Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to a Smaller Learning Community at Reed?

Parents of applicants apply directly to Walter Reed Middle School. Applications will be available at the Orientation for Prospective Students and Parents on October 26^th, 2011. Applications will be available online and in the school main office after October 27th. The school main office is open until 4:30 p.m. most school days. Applications are due February 24, 2012.

May I apply to more than one SLC?
You may apply to as many Smaller Learning Communities as you wish. Please indicate on the application which program is your first choice, second choice, third choice, etc.

May we visit the school and meet the teachers?
Prospective students and their parents are most welcome to visit the school and meet the teachers. After October 27^th you may call the main office of the school to reserve a space: 818-487-7600. Please arrive promptly on the day of your tour and come to the lobby of the auditorium.

Tours of each SLC begin at 8 a.m. in the school auditorium on the following Wednesdays:

• November 2, 2011
• November 30, 2011
• December 7, 2011
• January 18, 2012
• January 25, 2012
• February 1, 2012
• February 8, 2012
• February 15, 2012
• February 22, 2012

May we visit more than one SLC?
We have reorganized our school tours. This year, each tour group will see only one SLC at a time. This way, families may experience in depth the SLC for which they have the most interest. Families may come back again if they wish to visit more than one SLC.  Parents and current students for each SLC will lead the tour groups.

Each tour lasts approximately one hour, culminating with a question and answer session with Mr. Kleinman, Coordinator.

Who is qualified to apply for a SLC?
With the exception of the Individualized Honors Program, Reed’s Smaller Learning Communities are designed primarily for students who reside within the Reed residential enrollment area.

However, a limited number of School for Advanced Studies (SAS) permits will be available next year for those not meeting this residential requirement. Applicants who live outside the enrollment boundaries are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants will accepted to our programs on a space-available basis.

Who is qualified for an SAS Permit?
Students who are State Identified Gifted or demonstrate superior academic achievement by:
National percentile scores of 78% or above on standardized achievement tests in both total reading and total mathematics.

California Standards Test (CST) scaled scores of 450 or above in language arts, 450 or above in mathematics.

Who is qualified to apply for the Individualized Honors Program?
Any student may apply. It is a program designed for Highly Gifted students, whether or not they have the LAUSD designation or live within the Reed residential enrollment area. We encourage students who have demonstrated academic achievement comparable to that of highly gifted students to apply.

The median California Standards Test (CST) scaled scores for 6th grade students who were accepted to the IHP first round last year 2010-11 were Language Arts: 491; Math: 600.

Are the SLCs part of the Magnet Program?
No, we are not part of LAUSD’s Magnet Program. Reed students do not earn magnet points.

Is transportation provided by the district?
No. Transportation to and from school is provided by parents or carpools. Our Reed PTSA has organized an online carpool list for Reed students.

To whom should I give the Teacher Recommendation Form?
Fill out Part 1 of the Teacher Recommendation Form and give it to your child’s current teacher. Applicants for seventh and eighth grade should have the form completed by a current English or math teacher.

After the teacher completes the evaluation, she/he should mail it directly to us in the pre-addressed envelope included in this packet. Teacher Recommendations are confidential and we prefer that they be sent directly to us by the teacher. The deadline for receipt of teacher recommendations is February 25, 2011.

As that date approaches, you may wish to check with your child’s teacher to ensure that the recommendation has been completed and mailed.

Are additional references necessary?
No, we require only one recommendation from your child’s current teacher.

Should I include a portfolio of student work with the application?
No, we only request a writing sample graded by your child’s current teacher, no more than two pages please.

Do you schedule student interviews?
No, we do not schedule student interviews.

Do you accept late applications?
Yes, we accept late applications. Please keep in mind that we receive many more applications than there are spaces available. Late applications will not be considered for the first round of invitations.

When will acceptance letters be mailed?
The first round of acceptance letters will be mailed April 8th, 2011. If necessary, a second round of invitations will be mailed in May to fill any remaining openings.

If I have additional questions, who should I contact?
Tomer Kleinman is the Smaller Learning Communities Coordinator. He can be contacted by email at txk3090@lausd.net.

His assistant, Debbie Vodhanel, may be contacted by email at djv4258@lausd.net, or by phone at 818- 487-7600 ext. 306. The SLC office is located in the main building of the school, Room 103.