Glendale Unified

The Glendale Unified school district serves approximately 25,000 students across 32 diverse schools, from elementary through high school, ranking in the 77th percentile statewide and generally outperforming California averages in test scores, graduation rates, and attendance.

The district features several standout schools, particularly in the northern La Crescenta area, including Monte Vista Elementary (ranked in the 99th percentile) and Crescenta Valley High (95th percentile), which boast very high test scores and graduation rates. The specialized Anderson W. Clark Magnet High is another top performer, ranking in the 97th percentile with exceptional science and math proficiency. In contrast, some schools, like John Marshall Elementary and Daily (Allan F.) High (Continuation), face significant challenges with much lower academic proficiency and higher chronic absenteeism.

Key takeaways for parents are that mathematics is a district-wide challenge compared to English, chronic absenteeism is strongly linked to academic performance, and higher per-student spending does not automatically correlate with better outcomes. The district shows a notable performance gap between its middle schools, with Rosemont Middle significantly outperforming others. Overall, Glendale Unified is a district of both high achievement and clear opportunity, where school performance varies considerably.