Our presentation on Friday, August 23, 2013 covered the Arcadia Unified School District. Dr. Joel Shawn and Dr. Brent Forsee were our presenters. Dr. Shawn introduced Dr. Forsee, in his 2^nd year as principal of Arcadia High School. Dr. Forsee regaled us with the following facts and good news.

The Arcadia School District has a total student population of approximately 9,612. There are six elementary schools, kindergarten through fifth grade, with approximately 3,592 students broken down according to the following: Baldwin Stocker Elementary – 598, Camino Grove Elementary – 703, Highland Oaks Elementary – 639, Holly Avenue Elementary – 582, Hugo Reid Elementary – 583, and Longley Way Elementary – 485. There are three middle schools, sixth through eighth grade, with approximately 2,261 students broken down as follows: Dana Middle School – 732, First Avenue Middle School – 791, and Foothills Middle School – 764. There is one, comprehensive high school, ninth through twelfth grade, called, of course, Arcadia High School with approximately 3,561 students. Finally, there is one alternative and adult education site called Rancho Learning Center with 51 students.

The ethnic breakdown of the Arcadia School District is roughly as follows: Asian 65.7 %, Pacific Islander .1 %, Filipino 2 %, Hispanic/Latin 11.2 %, African American 1 %, White 18.3 % and Multiple/No response 1 %.

21st Century Standards applied in the Arcadia School District consist of the following, affectionately known as the “5C’s:” critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and citizenship.

Dr. Forsee further stressed that it is his goal to make sure all students get the “ ‘A’ Experience,” which he breaks down as: academics, activities, athletics, and the arts.

It is Dr. Forsee’s opinion that Arcadia High School has the best kids, staff and community with “state of the art” facilities. These facilities include: a new performing arts center, student services building, computer lab, general lecture hall, science building, science building labs and athletic stadium.

Finally, more good news: Arcadia High School continues to increase their AP Courses.  The AP (Advanced Placement) program better prepares students for college and Arcadia’s percentages are impressive: average GPA – 3.26 %, average SAT – 1863, those attending college – 92%, and those attending 4 year college – 70%.

The Arcadia Unified School District is very fortunate to have dedicated individuals like Dr. Foresee and Dr. Shawn and we thank them for their time and service. Go Apaches!