A senior at Reseda Charter High School recently earned the highest score in the nation as part of Stanford University’s Computer Science Equity Lab course. With help from computer science teacher Mario Flores, Yanxi Rodriguez was able to effectively engage with a college-level computer science course from Stanford University as part of a National Education Equity Lab pilot program.
“Congratulations to Yanxi for achieving this important distinction,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Yanxi’s accomplishment demonstrates the important work that occurs when we provide our students with the opportunity to achieve their highest academic potential with a rigorous curriculum. We want all our students to have access to collegiate-level courses with all the support that Los Angeles Unified can provide.”
As valedictorian, Rodriguez now joins the National Education Equity Lab Honor Society, where she will have access to college mentors and academic resources to enrich her academic potential.
“Congratulations, Yanxi, for this well-earned accolade,” Region North Superintendent David Baca said. “Yanxi’s academic accomplishment shows what all our students are capable of when we present them with an educational opportunity that matches their true academic potential. We’re exceptionally proud of Yanxi’s hard work and Mr. Flores’ ongoing support.”
Reseda Charter High School is one of eight high schools within Los Angeles Unified that is participating in a pilot program with the National Education Equity Lab, providing students with access to college instructors from their high school classroom. Students at participating high schools have access to instructors from Georgetown University, Stanford University and Barnard College for coursework in geography, computer science and microeconomics.
“We are incredibly proud of Yanxi,” Reseda Charter High School Principal Melanie Welsh said. “Her academic achievement, aided by science teacher Mr. Mario Flores, shows the true benefit of providing our students with college-level experiences.”
In addition to earning high school credit, participating students also have the opportunity to earn college credits through the completion of their Equity Lab coursework.
“Yanxi, congratulations on such a wonderful achievement,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off. To Yanxi’s family, friends and school community: thank you for supporting Yanxi and her academic endeavors.”
“I am so proud of Yanxi Rodriguez, valedictorian for the Stanford Computer Science Equity Lab,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “I also want to recognize her computer science teacher Mario Flores and the school community at Reseda Charter High who have supported her. This reminds us that when we provide our students experiences that help them show their potential, they are able to step up and shine.”
This partnership with the National Education Equity Lab is part of the LAUSD’s 2022-26 Strategic Plan, ensuring that students graduate ready for the world with multiple pathways to college and career exploration. The district aims to expand this pilot program with the National Education Equity Lab to additional schools in the coming months.
“We are proud of Yanxi and look forward to many great things from her in the future,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said.
“As an alumni of Reseda High, I am so proud of Yanxi’s accomplishment and the support of her school community,” Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said. “The top score in the nation doesn’t begin to describe the sheer joy of learning that such a distinction represents and her ability to break barriers in computer science.”
“Congratulations to Yanxi on this wonderful achievement and well-deserved recognition, and to Mr. Flores for helping to make this success possible,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “I am proud to represent the Reseda High school community and to support expanding pilot programs like this — so that all our students have access to innovative opportunities that can unlock their full potential.”
“We are so proud of Yanxi on this exciting achievement,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “Yanxi’s accomplishment reminds us all that LAUSD students are brilliant, and that with the right support from caring educators like Mr. Flores, each of them can meet the rigor of college courses and succeed. Congratulations to Yanxi, Mr. Flores and Reseda Charter High School.”
“Congratulations, Yanxi Rodriguez on your incredible accomplishment, bringing a huge sense of pride to your family, your school, your entire District and most importantly, yourself,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said.