Libertas College Prep is a 4-8 charter middle school opening in Exposition Park in July 2015. It is founded with the belief that all students can succeed within a structured supportive school environment. We foster strong relationships with students and challenge them to be their best inside and outside the classroom. We are a college preparatory middle school founded on the following beliefs: - Fourth Grade is Pivotal: Research shows the achievement gap between urban students and their more affluent peers increases significantly in the 4th grade. We combat this trend by starting middle school in 4th grade and preparing students early for selective high schools. - Literacy is Everything: Los Angeles has markedly lower literacy rates than other major US cities. Our students will benefit from our strong emphasis on literacy development including three hours of reading instruction and practice daily with targeted remediation in phonics, fluency, and comprehension. - Teachers are Academic Leaders and Character Coaches: Students rise to the expectations of their teachers. Our teachers set high academic and character goals and work tenaciously to reach them with all students. - Structured and Joyful School Culture: Clear systems and routines allow students to focus on learning.