Center Unified Joint School District Superintendent Scott Loeher poses for a photograph with Center High School students from the school’s Media Communication Academy. Photos courtesy of Center Unified Joint School District 

ANTELOPE, CA (MPG) - The February edition of the Center Unified Joint School District Newsletter includes a video message from Superintendent Scott Loeher. The message is refreshing and positive but perhaps most noteworthy is the video is completely produced by Center High School students within the Center High School Media Communication Academy.

The Center High School Media Communication Academy is an award-winning school within a school. 

The academy was created to assist students who were looking for more than the traditional high school model. Student schedules include four media communications courses for sophomore and junior years and three to four media communications courses in senior year. By signing an annual contract, Media Communication Academy students become responsible for their own success.

Students from the Center High School Media Communication Academy work on video editing equipment.

Media Communication Academy teachers work as a team to assist students with goal setting, personal development and academic success while monitoring progress. The benefits from being in the academy are numerous. The benefits include smaller class sizes, cross curricular projects, real world field trips, hosting and participating in media events, state of the art computer labs and television studio.  

The use of technology during instruction enhances student learning. Students create integrated curriculum projects as well as digital presentations all three years in the academy, while mastering common core standards. 

Mentoring is a key component for success. Local business partners mentor students to provide real world experiences and opportunities for internships.

Field trips are designed to improve attendance and academic performance, while creating unique bonding experiences. Media Communication Academy students visit several colleges and television studios, film studios, as well as tour historical locations and attend cultural events. 

As Center High School students film Superintendent Scott Loehr’s video message, awards earned by the Media Communication Academy students can be seen in the background.

Freshmen have the opportunity to take the pre-academy electives that may increase their opportunity for acceptance into the academy their sophomore year. 

Center High School’s Media Communication Academy graduates have been accepted into CSU, UC, and private colleges and many are currently working in the various media fields. 

The mission of the Media Communication Academy is to prepare students for life; thus, the academy’s motto has become, “LIFE PREP”.

The Media Communication Academy is supported by California Partnership Academies and the California Department of Education. Funding for the academy programs comes from California Department of Education, Center Joint Unified School District and local businesses.