Best Middle Schools in Zip Code 90247

This analysis examines two middle schools (grades 6-8) located in Gardena, California (zip code 90247), both serving student populations with high economic need.

Environmental Charter Middle - Gardena emerges as the stronger academic performer compared to Robert E. Peary Middle. Environmental Charter, a smaller charter school, achieves higher proficiency rates in English and math despite having a higher student-teacher ratio and lower per-student spending. It also shows a positive three-year improvement trend in statewide rankings. Robert E. Peary Middle, a much larger school in the Los Angeles Unified district, consistently ranks in the lower quartile of schools and its ranking has declined in recent years.

Key takeaways include Environmental Charter's better outcomes with fewer financial resources per student, though both schools perform below state averages, particularly in science. Environmental Charter also has a lower chronic absenteeism rate. The performance gap between these two demographically similar schools suggests factors beyond funding, such as school size, curriculum, or culture, may influence success. Parents should note Environmental Charter's improving trajectory and stronger core subject performance when considering options in this area.