Onward 2 High School is the premier middle school to high school bridge program in the heart of Los Angeles. O2HS was designed to support a successful transition through middle school to high school with special focus on academics, interest exploration, and social success through partner schools and summer institute programming. We are dedicated to giving middle school students from schools within the ADLA, charter, and public schools the direction they need to achieve academic excellence and college readiness as they enter high school.
Our students are given support as they build the necessary skills to be ready for success in high school. In addition to providing dedicated educators and coaches to partner schools, O2HS invites students to participate in a variety of activities, including partner school college readiness presentations and “Math Saturdays”. The Onward 2 High School Summer Institute program, open to rising 7th and 8th grade students, aims to empower every student to thrive academically in high school and beyond.
The program is supported by The Smet Foundation, learn more about them here.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
Student Success
High School & Elementary School Alignment
summer EnrichmentOur Mission01
Attract, enroll, and prepare bold, goal-oriented middle school students with strong academic records to make a smooth transition to high school and pursue educational pathways during the critical teen years
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Close the educational gap between the academic and interpersonal skills our students have developed in their K-6 experiences and the skills required to persist towards high school graduation and beyond
03
Foster an environment that equips students with confidence and a growth mindset to reach their greatest potential
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Create spaces for students to explore their strengths and interests in connection with future high school, higher education, and professional opportunities
program at a glance2
High Schools5
elementary Schools2
summer institutes
Meet the Team-
Teaching Model Program Director
Alexis Herrera is a proud product of Catholic schools. She attended the University of San Francisco on a scholarship and is the first in her family to graduate from university. She continued her education at Loyola Marymount University and the PLACE Corp to earn her Master Degree in Urban Education.
Alexis is passionate about bringing educational opportunities to students and became the founding program director for The Smet Foundation's Onward 2 High School. She currently teaches two accelerated Algebra One Honors courses for 8th grade students at two partner schools; Sacred Heart Elementary School and St. Bernard Elementary School. Alexis also directs the Summer Institute at Sacred Heart High School to enrich middle school students in their learning and help them on their path to higher education!
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Coaching Model Program Director
Katie Pierce’s journey in education has been both inspiring and impactful. After earning her B.A. in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Children’s Mathematics and Multi-Subject Teaching Credential, Katie pursued further education at Loyola Marymount University, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Catholic Inclusion. Currently, she is pursuing her administrative credential.
Raised in San Pedro, she began her teaching career at Mary Star Elementary School, where she taught middle school math and science. With 13 years of teaching experience in both public and private schools, Katie now serves as the Onward 2 High School Program Director at St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy. In this role, she not only supports the math department but also coaches teachers and supports students at nearby partner schools. Her dedication to academic excellence is evident in her leadership of the Summer Institute at St. Pius X - St. Matthias High School, which focuses on enriching middle school students' learning and preparing them for college. Katie’s passion for guiding students towards their full potential is at the heart of her work.