UCLA Community School: Creating the Conditions for Thriving

by | Mar 27, 2025

Photos and captions by Isadora Kosofsky/CatchLight for the Stuart Foundation.

The UCLA Community School, located on Wilshire Boulevard in the heart of Los Angeles, provides a powerful example of what is possible when a school is designed with thriving—of students, staff, families, and the broader community—at the center.

The school opened in 2009 as part of a grassroots campaign to relieve overcrowding in district schools. It is one of six schools that comprise the Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools campus on the former site of the famed Ambassador Hotel.  

On March 27, 2025, the school community celebrated their quinceañera, or 15th birthday. In honor of this milestone—and in recognition of the powerful example the school provides for communities throughout California—we offer this up-close look at UCLA Community School through the lens of three high school students: Kaelin, Sujana, and Javir. 

An elementary school and high school student sit in a playground, eyes closed and resting peacefully in the sun.

In May and June 2024, documentary photographer Isadora Kosofsky spent time with three students at UCLA Community School in Los Angeles. Her photos capture the experiences of Kaelin, Sujana, and Javir throughout their school day and week—in the classroom, hanging out with friends, in co-curricular activities, and interacting with students in the younger grades. The resulting images and accompanying text provide a glimpse into high school life and show the impact of student-centered practices and structures on the everyday lives of adolescents.

This project was developed through a partnership with CatchLight, a visual-first media organization that leverages the power of visual storytelling to inform, connect, and transform communities.

Kaelin, 10th grade

Kaelin, a high school student with long braided hair, sits at a table in a classroom, leaning her head on her hand and holding a pencil while listening to someone across the table
Kaelin, a student in the 10th grade, prepares to participate in a lab during chemistry class. Kaelin has attended UCLA Community School since the 5th grade.
Kaelin walks down an outdoor staircase at school, which looks out over Los Angeles.
Kaelin walks down the stairs from the library.
Kaelin stands on a playground outdoors smiling down at a younger student with blue braided hair who smiles back up at her.
UCLA Community School serves students from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade, creating opportunities for older students to provide academic support and build relationships with students in the elementary grades. Kaelin, for example, is a reading buddy for Zoey (pictured here with Kaelin in the schoolyard).
Kaelin sits on a bench in the school courtyard, joking and laughing with a friend.
Kaelin and friend, Salia, play around during “nutrition,” a time to have a snack and socialize. “I like how everyone is connected,” said Kaelin. “I feel like everyone knows each other. My grade is an uplifting community.”

I like how everyone is connected. I feel like everyone knows each other. My grade is an uplifting community.

Recognizing how critical strong and trusting relationships are to students’ ability to thrive academically and socially, UCLA Community School fosters and encourages connections among students and teachers through a number of structures and practices. 

At the middle and high school level, students participate in advisories, which function like in-school families, building community and providing support. High school students are in the same advisory all 4 years, providing time for students and their faculty advisors to forge deep relationships. Parents and caregivers also benefit from having a known and trusted teacher to turn to with questions throughout their student’s high school career. 

Teachers, for their part, are supported in developing their relational skills alongside their teaching expertise. 

Students experience the many benefits of these structures and supports. “My teachers are actually going to help me succeed,” said Kaelin. “They will do everything to make sure,” she continued, sharing that she has had teachers who continue to reach out to her, even when she is no longer in their class.

A wide view of a school courtyard centered on a large stylized mural of a young person in blues, pinks, and greens. Trees dot the courtyard where students are gathering and socializing in groups.
Students gather for lunch against the backdrop of a mural, one of 24 throughout the Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools campus. The murals were created in 2016 as part of a public art project.

Students can play a variety of sports before or after school. In addition to playing tennis, Kaelin plays basketball, arriving early in the morning to practice before school starts.

“You build connection through playing a sport,” said Kaelin. “You are there for the same reason.” 

Based on their interests, students also participate in a variety of after-school clubs that encourage a culture of belonging. These include the Bruin Community Service Club, the Gender-Sexuality Alliance, and a Black Student Union and a Muslim Student Union, which students created to foster connection.

Kaelin and another high school student pose next to each other on an athletic court, holding tennis rackets in front of their faces as they look through the racket strings at the camera.
Kaelin and Alex, a student in the 12th grade, during Tennis Club.
Kaelin sits in a math classroom, with other students and a teacher around her.
Kaelin attends a geometry class. While math is not her favorite subject, she values her teacher’s hands-on approach of moving around the classroom to work with students. The small class size also allows for individualized attention.
Kaelin wears goggles while performing an experiment in chemistry class. She and other students surround a flaming Bunsen burner, which casts everything in an orange light.
Kaelin performs an experiment during chemistry. Like all UCLA Community School students, Kaelin is required to take chemistry as part of her college-preparation course work.

