Best Public Schools in Arleta, CA

This analysis examines six public schools in the Arleta neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, including five elementary schools and one high school, serving a total of 2,882 students in a community with high economic need.

Among the elementary schools, Vena Avenue Elementary stands out as the top performer, ranking in the 74th percentile statewide with the strongest test scores and the lowest rate of chronic student absences. In contrast, Sharp Avenue Elementary faces significant challenges, ranking in the 28th percentile despite receiving the highest per-student funding in the area. The charter school, Valor Academy Elementary, performs comparably to district schools. For high school, Arleta High shows a remarkable 96% graduation rate that far exceeds averages, though its students' standardized test scores are below those of the district and state.

Overall, schools in Arleta, all part of the Los Angeles Unified district except for Valor, show a strong link between lower absenteeism and higher academic performance. The data suggests school-level practices significantly impact outcomes, as seen in Vena Avenue's success and Arleta High's ability to graduate nearly all of its students. The absence of a dedicated middle school means students transition directly from elementary to high school, which may present unique challenges for the community.