Franklin D. Roosevelt High School

Franklin D. Roosevelt High School is a public secondary institution located in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. Opened in 1936, it is part of the Los Angeles Unified School District and serves a diverse student population. The school is named in honor of the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt.

History

The school opened its doors in 1936, during the later years of the Great Depression and the New Deal era championed by its namesake. Originally serving a predominantly Jewish and later a Japanese American community, the demographic composition shifted significantly after World War II with the arrival of a large Mexican American population. The school's history is deeply intertwined with the social changes in Boyle Heights, including the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. It has been a focal point for community identity and has witnessed various student-led initiatives for educational equity over the decades.

Academics

The school offers a comprehensive curriculum aligned with the California Department of Education standards, including numerous Advanced Placement courses. It houses several specialized programs, such as the Medical Careers Academy and a Law and Government magnet, designed to prepare students for post-secondary education and specific career pathways. Students consistently participate in academic decathlons and science fairs sponsored by organizations like the University of California, Los Angeles. The school's counseling department facilitates college readiness through partnerships with local institutions like East Los Angeles College.

Athletics

Athletic teams, known as the Rough Riders, compete in the CIF Los Angeles City Section within the Eastern League. The school maintains a strong tradition in sports such as baseball, basketball, and soccer, with historic rivalries against schools like Garfield High School. The campus facilities support these programs, and notable athletes have occasionally been recruited by NCAA Division I programs. The annual football game against Theodore Roosevelt High School is a longstanding highlight of the athletic calendar.

Notable alumni

The school's alumni include individuals who have achieved prominence in diverse fields such as politics, entertainment, and sports. In government, alumnus Antonio Villaraigosa served as the 41st Mayor of Los Angeles. The entertainment industry is represented by figures like actress Eva Longoria and musician Mickey Rooney Jr.. In literature, pulitzer prize-winning journalist and author Ruben Salazar is a distinguished graduate. The alumni community also includes professionals from the Los Angeles Police Department and educators within the University of Southern California system.

Campus and facilities

The original campus, featuring Art Deco architectural elements common to Works Progress Administration projects of the era, has undergone several expansions and renovations. Modern additions include a state-of-the-art science wing, a performing arts theater, and upgraded athletic facilities with a synthetic turf field. The school grounds also feature a memorial garden dedicated to alumni. The campus is situated near notable landmarks such as Evergreen Cemetery and the Los Angeles River.

Category:Educational institutions established in 1936 Category:High schools in Los Angeles