High school students at UCLA Community School benefit from an academic program that marries college-preparatory classes with project-based learning. Students have the opportunity to explore interest areas through an innovative seminar program that taps the passions and talents of staff to offer electives on topics ranging from robotics to Latin American film. 

All UCLA Community School students take a course load that exceeds the requirements for admissions to the University of California and California State University systems. Their classes are organized using a block schedule to allow more time for in-depth work and projects. Many students have the opportunity to experience college before they graduate high school through a dual enrollment partnership with Los Angeles City College.

UCLA Community School is also a dual language school. In the lower grades, all students receive language and content instruction in two languages, either Spanish/English or Korean/English. In grades 9–12, both new and continuing students enroll in a sequence of Spanish courses: Spanish 1–4, Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish Language, and AP Spanish Literature. About 4 in 10 students complete the requirements to earn the California State Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation.

On the left, Kaelin stands at a table writing. Next to her at center stand two other students, one leaning on the shoulder of the other. On the right, across the table from Kaelin, another student sits and writes.
Kaelin and fellow 10th grade students Selima, Tala, and Vanessa complete a Bunsen burner flame test lab in chemistry class. “I feel like I’ve known everyone for so long,” said Kaelin. “It feels like a family. I feel close to my teachers and I go to them for things I’d go to my parents for.”
Semiha, an 11th grader, interacts with science teacher Deborah Wang during a chemistry lab. “I appreciate that the administration treats teachers and staff as professionals… we are willing to give it our all,” Deborah noted.

I appreciate that the administration treats teachers and staff as professionals… we are willing to give it our all.

Kaelin stands on a stage holding a microphone, surrounded by about a dozen other high school students. Behind them is a projector screen with graphics celebrating "Teacher Appreciation Week"
Kaelin joins other students and teachers on stage for a teacher appreciation assembly.
Kaelin, who we see from behind/in profile, sits at a desk in a classroom smelling a small bouquet of roses.
Kaelin holds up a bouquet of roses that were delivered to students for their mothers on Mother’s Day.
A close-up photo of a high school student with dark hair who holds a guitar up close to his face as he looks off screen. His face and the guitar are lit up in pink and purple tones.
David, a student in the 11th grade, grips his guitar after performing in the Cocoanut Grove as part of an assembly showcasing seminar presentations. David, who emigrated from El Salvador, performed music in Spanish as part of a Latin Acting Ensemble.

The Ambassador Hotel’s Cocoanut Grove nightclub and theatre now serves as the auditorium for the Robert F. Kennedy campus. A world-famous nightclub from the 1920s to the 1980s, the Cocoanut Grove was once a hotspot for West Coast entertainers, including film noir actresses like Joan Crawford and Gloria Swanson. The famed Art Deco-style venue is now a gathering space for all the schools on the campus.

A school hallway with large yellow posters taped over lockers that ask "Who/what do you care about?" and "What do you do to relax?" Colorful post-its dot the posters around the hand-written questions.
Posters displayed during Open School (which brings the school community to campus) encourage students, families, and staff to check in with themselves emotionally. “All of the teachers are very welcoming and helpful,” said Emily, a senior at the school. “Most of them are understanding, like with mental health—if we need a break. A bad kid is a kid who doesn’t get the attention he needs. Here, we get the attention.”
A clock on a wall in a classroom next to a detailed poster titled "Historical Thinking Chart." Below the clock are miniature flags with many different color stripes.
Flags displayed in a history classroom.
A wide view looking down the front of a tall, modern building lined with classrooms. Students walk in the courtyard in front and on the balcony hallway on the second floor.
Elementary school students gather on the ground floor as high school students walk to classes on the second floor. 

Sujana, 11th grade

Sujana, a high school student with long wavy dark hair, stands at a table in a library putting something in her backpack. Behind her, a large mural of Robert F. Kennedy decorates the wall.
Sujana, a student in the 11th grade, prepares to give a tour of the campus. Sujana emigrated to the United States from Bangladesh with her parents and sister when she was 5 years old. She has attended UCLA Community School since kindergarten.

Sujana stands in the school library in front of a mural of Robert F. Kennedy by Los Angeles artist and UCLA professor Judith Baca. The UCLA Community School is housed in the former site of the Ambassador Hotel, where Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1968. “I feel like the murals help build a vibrant community where we acknowledge that a really tragic event happened at our school, but we can grow from that and we can turn that into a more communal kind of area where people are more inclusive and supportive, accepting,” said Sujana.
A profile view of Sujana as she stands next to blinds shading a classroom window.
Sujana waits for parents and students to arrive in a classroom during Open School.
Sujana stands next to an open door surrounded by a crowd of other students.
Sujana joins other high school students who are participating as volunteers at Open School.

