on GALA's campus/ For the 2025–26 school year, students in the DE cohort for the Class of 2029 will be enrolled in Health 011 and Art 103. Additional courses and cohorts will be introduced in future years as the program expands.

With the approval of GALA's College Counselor and Student's Parent, students are welcome to enroll in community college courses throughout high school through Concurrent Enrollment. Reach out to your counselor if you would like additional information.

Concurrent Enrollment Courses while at GALA

GALA: Where girls love to be smart, self-confident, and successful!