
Braddock Gifted Magnet is one of LAUSD’s highest performing elementary school magnet programs. Dedicated, creative teachers provide students with rigorous and differentiated curriculum. Braddock Gifted Magnet students participate in a science fair, spelling bee, musical production, and more. They read novels beyond their grade levels, do project-based math and science projects, explore topics in current events, create and edit short films, and more. Braddock Gifted Magnet classes benefit from dedicated teacher’s aides (paid for by the Friends of Braddock) whose assistance permits the teachers to do extra programming.
Braddock Gifted Magnet was established in 1999 at Braddock Drive Elementary School, an LAUSD school located on the westside of Los Angeles. Braddock Drive Elementary School offers three distinct programs: Braddock Gifted Magnet, a dual-language Mandarin Immersion Program, and a community school. There is one principal, and all the facilities are shared among the entire school. The Braddock Gifted Magnet program can enroll a maximum of 108 students, with one class per grade in 2nd through 5th grade. Braddock Gifted Magnet does not have a kindergarten or 1st grade. Braddock Gifted Magnet shares all facilities and school-wide activities with the Mandarin Immersion Program and the community school, in addition to having its own activities and events.
At Braddock Gifted Magnet, the focus is on higher levels of cognitive concepts and thinking processes. Teachers provide enrichment and encourage originality. Differentiation is reflected through acceleration, depth, pacing, complexity and creativity. Teaching one to two years above grade level is standard. Braddock Gifted Magnet students have historically been some of the highest performing in the district.