Open School, which brings families and other members of the school community to campus, is just one way UCLA Community School engages families.

Parents and caregivers regularly participate in classroom observations and their feedback is shared with teachers and the community. They also serve as mentors for students and as advocates for positive changes in school practices. Because of parent and caregiver advocacy, for example, the school created a full-time college counselor position.

The school holds monthly “convivios” or gatherings, where they discuss a range of topics of interest to families. As with most community schools, UCLA Community School invests in a shared leadership model. Its school governance committee is composed of teachers, staff, parents and caregiver, students, and UCLA partners. Among the responsibilities of this body is to recommend the hiring or retention of the principal to the district and the superintendent.

UCLA Community School prides itself on being multicultural and multilingual. More than 80% of students are Hispanic/Latinx, most students (95%) speak a language other than English at home, and many school assemblies are held in both English and Spanish. In 2024, the school increased support to its diverse families through “Know Your Rights” workshops, in addition to providing guidance through the onsite legal clinic and counseling staff. These supports are offered as part of a broad array of services, supports, and opportunities made possible by the community school model.

Sujana stands with her hand on a colorful prize wheel in a classroom hallway. Behind her, a sign reads "UCLA Community School" above a collage featuring Black icons - one paper reads "Black Student Union."
Sujana stands by a wheel that students and parents are invited to spin to win a prize during Open School.
The arms of students holding pencils trace the outlines of a photo of white flowers projected against a wall covered with poster paper.
Sujana draws with a fellow member of the Student Advisory Board. They are making posters about countries reflected in students’ backgrounds in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Sujana sits at a classroom desk speaking with teachers who sit across from her. In the background, other students sit at desk interacting with each other and playing with a balloon.
Sujana interacts with her history teachers. “Our school fosters or has this kind of college-going culture where they really encourage students to go to college,” said Sujana “Whether that’s like getting a 2-year degree or a 4-year degree, they focus a lot on academics…” Sujana envisions potentially studying law after high school.

Our school… has this kind of college-going culture where they really encourage students to go to college.

UCLA Community School’s Student Advisory Board acts as a leadership body for high school students. It began during the pandemic when its members, as part of a research initiative, provided valuable information on how students and teachers were faring during remote learning. That initiative has since expanded into an ongoing leadership opportunity for students. Students also lead a variety of clubs and some have co-taught a seminar with faculty members.

Opportunities for leadership and engagement extend outside of school as well. Through experiential learning opportunities, students have the opportunity to research and address community issues and explore the diverse cultures of Koreatown, the neighborhood where the school is located. About two-thirds of area residents are foreign-born, primarily from Mexico, Central America, and Korea—among the highest percentage of immigrants in Los Angeles. Speaking about the school being located in Koreatown, Sujana notes, “This neighborhood is mostly like immigrants, right? It’s so nice… having a school where your cultures are celebrated and they’re kind of uplifted, instead of the students all being seen as homogenous.”

Sujana stands in front of a classroom door hugging and looking down at two younger students. Two other young students in tie dye shirts stand to the side talking.
Sujana embraces younger students in the after-school program. Sujana works as a teacher’s assistant, which is a paid position, four days per week.
Sujana sits cross-legged on a playground with a younger student. Both have their eyes closed and faces upturned to the sun.
Sujana takes in the sun with 2nd grade student, Galilee. “Kind of the biggest thing that I’ve taken away is learning to appreciate the age I’m at and my youth, because looking at them, I definitely did not appreciate being in 4th and 5th grade as much as I do now,” said Sujana of her time working with youth at the school.
Sujana and another student walk down a wide pathway leading away from school, their shadows on the ground in front of them.
Sujana and a friend walk home from the Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools campus.
A school principal stands in the school courtyard watching one high school student painting another student's nails.
Queena Kim, the school’s principal and a founding teacher, watches while Iolani, a 10th grade student, touches up 12th grader Marly’s nails.
High school students gather in a courtyard at lunch, standing with their arms outstretched and fingers pointed at each other to form a circle
Students gather at lunch.
Twin high school students with long dark hair, one with goggles on her head, stand in a swimming pool.
Twins Katia and Karla, students in the 10th grade, use the pool on campus. UCLA Community School shares facilities with the five other schools on the Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools campus. This includes cafeterias, the historic Cocoanut Grove theater, two libraries, two gymnasiums, a swimming pool, athletic fields, gardens, and several public art installations. The sprawling campus with these shared spaces allows students to access facilities, like the swimming pool, which tend not to be available to students attending smaller schools.

