MCLA: Mueller Charter Leadership Academy

7th Grade: “The Nature Center Partnership”

Our 7th grade features a full middle school curriculum: social studies, language arts, pre-algebra, physical education and life science.

Every week, each 7th grade student has the opportunity to spend an entire day in our satellite classroom at the Chula Vista Nature Center, where they study the natural ecosystems of the San Diego Bay. But the whole coast is our classroom… so they also visit the Tijuana Estuary, the USS Midway, Cabrillo Monument, and the South Bay Power Plant!

8th Grade: “A Model for Civic Engagement”

Our 8th graders are also exposed to exciting learning experiences outside the walls of the classroom. MCLA partners with the Chula Vista Parkway Recreation Center, home to two gymnasiums, an olympic-size swimming pool, and classroom spaces. The center is within walking distance to the civic center of Chula Vista: city hall, the Chula Vista Police Department, the public library, and many small businesses along Third Ave.

Our focus here is civic literacy. We teach the humanities, algebra, and physical science in authentic, project-based strategies.

Our 8th graders are also expected to complete an original community service project we call “Project Oneness”.

Our students

Attending MCLA is an option. 7th graders can choose from the traditional middle schools offered by other districts, or they can apply for MCLA.

One of the key features of our program is high expectations. We don’t select students on the basis of grades, but rather, their willingness to work hard, maintain consistent attendance, strive to be an Honor Student, and of course, be a LEADER!

A Community-Centered Approach

Our middle school students have the opportunity to represent our school in a variety of different ways. There are speech contests, Open Mic opportunities, service days, and trips to the theater.

They can also try out for flag football, basketball, soccer, girl’s volleyball and softball. MCLA students not only compete… they win. Our softball team has been undefeated for the past two years!!!

LA College Week 2013

In April, our 8th graders took one giant step toward going to college. This experience will have a huge impact on how they participate in high schiil and how they apply themselves. The message? If you want to go to USC… you have to start TODAY!”