The Challenge at M-A

Some M-A students need extraordinary challenges
Intellectual courses, academic stimulation, preparation for high-level college work

Some M-A students face extraordinary challenges
Living in poverty, poor educational preparation for high school, little or no English

The diverse student population requires a very diverse approach for success

• A wide array of Honors & AP Courses on one end of the spectrum
• Extensive and engaging electives and programs for the middle range students
• Basic English/Math/ESL support at the other end of the spectrum

Ten Things You May Not Know About M-A:

1. 1,965 students: 42% Caucasian, 39% Hispanic/Latino, 6% African American, 5% Pacific Islander, 5% Asian and 3% Other
2. 33% classified as socio-economically disadvantaged, 23% qualify for National School Lunch Program
3. Experienced administrative team, with the majority of members in their fourth year together, despite recent changes in the Principal. New Principal Zito has committed to stay at least 4 years
4. Extensive student activities: 53 sports teams, over 30 clubs, teacher-led foreign study trips, renowned jazz band, local & global community service
5. 3 National Merit Semifinalists, 16 Commended Students & 2 National Hispanic Recognition Honorees
6. 14 Advanced Placement courses offered. In Spring 2007, 830 AP tests taken by 370 students: 82% passed with scores of 3 or higher, 23% received maximum score of 5, nearly 50% of seniors passed at least one AP test
7. All M-A student groups have improved API (“Academic Performance Index”, a state measure) scores over the past 5 years. M-A students in the top scoring group compare favorably to students at Palo Alto and Gunn High Schools
8. M-A’s lower scoring student population narrowed the API “achievement gap” over the past 5 years by increasing its API by 120 points
9. 96% of M-A graduates continue their education: 61% attend 4-year colleges, of those, 49% go to private or out-of-state schools (10 admitted to Stanford), and 31% go to University of California schools (38 accepted to UC Berkeley)
10. Highly regarded by college recruiting community; over 110 colleges visit M-A each year

The Challenge Can Be Met
M-A has the infrastructure to effectively deliver an excellent education to its diverse student population. The key is funding by the Foundation for reduced class size, diverse curriculum, teacher excellence, college and career preparation and critical programs and services for M-A students.