Transitions...

Transitions...

Education at Portola HGM focuses on joy and rigor so that our young learners are able to transition smoothly from elementary school to middle school and then from middle school to high school. Please view the many ways that we support our HGM scholars.

Real-world learning experiences support our HGM learners….

  • Making seed balls with native plant seeds..

    Caring for Butterflies...

  • Growing food....

  • Clean Campus Campairn

    Clean Campus

  • LAUSD STEAMFEST: Teaching Squid Anatomy!

  • Presenting our learning....

  • Model UN

  • Renaissance Faire: Student-designed booths

  • LAUSD STEAMFEST: Teaching About Invertebrates

  • Creative Processing....

  • Learning with our HGM alumni...

  • Sharing our ideas with others

  • Engaging in scientific discussions with peers...

Sixth-grade Science and Social Studies are Cored

Apple Mummy experiment in science class and historical research into the science of Egyptian religious beliefs about human organs….

HGM Administrator: Ms. Park

 I am the proud administrator of our Highly-Gifted Program. With over twenty years in gifted education, I am committed to nurturing intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving in every student. Our program blends accelerated, inquiry-based curriculum with mentorship, enrichment opportunities, and social-emotional supports to challenge learners while honoring their individual strengths. I value strong partnerships with families and teachers, and I look forward to working together to ensure each gifted learner thrives academically, socially, and emotionally.

I am thrilled to serve as the HGM coordinator this year and look forward to supporting our community in any way I can. With eight years of experience as an English teacher, I bring both passion and dedication to this role.

Born in the Philippines, I moved to the United States when I was four years old. My educational journey took me from Orange Coast Community College to UC Berkeley, where I completed my undergraduate degree, and then to USC, where I earned my master's in teaching.

When I'm not working, I love spending quality time with my husband Jon and our two children, Julian and Liliana. Our family enjoys getting outdoors—whether we're hiking scenic trails or camping under the stars, we treasure these moments together in nature.

Colleagues and friends often describe me as fun, efficient, and relatable—qualities I strive to bring to every interaction and project.

I'm excited about the opportunities ahead and eager to collaborate with all of you this year!

HGM Coordinator, Ms. Gentry

HGM Counselor: Ms. Alvarado

I am excited and honored to serve as the Highly Gifted Magnet (HGM) Counselor this year. This is my 10th year as a school counselor at Portola, and I am grateful to support our HGM community. I look forward to helping students grow socially and emotionally, achieve academic success, and build the skills they need for their college and career goals.

Education has always been a big part of my family, with my grandmother, father, and sister all working in education. I also caught the “teaching bug,” but found my passion through school counseling. I enjoy supporting students as they recognize their strengths, navigate challenges, and prepare for their future.