Summary:
The B. Roberto Cruz Leadership Academy District consists of a single, small high school, B. Roberto Cruz Leadership Academy, serving about 260 students in grades 9-12 in San Jose.
This school serves a high-needs community, with nearly 90% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, and it faces significant challenges, particularly with chronic student absenteeism that is more than double the state average. Academically, state test scores are well below California averages across all subjects, with mathematics proficiency being an area of particular concern. However, the school maintains a graduation rate over 90%, which is higher than its test scores might predict and above the state's average dropout rate, suggesting strong systems are in place to support students through to completion.
Notably, the district spends significantly more per student than the California average, yet this investment has not translated to higher standardized test performance, indicating that the school's challenges—like poverty and attendance—are substantial. For parents, this school represents an environment with small class sizes and a dedicated focus on keeping students enrolled and graduating, but one where academic achievement, as measured by state tests, remains a critical area for improvement.
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