Paramount Unified outlines IB candidacy for Odyssey and a multi-year reunification at Paramount High
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Summary
Superintendent Dr. Joshua Lytle told chamber attendees that Odyssey STEM Academy is in candidacy for the International Baccalaureate program and described a four-phase, multiyear Paramount High School reunification project that aims to re-locate ninth graders and add athletic and classroom facilities by 2027'031.
Paramount Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Joshua Lytle used the chamber luncheon to summarize district strategic priorities and highlight academic programs and facility plans intended to boost college and career readiness.
Lytle said the board adopted new mission, vision and strategic priorities in May 2024 following comprehensive needs assessments and community engagement. He highlighted early-education dual-language immersion (TK through grade 8), AVID demonstration schools, and 15 high-school career technical education pathways across eight state-recognized industry sectors. "We want our students to be purposeful communicators, effective collaborators and competent thinkers," Lytle said when describing the district's learner profile.
On program expansion, Lytle announced that Odyssey STEM Academy is officially in candidacy for the International Baccalaureate program, which the district said aligns with Odyssey's emphasis on internships, service and capstone projects. He described IB recognition as a step that can increase college-recognition of student credentials nationally and internationally.
Lytle provided detailed timelines for a multi-phase Paramount High School reunification expected to begin implementation in the 2027'028 school year. Phase 1 will redesign the West Campus field with new tennis courts, a baseball field, practice field and a clubhouse; Phase 2 will add approximately 150 parking spaces and additional student drop-off points on the senior campus with completion planned before August 2027; Phase 3 includes a new aquatic center and expanded athletic and classroom space; and Phase 4 will remove about five portable classrooms to create additional parking (about 70 spaces). Altogether the district described plans for more than 200 additional parking spaces and a four-year project schedule.
Lytle also pointed to performance indicators: the district reported consecutive-year gains across California Dashboard academic indicators, graduation rates above the state average (more than 90%), and continued work on chronic absenteeism. He noted the district's partnership with Compton College to offer concurrent enrollment and an administrative-justice program that can earn students an associate degree alongside a high-school diploma.
Next steps: the district said it will continue community engagement and deliver design concepts and implementation schedules for the reunification project, while monitoring academic indicators and enrollment needs.
