LaVerne Elementary Preparatory Academy

LaVerne Elementary Preparatory Academy is a standout K-8 public school serving 505 students in Hesperia, CA, consistently ranking among the top schools in the state despite serving a community with significant economic needs.

The school's academic results are exceptional, with over 63% of students proficient in both English and Math, far exceeding state averages and dramatically outperforming all other nearby schools in the Hesperia Unified district, which typically see proficiency rates below 30%. LaVerne is particularly effective for all student groups, including English learners and students from low-income families, ranking in the 93rd to 95th percentile statewide for these populations. A major key to this success is an incredibly low chronic absenteeism rate of just 3.9%, compared to rates as high as 48.7% at neighboring schools like Eucalyptus Elementary or Lime Street Elementary.

Perhaps most striking is that LaVerne, part of its own independent district, achieves these results while spending about $13,200 per student, which is roughly one-third of what surrounding Hesperia Unified schools spend. The school has shown steady improvement, now ranking in the 82nd percentile statewide, making it a true "island of excellence" compared to other local options. The closest performing school is the Endeavour School of Exploration, but it still trails LaVerne in most metrics.