About the School
Environmental Charter Schools (ECS) is a network of free public charter schools in low-income communities of South Los Angeles, serving grades 6-12. Founded in 2001, ECS operates four schools: Environmental Charter High School in Lawndale, Environmental Charter Middle School-Gardena, Environmental Charter Middle School-Inglewood, and a new high school facility in Gardena. The network serves approximately 1,000 to 1,330 students annually with a dedicated team of around 250 to 274 employees. ECS's mission is to reimagine public education for communities of color, preparing students to be conscious, critical thinkers ready for college and to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world. The curriculum emphasizes environmental education, service-learning, and interdisciplinary opportunities. ECS is committed to providing tuition-free education with no admission requirements, ensuring access for all students in the area. The schools have a strong focus on college readiness, with 98