Summary:
The 90242 zip code in Downey, California, is served by ten public schools, including seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school, primarily within the Downey Unified district, which is ranked in the top third statewide.
Among the standout schools, Lewis (Ed C.) Elementary achieves the highest test scores for elementary grades, while Stauffer (Mary R.) Middle is the highest-ranked middle school. Carpenter (C. C.) Elementary is notable for having exceptionally low chronic absenteeism, a sign of strong student engagement. In contrast, Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, operated by the Los Angeles County Office of Education, faces severe academic challenges and operates in a unique context separate from the traditional district schools.
Key findings for parents include a noticeable dip in 8th-grade math performance at the middle schools, suggesting a potential area for district focus on adolescent transitions. Science proficiency is a relative weakness across nearly all schools compared to English and math. The district shows consistent quality, with most schools receiving 3-star ratings, and the success of schools like Lewis Elementary demonstrates that strong academic results can be achieved across different community circumstances within the area.
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