Ayer Community

R.H. Dana Middle School: Community Profile

The Wiseburn School District , located just a few miles southeast of Los Angeles International Airport , was established in 1896 and remains one of the last small school districts in Southern California . R. H. Dana Middle School, with a current population of 794 students, is a suburban school with urban characteristics and welcomes 40% of its students from many school districts all over Los Angeles County on inter-district permits.

The Dana community has a blend of varied economic and cultural backgrounds. Forty-five percent of our students receive free or reduced lunches, with the rest ranging up to a moderate, middle class socioeconomic level. Our school reflects California 's racial and ethnic diversity. English is not the primary language for over 250 of our students. These students designate one of fourteen different languages as their primary language, including Spanish, Tongan and Vietnamese.

Dana is exceptionally fortunate to be located adjacent to a thriving business community which has assisted the school not only financially but with donations of time and talent. We have three primary corporate partners and many supporters. Northrop Grumman and Raytheon are generous in both financial and other contributions; their employees come to Dana to support Math Counts, Odyssey of the Mind and math tutorials.

Dana shares a unique relationship with Vistamar School , a nearby independent high school. Students at Vistamar tutor Dana students. Vistamar and Dana work cooperatively as "sister schools" sharing facilities. Administrators have collaborated in joint projects such as the online mentoring program and a recent math professional development grant, providing opportunities for both institutions.

Booz Allen Hamilton has led a team of community and staff members in the creation and launch of a pilot e-mentoring program that provides computers for economically disadvantaged students. Chevron, Webster University , The Aerospace Corporation, El Segundo Chamber of Commerce, American Honda Corp., Belkin, LAX World Airports, Hollyglen Homeowners Association, Western States Inc., Continental Development Corporation, Mattel, Kearny Realty and many other organizations have helped to develop a cooperative environment to expand opportunities for our students and school.

California League of Middle Schools
6615 East Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 120, Long Beach, California 90803
Voice: 562/430-3136 or 800/326-1880 . . . FAX: 562/430-5607. . . E-Mail: info@clms.net