Animo Jackie Robinson Charter High School
“I’m struck by the commitment of our students to address societal issues through [Facing History’s] multi-faceted approach to learning.”
- Lori Pawinski, teacher, Animo Jackie Robinson High School
Animo Jackie Robinson Charter High School (AJR) opened in 2006 and is one of eighteen Green Dot charter schools in the greater Los Angeles area. Green Dot strives to create and operate high-achieving public schools that enable all students to graduate from high school and attend college. AJR provides a safe learning environment in which students develop the ability to make responsible decisions in their lives and community. At AJR, all students receive a rigorous and high quality education in preparation for success in college and life.
Over 90% of AJR’s faculty have attended at least one Facing History professional development seminar. Consequently, AJR incorporates Facing History themes and curriculum at all grade levels. In the ninth grade, Facing History is deeply embedded in units on identity in all English classes. In particular, students study the Facing History resources, House on Mango Street and Our America, to explore themes of identity and community. The tenth grade Art, English and History team has created an interdisciplinary project-based Holocaust and Human Behavior unit, which includes a “Facing Myself” journal and a memorial project that is completed in students’ art classes. A Civil Rights Movement unit is piloted for the eleventh grade history classes.
Once students get to the twelfth grade, an “Urban Studies” class addresses issues important to communities in Los Angeles. Students use the Facing History resource, Twilight, Los Angeles, to explore issues of race, power, truth, and justice. During the second half of the Urban Studies course, students explore the choices made by activist and upstanders in Choosing to Participate and Be The Change before developing social action projects of their own. These Community Action Projects mark the culmination of students’ long study of Facing History case studies, themes and concepts. The interdisciplinary projects receive tremendous support from the administration at the school. In the past, senior students completed a Community Action Project that included photo-essays depicting some of the challenges that students face as they live and learn in South Los Angeles.
Facing History also plays an important role in school culture and climate. The school utilizes Facing History lessons into advisory and its 100% Respect program, which teaches students about different kinds of diversity. Facing History staff members facilitate workshops during the school year and encourage new teachers to attend summer seminars. Overall, a deep commitment to Facing History gives administrators, teachers, and students a common vocabulary and perspective to talk about and develop a safe and accepting learning environment.
School Demographics
Animo Jackie Robinson High School enrolls 415 students. The student population is comprised of 84% Hispanic, 15% Black, and less than 1% White.
Through the generosity of the Einhorn Family Charitable Trust, Facing History and Ourselves has developed a nationwide small school network. As part of this network, these schools share best practices, develop professional ties with their peers, and receive ongoing support from Facing History. Animo Jackie Robinson Charter School (AJR) is a participating member of this network.
Kristin B., Educator at Animo Jackie Robinson Charter High School
Jane Wooster, 2010 Margot Stern Strom Award Winner
News Article – The Opening of the Charter School
News Article: “LAUSD Teachers Participate in Program that Affects School Community and Curriculum”
Jewish Journal New Article: “Shoah Lessons Drive Curriculum”
For more information about Facing History and the Small Schools Network, please visit: www.facinghistory.org/smallschools
