Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy

Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy (HTPA) is a unique early college high school located on the campus of Los Angeles Harbor College in Wilmington, California. Operating as a partnership between the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Los Angeles Community College District, the school offers a rigorous academic environment specifically designed for students interested in pursuing a career in education. The primary mission of the academy is to accelerate the path to professional teaching by allowing students to complete their high school graduation requirements while simultaneously earning college credits, often graduating with an Associate’s degree or significant transferable coursework.

The school is characterized by its small, intimate setting, which fosters a close-knit community focused on mentorship and professional development. Because it is located directly on a college campus, students are immersed in a higher-education atmosphere from their freshman year, granting them access to college facilities and resources. This "middle college" model is intended to remove barriers to higher education, providing a structured, supportive pathway for students—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—to become the next generation of highly qualified teachers and educational leaders.