Summary:
This analysis covers three elementary schools (grades K-5) in the affluent Los Angeles zip code 90049, all part of the Los Angeles Unified district, revealing a landscape of high achievement alongside significant economic diversity.
The standout academic performers are the two charter schools: Kenter Canyon Elementary Charter and Community Magnet Charter Elementary, both consistently ranking in the top 4% of California elementary schools with 5-star ratings and proficiency rates far exceeding state averages. In contrast, Brentwood Science, a traditional public school, serves a much higher-need population and ranks lower, though it has shown impressive recent improvement, jumping from the 49th to the 63rd percentile in state rankings.
Key findings include a notable inverse relationship between spending and test scores, with Brentwood Science spending the most per student but having the lowest proficiency rates, while Kenter Canyon spends the least but maintains top-tier results. Chronic absenteeism is also strongly correlated with performance, being lowest at the highest-achieving schools. This cluster of schools demonstrates that even within a single affluent area, family economic circumstances and school models create vastly different educational environments and outcomes.
Thank you for your feedback!