Summary:
This analysis examines 12 elementary schools in zip code 90201, serving grades K-6 (with one kindergarten-only center) in the communities of Bell, Bell Gardens, and Cudahy, California, all of which serve predominantly low-income student populations.
When comparing schools, Jaime Escalante Elementary and Teresa Hughes Elementary stand out as the highest performers, both part of Los Angeles Unified, with strong test scores and, at Jaime Escalante, remarkably low chronic absenteeism. Nueva Vista Elementary is another consistently strong performer. In contrast, schools like Suva Elementary (in Montebello Unified) and Park Avenue Elementary rank lower, with Suva showing the weakest academic proficiency and Park Avenue struggling with high chronic absenteeism.
Overall, schools in this area face significant challenges, with academic proficiency generally below state averages, particularly in science. There is a notable performance gap between the two districts, with Los Angeles Unified schools typically outperforming those in Montebello Unified within this zip code. A key finding is the strong link between attendance and performance; schools with lower chronic absenteeism rates tend to achieve better academic results. Parents should also be aware that several schools show concerning drops in student performance in the upper grades, suggesting varying support as students advance.
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