As Alliance College-Ready Public Schools celebrates its 20th anniversary, it continues to be a pillar of academic excellence and community support, especially for Black families in Los Angeles. This year’s theme, “Strong Foundation, Stronger Future,” aptly reflects the network’s enduring impact on students and families in some of the city’s most underserved communities.
Founded in 2004 by educators and civil rights leaders, Alliance’s network of 26 high-performing middle and high schools across Los Angeles County has consistently provided exceptional educational opportunities. These schools have become a beacon of hope for many families seeking quality education within their own neighborhoods.
Pablo Villavicencio, CEO of Alliance College-Ready Public Schools, shared his perspective on the network’s progress and its deep roots in the community.
“I think we’re probably having the strongest start since I’ve been here. I’ve been with Alliance for seven years, and it’s been really wonderful to see the work we’ve put in place for the last several years come to fruition,” Villavicencio said.
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He emphasized the importance of community representation in leadership, noting that “80% of our principals are people of color, many from the very communities we serve. This was a vision set out by our founder, Judy Ivie Burton, and it’s truly inspiring to see it realized.”
Alliance’s commitment to educational excellence is evident in its impressive outcomes. Alliance Ouchi High School, for example, achieved a 100% graduation rate last year, surpassing the overall graduation rates in Los Angeles. Across the network, Alliance high school students are 10-15% more proficient in English Language Arts (ELA) and 5-10% more proficient in Math compared to their peers in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and other local schools.
Despite many students entering Alliance schools several grade levels behind in ELA and Math, the network’s scholars consistently outperform those at neighboring schools. Dr. Debra Y. Griffith, chief equity programs officer, underscored this achievement: “Last year, our Black and African American scholars outgrew, in terms of academics, at a faster pace than any other group. This shows that when we put our resources and intentions into partnerships with our communities, we see significant outcomes.”
One of the most compelling reasons for Black families to consider Alliance is its unwavering commitment to addressing systemic inequities through education. Craig Winchell, director of Instruction and APUSH at Alliance Patti & Peter Neuwirth Leadership Academy, eloquently highlighted the importance of this mission.
“The issue currently is that they’ve tried to nationalize educational policy in a way that does an absolute disservice to communities of color, who are experiencing the exact oppression that policy is attempting to litigate out of the classroom. I’m super fortunate to work in a charter community that believes in a pro-Black, anti-racist view not just in history education but across all areas of education,” he said.
Winchell further emphasized that anti-racist practices are integral to the entire educational experience at Alliance, not just in history classes.
“You can employ anti-racist practices in your school discipline, in your school culture, in your English class, in your math classes. It’s everybody’s job to work to redress centuries of oppression,” he said. This holistic approach underscores Alliance’s commitment to educating the whole student while also engaging and uplifting entire families.
For students like Starr Taylor, a scholar at Alliance Piera Barbaglia Shaheen Health Services Academy, the difference has been life changing.
“I started in public schools, then moved to another charter district, but it wasn’t until I came to Alliance that my world changed. I have a voice here. I feel important, validated, and like I can do things,” she shared. Starr’s experience highlights the empowering environment that Alliance creates, allowing students to explore careers beyond traditional paths and providing them with the tools and confidence to succeed.
“I’ve been able to take college classes, connect with mentors, and even explore careers I never knew were possible. The support I’ve received has given me confidence and direction—I now know what I want to do with my future, and I’m not discouraged or lost. I feel empowered to achieve my goals.”
Principal Dea Tramble of Alliance William & Carol Ouchi High School has seen firsthand the benefits of the charter school system. Having been with the school for 14 years, she reflected on her journey.
“I’ve only been a principal at a charter school, but the autonomy here allows me to tailor instruction and resources to meet the specific needs of our students and families. Our parents choose us because they know we care deeply about their children and provide a safe, supportive environment where no one slips through the cracks,” she said.
Stressing her commitment to increasing African American enrollment, Tramble explained, “When I first came to Ouchi, some questioned if it was a good fit for Black families because of its history as a predominantly Latinx school.
“But I’ve always promoted the school to African American families, and this year, we have the highest number of Black students we’ve ever had. I’m excited to continue this work and show our community that we are a great school for all students.”
Alliance’s focus on college readiness is another cornerstone of its success. With 96% of Alliance scholars receiving college acceptance letters, the network aims to ensure that at least 75% of its graduates complete a four-year degree.
Dr. Griffith emphasized the importance of intentional programming for Black students: “We’ve added programs like the Black Family Scholar Graduation Dinner, HBCU tours, and retreats for African American young men and women. We want our scholars to see themselves in these spaces because if they can see it, they can be it.”
Alliance College-Ready Public Schools has not only established a strong foundation over the past 20 years but is also building a stronger future for its students. For Black families in Los Angeles seeking a school where their children can thrive academically, feel valued, and be prepared for college and beyond, Alliance offers a proven and powerful choice.
Charter schools, like those in the Alliance College-Ready Public Schools network, are publicly funded but operate independently of the traditional school district structure such as the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). While LAUSD schools follow a standardized curriculum set by the district, charter schools have the flexibility to design their own educational programs and are often able to implement innovative teaching methods and tailor their curriculum to meet the specific needs of their students. This autonomy allows charter schools to create unique learning environments that can better serve diverse student populations, particularly in underserved communities.
However, charter schools are still held accountable for academic results and must meet specific performance goals to maintain their charters. This combination of public funding, independent operation, and accountability often attracts families seeking alternatives to traditional public schools, especially those looking for specialized programs or smaller school settings where students receive more personalized attention.
