Hawthorne Math and Science Academy

Pg 1 I am the parent of an African American child that graduated from Hawthorne Math and Science Academy (HMSA). Honestly, I did not like the fact that the school was majority Hispanic due to my own bias. When my child began at HMSA, there was a wonderful African American principal who pushed and encouraged my child to excel. When he left, the Hispanic assistant principal took his place. Although he encourages his people , just like the previous principal, I believe he is fair and is concerned with all students. HMSA is an excellent school that provides students with the tools they need to not only get into college but finish and excel in college. Students today have the grades that it takes to enter into college but they do not have the tools it takes to manage and graduate from college. All of those bothersome entry logs and phone calls home eventually teach the students they must be responsible for themselves. When they enter college, no one will ask if they have a pen, did they do their homework, and what happened on the test. Professors will allow them to fail out of school without concern. HMSA teaches students to be self motivated and manage their time and assignments.
--Submitted by a parent

To be honest, this is a great high school. Even though I only attended for 2 years, I learned a lot. I am now in college and have seriously faced the reality of how demanding teachers can be. For those who complain that teachers overreact and are too tough. Well, it's true, but nothing in this world is easy. In order to accomplish something in life you must have a lot of self discipline. Those who really have the drive within them graduate from HMSA. I went a different route because I didn't want to deal with the stress. Students need to have thick skin and learn how to express themselves in an educated manner if something is not right or feel as if it's not fair. If I ever have kids of my own they will attend HMSA for all 4 years!
--Submitted by a student

This school definitely prepares you college.Nothing in life is easy so, work hard in this school and you will see a great outcome.

I was in the second graduating class of HMSA and I have seen it grow. It is an incredible school. It has a "reputation" for being difficult and although it was challenging at times, I learned so much and it greatly prepared me for college. The teachers and staff were friendly, motivational, and strict - a combination that leads the way for student success. If I had to go back to my high school years, I would definitely want to attend HMSA again.

I agree with the previous comments. I went to this school being that I work nearby to get admission requirement information. The front office staff was very rude, I felt out of place as if I did not belong there. I got very vague answers to my questions. This school caters to the hispanic race and it definitely shows the minute you walk through the front door. By the way there was only hispanic literature in the front office, I sent a hispanic co-worker of mine to rate her experience and it was totally opposite. I will NOT consider this school for my child. just imagine if they treat a parent this way, how they will treat my child.

I would not send a dog to this school. My child went to this school for 9th and 10th grade, the staff speaks to the students in such a discouraging manner. The Principal walks around looking like he dislike the children. Teacher's will reprimand your child if he or she left a ink pin at home, sending child to the office to call parent and get a log entry missing key notes or part of assignment. I had a teacher get upset at my child and just started to insult my child and when i asked the teacher why would he say that he said he was having a bad day. In my opinion the school curriculum is great. its just some of the staff that are very unprofessional and quick to try and provoke the children with insult. Seems to me the school caters to hispanic race, the school has about 80% students and about 60%hispanic staff you do the math
--Submitted by a parent

wow the teachers are tough, but it is all worth it for the future.
--Submitted by a student

HMSA is one of the best charter schools in CA and Highschools in general, I am currently a JR. at this school and it has been a vigorous journey for me but very well worth it. I am honestly prepared for college and feel like I can take any university on.
--Submitted by a student

This is an excellent school. I have two children attending HMSA since the 9th grade. my son is now entering 10th grade and my daughter is now entering 12th grade they are both doing VERY WELL at this school. I like the way this school pushes our kids to work hard and teaches them never to give up. The students are well behaved and I don't think I've seen or heard of any challenging behavior on the school's Campus. Everyone is friendly and helpful from the Janitor to the Security Guy. I would recommend this school to anyone who wants to work hard and be challenged.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent School. My 10th grade daughter is doing very weel at HMSA. I'm thankful to have such a great school in Hawthorne. The planned expansion and inprovements will only make it better.
--Submitted by a parent