Best Public Schools in Zip Code 90249

This analysis examines four public schools in zip code 90249 (Gardena, CA), including three elementary schools and one high school, serving a total of 1,586 students primarily within the Los Angeles Unified district.

Among the elementary schools, One Hundred Fifty-Sixth Street Elementary stands out as the top performer, ranking in the 86th percentile statewide with strong test scores and a very low chronic absenteeism rate of 8.8%. Chapman Elementary also performs well, while Purche Avenue Elementary faces significant challenges, ranking in the bottom quartile with the area's highest chronic absenteeism and lowest test scores despite receiving the most funding per student. The high school, Environmental Charter High - Gardena, shows impressive improvement and a 96.3% graduation rate, though its math scores are below the state average.

Key takeaways include a notable correlation between lower chronic absenteeism and higher academic performance, and that all three elementary schools outperform their district averages. The stark performance differences between schools with similar student economic backgrounds suggest factors beyond funding and demographics significantly impact outcomes, making school culture, attendance, and specific support services important considerations for parents.