My name is Dr. Geneva Matthews, and I am truly excited for this upcoming school year. With over 13 years working at Environmental Charter Schools, I can confidently say that Environmental Charter Middle School – Inglewood is a special place where students are encouraged to be kids, to run, jump, play, and fully experience the joys and challenges of middle school.
We know that transitioning from elementary school to middle school can feel like a big leap. Moving from one or two teachers to a team of four in sixth and seventh grade, and five in eighth grade, is a shift that we help students and families navigate with care and compassion. As a former school counselor, I deeply understand the importance of supporting the whole child. At ECMS-Inglewood, we collaboratively wrap around our students with a caring team of teachers, staff, families, and community partners. We know that growth happens when students feel seen, supported, and challenged.
At ECMS-Inglewood, learning goes far beyond textbooks. We engage students in interdisciplinary learning, where subjects like science, math, English, and history connect in meaningful ways. In every class, every day, students are challenged to think critically, make connections, and productively struggle through problems they’ve never encountered before — academically, socially, and emotionally. Whether they’re exploring environmental justice through science or analyzing history through literature, we believe in learning that is deep, relevant, and connected.
We also believe learning happens everywhere, not just inside a classroom. From our annual overnight camping trip to caring for our campus pets like chickens, bunnies, and guinea pigs, students build connection, confidence, and joy both in and out of the classroom.
As we continue to lean into our core values of collaboration, compassion, and critical thinking, I am thrilled to share that we now have an official mascot, the Monarch! The Monarch butterfly represents transformation, resilience, and beauty in growth, which perfectly captures the journey our students take during their time with us.
Thank you for being part of our ECMS-Inglewood community. It is an honor to lead this incredible school, and I cannot wait to see all the brilliance our students will bring this year.
Warmly,
Dr. Geneva Matthews
Principal