REALM: Community Connected Education

K-12 STEAM education

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

The current education system in Los Angeles faces significant challenges, particularly for children who have experienced educational trauma or found traditional systems inadequate for their unique needs. These students often struggle with rigid curricula, lack of personalized attention, and environments that fail to nurture their individual strengths and interests. Additionally, many families feel disconnected from their children's education, unable to participate meaningfully in shaping their learning experiences. This disconnect can lead to disengagement and underachievement among students.
REALM aims to address these issues by offering a flexible, community-embedded educational model that prioritizes personalized learning, family involvement, and real-world applications. By providing over 150 diverse classes such as robotics, creative writing, music production, and environmental science, REALM empowers students to explore their interests and develop essential life skills.

This grant supports REALM, an innovative educational initiative designed to address shortcomings in traditional education, particularly for students who have experienced educational trauma or found conventional schools inadequate. REALM offers over 150 flexible, real-world learning classes tailored to each student's interests and needs.
Key Components:
Flexible Learning Schedules:
Students choose their classes, schedules, and attendance frequency.
Classes run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Diverse Class Offerings:
Subjects range from STEM to arts and humanities.
Sample classes include A.I. Ethics, Plant Life, Real-World Medical Skills, Public Speaking, and The Solar System.
Community-Embedded Approach:
Acts as a community hub with active family participation.
Emphasizes family involvement for a strong support system.
9-12 Grade Program (Starting Fall 2024):
Begins with 9th grade, expanding yearly.
Focuses on self-discovery, relationships, community engagement, and global awareness.
Real-World Learning and Adventure:
Includes projects and Adventure Weeks with activities like gold mining and stargazing.
Promotes community and adventure.
Tutoring and Individualized Support:
Personalized tutoring in math, literacy, science, Spanish, and support for student-led projects.
By supporting REALM, this grant enhances the program’s ability to provide an inclusive, flexible, and engaging educational experience, addressing diverse student needs and preparing them for future success.

If REALM's work is successful in Los Angeles County, we anticipate a significant shift towards a more inclusive and empowered education landscape. REALM leverages community partners, experts in the community, people with real passion to come in and teach courses - it is unlike other educational institutions in the way we embed community so deeply into our work. Students will experience tailored learning experiences that cater to their unique needs and interests, resulting in higher levels of engagement and academic achievement. Families will actively participate in their children's education, fostering stronger community bonds and support networks. Ultimately, REALM's success will lead to a more equitable and prosperous future for all residents of Los Angeles County.

At REALM, we transform education by moving away from grades and test scores, focusing instead on hands-on projects, performances, and real-world applications to showcase student knowledge. This method offers a more authentic assessment and cultivates essential life skills.
Key highlights of our success:
We’ve served over 2,800 learners with our unique approach.
All 8th-grade graduates transition smoothly to their chosen high schools or trade programs.
Parents using the STAR Assessment report their children perform "above grade level."
High demand for our new high school program shows strong family trust in our methods.
REALM’s unique learning approach ensures that students’ educational journeys are enriched by meaningful experiences, preparing them for success beyond traditional metrics.