Have you ever felt the vibrant pulse of a school brimming with potential? Augustus F. Hawkins High School in Los Angeles is just that. This isn’t just any high school. It’s a place where history comes alive. It opened in 2012. The school is named after Augustus Freeman Hawkins a significant figure in Los Angeles politics. He was a Watts political leader a 12-term Assemblyman and California’s first African American elected to the US Congress.
Augustus F. Hawkins High School isn’t just about academics. It’s a community. Three Small Learning Communities exist within its walls. These are CHAS RISE and C:DAGS. Each offers unique learning pathways. The Critical Design and Gaming School for example focuses on design and gaming. It connects games with core subjects like math and chemistry. The Community Health Advocates School emphasizes health and community advocacy. The Responsible Indigenous Social Entrepreneurship School focuses on entrepreneurship.
Students at Augustus F. Hawkins High School are involved in numerous activities. They participate in a range of sports. These include football basketball volleyball soccer track and field and softball. There’s even a marching band. The school mascot is the Red-Tailed Hawk a nod to the bird’s original habitat in South Los Angeles. Teams compete at the Division I level. The school’s innovative approach extends beyond the classroom. Augustus F. Hawkins High School is the first in South Los Angeles to implement Restorative Justice. This emphasizes conflict resolution and community building.
The school has strong ties to the community. Augustus F. Hawkins High School partners with many organizations. Among these are USC UCLA St John’s Medical Clinic Kaiser Permanente UMMA Clinic the YMCA and Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic. These partnerships enrich the educational experience. They provide students with valuable resources and opportunities.
Augustus F. Hawkins High School closed in 2021. However its legacy continues. It stands as a testament to the power of education community and innovation. The school played a vital role in shaping the lives of its students. It stands as a symbol of hope and progress in South Los Angeles. It reminds us of the importance of education and community involvement. Remember this place the next time you think about the power of education.