Best High Schools in Zip Code 90221

This analysis examines three public high schools in zip code 90221, part of Compton, California, all serving grades 9-12 within the Compton Unified district, with two traditional comprehensive schools and one continuation school for at-risk students.

For families considering the comprehensive high schools, Manuel Dominguez High stands out for its exceptional 97.8% graduation rate and the lowest chronic absenteeism in the area, while Compton High shows strong recent improvement in its statewide ranking and leads in English Language Arts proficiency. Both schools graduate students at rates far above the state average, though they, along with the entire district, face significant challenges in mathematics and science proficiency where scores lag behind state benchmarks. Cesar Chavez Continuation High serves a distinct population with intensive needs, resulting in very different academic outcomes and attendance patterns compared to the traditional schools.

Key takeaways for parents include noting the clear relationship between attendance and success, as schools with lower chronic absenteeism have higher graduation rates. The district invests more funding per student than the California average, yet academic proficiency, especially in math, remains a systemic focus area. The continuation school's severe challenges, despite higher per-student funding, highlight the complex needs of its student population and indicate that the traditional school model may not be effective for all learners in the community.