Javir, 12th grade

Javir, a high school student with short dark hair and facial hair, sits in a classroom smiling at something off screen.
Javir, a senior, sits during an economics class. Javir received a full scholarship to study civil engineering at UC Berkeley. On this day, Javir participates in a discussion about student loan debt. “I don’t believe education is something you should buy. I think it should be a right for everyone,” said Javir during a roundtable discussion with his peers.

I don’t believe education is something you should buy. I think it should be a right for everyone.

Javir and his girlfriend Adila stand laughing with each other. Adila wears Minny Mouse ears because they are at Disneyland, standing in front of the castle and surrounded by other high school seniors.
Javir and Adila gather with their classmates and seniors from schools around Southern California in front of the castle at Disneyland in honor of Grad Night in Anaheim, California.
A close up of Adila and Javir smiling at each other bathed in blue and purple light, with other multicolored lights blurred in the background as they spin on a Disneyland ride.
Adila and Javir ride the spinning teacups during Grad Night at Disneyland.

UCLA Community School’s K–12 grade span creates unique opportunities for bonding and relationship-building among all members of the school community. Like many of their classmates, Javir and Adila have attended UCLA Community School since kindergarten; they began dating in high school. “I see them after every summer and say, oh they grew a little taller, or they lost a tooth,” said Javir of witnessing his classmates develop from children into teenagers.

“I have more connection to my classmates, so I was able to look for systems of support better. I think most of my classmates felt the same way,” said Javir. “Yeah, academics was a very hard part. But if we felt moments of struggle or moments of self-doubt, we always have someone to reach out to… to empathize with what we’re going through. Because, I mean, we’ve all faced it since kindergarten.”

Javir stands against a wall in a classroom with his friend Joshua reaching around his shoulder. In front of them, more high school students work on a project on a laptop.
Javir and Joshua, who is also in the 12th grade and has attended the school since kindergarten, hang out during advisory.
Javir and a group of friends stand in a school hallway for a "prom proposal." One holds a large bouquet of flowers and another holds a hand decorated poster that reads "Will you take my hand on the Amtrack to prom?"
Javir and friends help decorate a poster for a friend’s prom proposal. “It’s going to be hard to leave school,” said Javir when asked about his close bonds with students and teachers.
From behind, we see two students with long hair sitting at desks in a classroom, leaning against each other affectionately.
Seniors lean on each other at the end of an Economics class at the school.
Javir, dressed in a suit for prom, stands on the porch of a house as his sister stands in front of him smiling and adjusting his hair.
Javir stands with his sister before picking up Adila for Senior Prom in Los Angeles, California.
At prom, Javir in a suit and Adila in a long blue dress stand together posed for a picture against the dramatic backdrop of the Los Angeles city skyline, with skyscrapers and buildings lit up against the late dusk sky.
Adila and Javir pose for photos at Senior Prom, where they tied with another couple for Prom King and Queen.

The combination of rigorous and engaging academics, supportive structures, and caring relationships at UCLA Community School translate into young people being well prepared for life after high school, including continuing their formal education. For example, nearly all (97%) of UCLA Community School students graduate with plans to attend college and 80% enroll in college immediately after graduation.

 “Even though I was still in the moment at graduation, there was a lot of nostalgia running through my mind. All the little events and memories I’ve had with these students. I realized, ‘Boom!’ I won’t see them again. It is sad, but it is also a nice feeling. We are looking forward to the next chapter of our lives,” said Javir. 

We are looking forward to the next chapter of our lives.

At the center of the frame, Javir stands in a blue graduation gown and cap, with other students in front and behind him waiting to walk across the graduation stage.
Javir lines up before walking the stage during graduation.
From the side, we see Javir in his blue graduation cap and gown hugging his mother, who smiles and looks proud, in a crowd of other students and families.
Javir embraces his mother, Janette, after graduation.

Isadora Kosofsky is a documentary photographer and filmmaker based in Los Angeles. She has contributed to the New York Times, National Geographic Magazine, TIME, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, Le Monde, Stern, GEO Germany and many others. Kosofsky is a TED Fellow, part of a network of global changemakers, and gave a talk at TED 2018. Most recently, she documented the devastation of the January 2025 Los Angeles fires for the New York Times, including the photos of young people in the article, “What It’s Like to Be a Kid After a Fire Took Almost Everything.”

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