Summary:
Zip code 90021 contains one middle school, Para Los Ninos Middle, serving grades 6-8 in an area with very high economic need.
This school faces significant academic challenges, with student proficiency in English, math, and science all well below state averages. A particularly concerning trend is that student performance declines as they move through the grades; for example, math proficiency drops by nearly half from 6th to 8th grade. The school also has a serious issue with chronic absenteeism, with about one-third of students missing too much school, which is a major barrier to learning. It's important to note that the school's statewide ranking has been inconsistent in recent years.
Despite these academic struggles, the Para Los Ninos Middle District invests considerable resources, spending nearly $24,000 per student. This highlights that high funding alone does not guarantee strong academic outcomes, and the school's context of serving a student population where 94% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch is a crucial factor for parents to consider. The broader district itself is ranked in the bottom 20% statewide, suggesting these are systemic challenges.
Thank you for your feedback!