The New Millennium Secondary School (NMSS) is a charter high school in Gardena, CA committed to preparing students to become life-long learners and dynamic leaders in the competitive 21st century. NMSS was created to address the rising global competitive environment for talent. The United States currently ranks 15th in the world in terms of K-12 student achievement. Our students need to be better prepared to compete in an ever changing world and NMSS is prepared to shoulder this responsibility.
NMSS utilizes innovative technology for classroom instruction and student assessment. Great focus is emphasized on hiring the most talented and experienced teachers while ensuring these instructors personalize their teachings and maintain the goal of preparing students to compete for educational and occupational advancement. Additionally, all students are provided access to laptops for each school day and similar resources are on-demand 24/7 for further learning opportunities.
The NMSS curriculum is structured to have real-world application and students have access to free college-level courses through NMSS’ partnership with CSU Dominguez Hills along with other surrounding community colleges. Students at NMSS will be prepared to learn, inquire, and succeed in the advanced education and collegiate sphere.
NMSS is proud to be supported by former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, Millie Garcia (President, CSU Dominguez Hills), and Randal Lawson (Executive Vice President, Santa Monica Community College). NMSS has also been fortunate to receive contributions from the Walton Foundation, Broad Foundation, and Frank Baxter.
Mission Statement
It is not only a new millennium, it also a new era where technology has become integral to very success of people around the globe. It is our duty as an institution dedicated to academic excellence, personal growth, and future success to equip our students with the tools to adapt in this ever changing global economy. Our goal here at NMSS is to make sure each student that graduates from our school feels more than prepared to take on the challenges and responsibilities that will befall them in early adulthood.
Our Name
Our name comes from the belief that our students will be prepared to compete as scholars and leaders in the 21st Century. Success in the 21st century comes from providing a rigorous and relevant college-preparatory education that invests in talented human capital, utilizes cutting-edge technology, and strives to adapt public education to the new challenges and demands of today’s society.
School Leadership
Samantha Navarro, Principal
Ms. Navarro was named Principal in July, 2015 after serving as the assistant principal since June of 2012. Previously she was a social studies teacher at NMSS where she taught World History and United States History. Ms. Navarro taught at Brethren Christian High School for 7 years prior to coming to NMSS. There she taught United States History and Geography.
Ms. Navarro earned a B.A. from BIOLA University. She then earned an M.A. in Classroom Instruction from BIOLA University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from the University of Arizona.