MONROVIA, CA – Monrovia High School showcased its academic pathways, theater arts conservatory, programs, and extracurricular activities during its annual open house, giving Monrovia Unified students, families, and the community the opportunity to meet with teachers, administrators, and student representatives as they consider what fields of study to pursue in high school.

The March 21 event featured a robotics demonstration, a student art show, a performance by the Monrovia High jazz ensemble and a full-dress rehearsal of the school’s stage production of “Tarzan the Musical.”

“Monrovia High’s academies are comprehensive and rigorous four-year programs taught by high-quality instructors and designed to prepare our students to excel in college and career,” Monrovia High Principal Kirk McGinnis said. “Our students are able to find their niche and hone in on their craft and passion, as we set high expectations for their education.”

Monrovia High’s open house displayed multiple examples of student creativity, from 3-D school projects made by pre-Advanced Placement math students to sustainable city maps developed by AP Environmental Science students.

“My AP students designed and mapped their own cities of the future, with each city required to include walkability, an energy source, natural protected areas, waste management and mixed-level housing,” AP Environmental Science teacher Trinity Wedgworth said. “The results were amazing. They are natural city planners.”

Monrovia High has three academies: The Math and Science Academy (MASA), Humanities Academy and the Digital Studies Academy (DSA). This year, a new Theater Arts Conservatory is also being offered to students. Each pathway offers its own course requirements and special features to support students’ college and university applications. Each pathway requires an application and an entrance exam. Students receive a seal of completion on their transcripts and diploma and wear an honor cord at commencement.

Nearly one in four Monrovia High students are enrolled in MASA, known for its distinctive logo and purple “MASA Mentor” T-shirts. MASA students must complete 10 service hours a year, a junior project, and four AP classes.

“MASA students get a fully immersive hands-on experience,” MASA coordinator Kristen Ford said. “Last year, a student rebuilt a Model-T car. MASA mentors take their leadership skills to our elementary schools to assist our K-5 students.”

The Humanities Academy promotes skills in the liberal arts, encompassing English language arts and social science courses and requires its members to complete nine AP classes. Students work with community organizations, such as Monrovia Reads, on literacy projects and meet with industry professionals through their Brown Bag Speaker Series.

“Monrovia High held a successful event and showcased the amazing work that our students have learned to create over the year,” Monrovia Unified Board of Education President Terence Williams said. “Their projects are the result of being immersed in the school’s rigorous academies and curriculum, examples of how our students are preparing themselves for college and career.”

DSA has two components – information technology and video production, which alternate between freshman and sophomore years. Juniors spend a year learning web development, while seniors concentrate on industry networking.

“Monrovia Unified is committed to providing every student the opportunity to explore their potential and strengthen their skills and experiences,” Monrovia Unified Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. “Monrovia High offers multiple academies and pathways, thereby allowing our students to explore their interests and stay motivated to achieve their goals.”

PHOTOS:

040418_MONROVIA_MHSOPENHOUSE1: Monrovia High held a full-dress rehearsal of the school’s stage production of “Tarzan the Musical” during the school’s open house on March 21.

040418_MONROVIA_MHSOPENHOUSE2: Monrovia High Humanities Academy students provide information and their experiences in the specialized pathway with Monrovia Unified Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian (right) during the school’s open house on March 21.

040418_MONROVIA_MHSOPENHOUSE3: Members of Monrovia High’s Associated Student Body (ASB) inform the community on what they do to promote and enhance school culture during the school’s open house on March 21.