Portola Highly Gifted Magnet Center, located in Tarzana, covers grades 6-8 and has been developed for students who meet the criterion of 99.9% on an intellectual assessment administered by the LAUSD Psychological Services Branch. English, history, mathematics and science are taught in honors classes where students receive educational stimulation commensurate with their ability; they are constantly challenged and guided by a highly professional, talented, and dedicated teaching staff. The special talents and interests of the teaching staff enrich our curriculum. Parent and community involvement is welcomed and encouraged.

The highly gifted student who is goal oriented, who desires continued achievement in academic disciplines as well as intercultural growth, who enjoys being with his intellectual peers, who knows he/she must strive to succeed, will flourish at Portola HG Magnet Center. Students will be asked to follow a challenging and rigorous curriculum in all of the disciplines. They will be successful only if they are eager to study in this program established for their maximum growth.

A tightly planned three-year English curriculum meets the special needs of the highly gifted student. Independent reading, close analysis of literature, and intensive composition are interrelated. Emphasis is placed on the mechanics of English, as well as exploration and experimentation through creative writing.

The social studies department emphasizes that history is the study of people and incorporates every aspect of life. Through the use of critical thinking, inquiry, and encouraging the creative talents of every student, each period of history is brought to life and students learn to appreciate the contributions of past cultures as well as the past and ongoing accomplishments of our own culture. Economics, government and the humanities are examined by encouraging the use and analysis of primary sources and current events. Discussions, individual and group projects, debates, and both creative and scholarly writing are emphasized. Our aim is to instill an appreciation for the lasting influence that history has on our lives.

The philosophy of the mathematics department is to provide a well-rounded, challenging program grounded in basic skills in which students become well versed in fundamental concepts and gain an appreciation of math as a tool useful in art, science, social studies and consumer education. Students are given a test at the beginning of each year to determine class placement. Classes range from honors math to independent study of Algebra II/Trigonometry.

The science department offers a broad curriculum that develops scientific skills and interests necessary for a strong foundation in advanced science courses at the senior high school and college levels. Laboratory approach is strongly emphasized in all science courses. The use of 'advanced textbooks and supplemental materials provides primary sources for the study of biology, health, chemistry, physics, meteorology, geology, oceanography and astronomy.

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Last updated: July 18, 2003.

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