Summary:
This analysis examines two middle schools serving grades 6-8 in the 90002 zip code of Los Angeles, a high-need area where over 90% of students at both schools qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
Comparing the two schools, KIPP Philosophers Academy, a charter school in the KIPP Philosophers Academy District, shows somewhat stronger academic performance in English and Science than the larger Edwin Markham Middle, a traditional public school in Los Angeles Unified. However, both schools perform well below California state averages across all subjects, and they rank in the bottom 15% of middle schools statewide.
A significant challenge for both schools is chronic student absenteeism, with rates far exceeding the state average, which heavily impacts learning. Interestingly, Edwin Markham operates with more funding per student and a lower student-teacher ratio than KIPP, yet has similar or lower test scores, highlighting a complex relationship between resources and outcomes. For parents, this indicates that while KIPP may have a slight academic edge, both schools serve a similar community and face substantial hurdles in student attendance and academic achievement compared to schools across the state.
Thank you for your feedback!