About MPS

The Magnolia Educational & Research Foundation (“Foundation”) dba Magnolia Public Schools (MPS) is a non-profit organization established in August 1997. The Foundation is granted tax-exemption status (501(c)(3)) by the IRS and the State of California. The headquarters of the Foundation is located in Downtown Los Angeles, California. MPS oversees a network of charter schools throughout California dedicated to inspiring students to choose career paths in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM), while providing a robust, standards-based education program within a supportive culture of excellence.

In 1998, the Foundation began organizing volunteer tutors for middle and high schools, especially in math, science and computer technology areas by utilizing their connections to major research universities throughout Southern California.

In 1999, the Foundation organized and implemented a joint program with Culver City Unified School District to provide tutoring for students all around the city. It also started a free tutoring program in the Sherman Oaks/Van Nuys Area of the San Fernando Valley. These programs resulted in cooperation with school districts to develop partnerships to support educational initiatives.

In the fall of 2002, the Foundation established its first charter school, Magnolia Science Academy-1 (“MSA-1”), in the San Fernando Valley. Since then, the Foundation has successfully replicated its educational program and philosophy at 9 other charter school sites throughout California:

          • 8 in Los Angeles

          • 1 in San Diego

          • 1 in Santa Ana