Summary:
San Pedro, California is served by 17 public schools across the Los Angeles Unified and Port of Los Angeles High District, educating students from kindergarten through 12th grade, with a mix of 11 elementary schools, one middle school, and five high schools including alternative programs.
The standout academic performer is Port of Los Angeles High, a charter school that ranks significantly higher than others, with exceptional test scores and very low chronic absenteeism. Among elementary schools, Park Western Place Elementary and Taper Avenue Elementary are top-rated, while Richard Henry Dana Middle, the area's only traditional middle school, shows average performance, indicating a potential challenge for students transitioning between elementary and high school.
Parents should note there is no clear link between higher spending and better results; some schools with the highest per-student funding have the lowest rankings. Chronic absenteeism is a strong indicator of school performance, with schools like Point Fermin Elementary excelling in both attendance and academics. The traditional San Pedro Senior High has a strong graduation rate, while alternative high schools serve vulnerable students with much lower graduation rates and higher absenteeism.
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