Maywood Academy High School is in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and was designed to meet the CHPS Criteria by WLC Architects, Inc. and LAUSD's New Construction Division. Maywood Academy surpassed the minimum threshold for a CHPS school, 28 points, receiving 50 points under the 2002 Edition!

Ying Wang, LAUSD's Project Manager, stated that “the sustainable features were well integrated into the architectural design from conceptual design stages," and that "it took good team work, including the designers, contractors, and community to reach the goal."

Through careful planning Maywood Academy was designed to exceed Title 24 (2001) energy standards

by 30% through utilizing daylight and photo sensors that automatically dim based on the daylight

available. In addition, cool roofs were installed on 100% of the schools roofs decreasing the need

for air conditioning. Both this feature and reducing impervious surfaces the school reduces its

contribution to the heat island effect in the LA area. Special attention to material selection was

made a priority for environmental protection and to ensure healthy indoor air quality. Materials and

finishes were chosen that were low-emitting (carpet and ceiling tile), and materials with high recycled

content (steel and gypsum board) were specified. At least 50 percent of the construction waste was

recycled rather than land filled. The classrooms are also sound isolated achieving an optimal desired

noise level in a learning environment, 45dbA.