Summary:
This analysis examines five elementary schools (grades K-5) in the 90047 zip code of Los Angeles, an area where all schools serve predominantly low-income student populations.
Among these schools, Seventy-Fourth Street Elementary stands out as the top performer, with math scores above state averages and the lowest chronic absenteeism rate in the group. TEACH Prep Mildred S. Cunningham & Edith H. Morris Elementary shows the most dramatic improvement, jumping from a 0-star to a 1-star rating. In stark contrast, Manhattan Place Elementary spends nearly $54,000 per student—the highest by far—yet has consistently ranked in the state's bottom 1%, demonstrating that high spending alone does not guarantee academic success.
Overall, these schools face significant challenges, with chronic absenteeism rates well above the state average and science proficiency being a universal weakness. Performance in math is a relative strength for several schools, approaching state averages. The schools show mixed results between charter and traditional Los Angeles Unified district models, with one charter showing impressive growth and another experiencing a notable decline. Parents should note the extreme variation in performance between grade levels within individual schools, indicating that the educational experience can differ significantly even within the same building.
Thank you for your feedback!