Summary:
Zip code 90036 in Los Angeles contains just one public high school, Whitman Continuation, a small continuation school serving grades 9-12 for students who have faced challenges in traditional settings.
As the only high school option in the area, Whitman Continuation serves 45 students with a very high level of per-student funding and a favorable student-teacher ratio, allowing for individualized support. The school's primary success is measured by its 84.4% graduation rate, which is close to the state average and indicates it effectively helps at-risk students complete their diplomas. However, academic proficiency in English, math, and science is below the averages for the Los Angeles Unified district and the state, and the school has shown significant year-to-year volatility in its statewide rankings.
The most pressing challenge is an extremely high chronic absenteeism rate of 81.3%, which far exceeds district and state levels and highlights significant barriers to consistent attendance. This context is crucial for understanding the school's performance, as it serves a population with high economic need, where 91% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. For parents, this school represents a critical alternative pathway focused on graduation for students who need a different educational environment, though its small size and specific mission mean traditional academic comparisons have limited relevance.
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