The magnet program recruited top teachers and became known for its high test scores and placement of students in prestigious colleges.

[7] Principal Marie Thornton set out in 1986 to change that culture by insisting on more integration of the programs and requiring magnet teachers to also teach classes to the non-magnet students.

The schools were widely regarded as failing and even dangerous, as violence caused by clashes between local gangs was common.

[12] Vincent Riveroll came into this situation in 2004 as middle school principal, and together with a committed group of teachers and staff members, he "started the war to reclaim Gompers.

[13] But the committee persisted, UCSD joined the effort, and the district approved the charter school a few months later, with Riveroll returning as principal.

[12] Students at the academy can compete in softball, baseball, crew, basketball, soccer, track, tennis, lacrosse, volleyball, swimming, golf, and cross country.