The Gabriella Charter School (GCS) is a K−5 dance−themed public elementary charter school, one of the first of its kind in the United States. Its 152 students take one hour of dance per day, and dance is infused into the standards−based curriculum. GCS is nestled in a shaded, tree−lined mixed−use historic site that the school shares with an affordable housing project in the densely−populated Rampart community just west of downtown Los Angeles.  Students range in age from 5−11, and are divided between 68 boys and 83 girls.  Eight percent (8%) of students receive special education services.  Although the overwhelming majority of GCS students are first−generation Central American immigrants (80%), the GCS student body is a diverse group that encompasses a significant percentage of otheethnicities, including Korean (10%), African American (3%), White, not of Hispanic Origin (2%) and Filipino (2%) students.  Approximately 84% of GCS students have parents that are first generation immigrants, 82% of the students are English Language Learners and 91% of the students qualify for the Free and Reduced Nutrition Program. 

  

A culture of high expectations inspires GCS’ primarily low−income, English language learners to achieve at a  level comparable to  their more socio−economically advantaged peers.   The school’s API scores since its 2005 opening have exceeded each year the State’s benchmark target of 800, making it one of the city’s top−performing elementary schools.  In 2006, GCS was described in Los Angeles Magazine as “one of sixty great elementary schools you should know about.” The School received has received awards for excellence and innovation Siart Foundation and the Insight Education Consulting Group and has been fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

  

Inspired by the ability of the dance program to motivate students academically and in response to repeated parental requests for an academic program with the high engagement level and challenging standards associated with the dance program, the Foundation’s board committed to open a charter school which would draw upon the discipline, creativity and cognitive aspects of dance to engage children to become more active learners and to enhance academic skill−building by integrating dance throughout the curriculum.