Girls Academic Leadership Academy (GALA)

GALA's vision is inspiring! I used to be uncertain about the STEM approach for my artistic daughter, but now I'm a convert. While still having opportunities to express her creative side, she is being encouraged in all the fields where women are underrepresented, including Architecture, Graphic Design, Robotics, and Broadcast. All in a nurturing, personalized, and small class environment. I thank my lucky stars that this school was founded just when we needed it!

GALA is an outstanding LAUSD school for girls. There is a strong emphasis on STEM subjects; however, there is something for everyone here. The teachers are excellent and care deeply about making sure the students are mastering the subject matter. The high school graduation rate is 100%, and 97% of the last graduating class received college acceptances, with the remaining 3% deferring enrollment until the following year. The socio-emotional health of the girls is also emphasized --there are excellent counselors on staff, and socio-emotional issues are discussed regularly in advisory class. We feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of the GALA community.

My daughter loves it here! 1st off the school is amazing, 2nd the teachers are so invested in the students well being. And 3rd the students are all so kind and fun! The teachers all care so much about the students. My daughter got a birthday card from her Advisory teacher. You should 100% apply!

My daughter is super happy here and so am I. Gala has managed to create a culture that's all about girl power and being proud of being smart. My daughter's now an avid reader, and excited about learning subjects she was never into before. I was worried because she's so creative and arty, but her English class was the best she's ever had and she wrote a ton. Because it's a STEM school we just do our fine art classes on the weekends, but I hear good things about the music and dance programs.

Gala is a unique model - an all-girls, public school inspired by super expensive private schools. They wear uniforms (makes life so easy in the morning) and are encouraged to be leaders.

As a school that's only been around for a couple years, there have been some bumps - mostly teachers that weren't great. But so far they've all been replaced, and everything seems to be constantly improving.

The application process is a lottery - they require essays and teacher recommendations, but if your application is complete, it's random. So it's hard to get in, but worth the try. We made it and so glad we did! Thank you Dr. Hicks and all the founding parents who helped to create this exciting place for girls to thrive.