ABSTRACT

 

​In California's Antelope Valley, a community characterized by residents experiencing social disorganization, along with perceived barriers to social and economic opportunities, the Laity Institute of the Arts and Sciences (LIAS) is committed to empowering students from this underserved community to give them a fighting chance in facing the challenges of modern times. The institution will take responsibility for any student interested in attending the independent learning charter school and will admit students residing within the boundaries of Service Planning Area 1 (SPA 1) in Los Angeles County, with the singular mission of enabling them to realize their fullest academic potential while immersing them in the exploration of an interdisciplinary curriculum.

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We focus on the visual and performing arts, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through a collaborative, family-centered approach, we encourage parental involvement and community service to foster responsible citizenship. Our school aligns with the learning and social-emotional needs of the students upon its opening, and we employ a range of educational approaches to ensure that students are well-prepared for their academic journey beyond our school. We advocate for a cooperative, organic, and engaging learning environment that treats the arts and sciences as fundamental components, allowing students to accumulate a broad knowledge base and develop essential skills.

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In our institution, truth and excellence are pursued and discovered through the visual and performing arts, science, technology, and other academic disciplines. The institution serves diverse students and uses various pedagogical methods and innovations. With a dedicated and highly qualified staff, we aim to equip students to become self-motivated, competent, lifelong learners who can quickly adapt to changes and excel in high school, college, and beyond. In offering a comprehensive classical education that stimulates our students, we nurture independent thinking and prepare them for higher education and careers in the arts and sciences.

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This aligns with our vision to become a national standard of educational excellence by seamlessly integrating the Visual and Performing Arts with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (A-STEM). Ultimately, LIAS envisions the educated person in the 21st century as one who embodies creativity, self-actualization, and enlightenment. This individual is initiative-taking, literate, bilingual, and a lifelong learner — resourceful, technologically proficient, and globally competitive. Therefore, LIAS seeks collaboration with institutions with mutual objectives and stakeholders to help achieve its noble goal of providing quality education to the underserved community of Antelope Valley and its surrounding communities.

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What is the mission of the Laity Institute of the Arts and Sciences?

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The Laity Institute of the Arts and Sciences (LIAS) mission is to empower students from an underserved community in California's Antelope Valley. ​ The institution is committed to providing these students a fighting chance to face the challenges of modern times. LIAS takes responsibility for any student interested in attending the independent learning charter school and admits students residing within the boundaries of Service Planning Area 1 (SPA 1) in Los Angeles County. ​ The singular mission of LIAS is to enable these students to realize their fullest academic potential while immersing them in the exploration of an interdisciplinary curriculum.

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The institution focuses on the visual and performing arts, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (A-STEM). ​ Upon its opening, LIAS aims to align with the learning and social-emotional needs of the students. It employs a range of educational approaches to ensure that students are well-prepared for their academic journey beyond school. ​ LIAS advocates for a cooperative, organic, and engaging learning environment that treats the arts and sciences as fundamental components, allowing students to accumulate a broad knowledge base and develop essential skills. ​

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In addition to academic excellence, LIAS also emphasizes the importance of parental involvement and community service to foster responsible citizenship. ​ The institution aims to equip students to become self-motivated, competent, lifelong learners who can quickly adapt to changes and excel in high school, college, and beyond. ​ Ultimately, LIAS envisions the educated person in the 21st century as one who embodies creativity, self-actualization, and enlightenment. ​ This individual is initiative-taking, literate, bilingual, and a lifelong learner — resourceful, technologically proficient, and globally competitive. ​

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In summary, the mission of LIAS is to empower students from an underserved community through a comprehensive education that integrates the arts and sciences, prepares them for higher education and careers, and nurtures their personal growth and development. ​

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The five most essential points to consider:

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1. Laity Institute of the Arts and Sciences (LIAS) is committed to empowering students from an underserved community in California's Antelope Valley by providing a comprehensive classical education that integrates the visual and performing arts with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (A-STEM). ​

2. LIAS admits students residing within Service Planning Area 1 (SPA 1) boundaries in Los Angeles County. It focuses on enabling them to realize their fullest academic potential through an interdisciplinary curriculum. ​

3. The institution advocates for a cooperative, organic, and engaging learning environment that treats the arts and sciences as fundamental components, allowing students to accumulate a broad knowledge base and develop essential skills. ​

4. LIAS encourages parental involvement and community service to foster responsible citizenship. It employs a range of educational approaches to ensure that students are well-prepared for their academic journey beyond school. ​

5. LIAS aims to become a national standard of educational excellence and envisions the educated person in the 21st century as one who embodies creativity, self-actualization, and enlightenment and is resourceful, technologically proficient, and globally competitive. ​

 

The institution focuses on the following subjects:

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1. Visual and Performing Arts: LIAS emphasizes the importance of artistic expression and creativity through visual arts, such as painting, drawing, animation, and sculpture, as well as performing arts, such as music, dance, and theater.

2. Science: LIAS strongly emphasizes scientific education, including subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. The institution aims to develop students' scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills.

3. Technology: LIAS recognizes the significance of technology in the modern world and incorporates it into the curriculum. This may include subjects like computer science, coding, and digital literacy.

4. Engineering: LIAS provides education in engineering principles and practices, encouraging students to explore problem-solving, design thinking, and hands-on engineering projects.

5. Mathematics: LIAS emphasizes the importance of mathematics education, covering topics such as algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics. The institution aims to develop students' mathematical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

6. Classical Education: LIAS will teach grammar, humanities, languages (Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Japanese, American Sign Language, and Latin), logic, social sciences, and rhetoric.

 

LIAS focuses on a well-rounded education integrating the arts and sciences, providing students with a broad knowledge base and essential skills in various disciplines.

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How does the institute encourage parental involvement and community service?

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The institution encourages parental involvement and community service through a collaborative, family-centered approach. ​ Here are some ways in which LIAS promotes parental involvement and community service:

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1. Parental Involvement: LIAS recognizes the importance of parents in a student's education and actively encourages their participation. This may include regular communication between teachers and parents, parent-teacher conferences, and workshops to educate parents about the curriculum and educational goals. The institution may also organize events and activities where parents can actively participate, such as volunteering in school events, joining parent committees, or assisting in extracurricular activities.

2. Community Service: LIAS promotes community service to foster responsible citizenship among its students. The institution may organize community service projects or partnerships with local organizations, encouraging students and their families to give back to the community actively. This could involve volunteering at local charities, participating in environmental clean-up initiatives, or organizing fundraisers for community causes.

3. Collaboration with Stakeholders: LIAS seeks cooperation with institutions and stakeholders who share mutual objectives. ​ This collaboration may involve partnering with community organizations, businesses, or educational institutions to provide students with opportunities for internships, mentorship programs, or real-world experiences. By involving external stakeholders, LIAS aims to create a network of support and resources that can benefit students and the community. ​

 

By actively involving parents and promoting community service, LIAS aims to create a strong sense of community and shared responsibility for the education and well-being of its students. ​​​

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PETITION

Our goal is to collect 200 Parent Signatures before October 1st, 2024. The school will open with (8) eight classes of 20 children each in grades Pre-K — 6 the first year. Grades 7 and 8 will be added in the second and third years. Please sign the petition if you would like to enroll your child or see a school like this serve your community. You will not be obligated to enroll your child if you change your mind later.