Summary:
This analysis examines three middle schools serving grades 6-8 in the 90301 zip code of Inglewood, CA, revealing significant differences in performance and resources among a charter, a traditional public, and a specialized STEM academy.
Among these schools, Century Community Charter stands out as the highest performer, ranking above the state average in English and maintaining the lowest chronic absenteeism rate at 12.4%, all while spending the least per student. In contrast, Crozier (George W.) Junior High, part of the Inglewood Unified district, shows strong recent improvement but struggles with a very high 40.2% chronic absenteeism rate that correlates with lower math scores. The specialized Grace Hopper STEM Academy presents a concerning paradox, with the highest per-student funding yet the lowest academic rankings and a strikingly low 2.5% proficiency in science.
Key takeaways for parents include noting the steady improvement trend across all three schools over the past three years. The data suggests that factors beyond just funding, such as attendance and school culture exemplified by Century Community Charter's model in the Century Community Charter District, are crucial for student success. While all schools serve a predominantly low-income population, outcomes vary widely, indicating that the specific school environment and support systems make a significant difference in student achievement.
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