Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 90605

This analysis examines six elementary schools serving grades K-5 or K-6 in zip code 90605, located in Whittier, California, revealing significant performance differences between the two local districts: the higher-performing East Whittier City Elementary district and the lower-performing South Whittier Elementary district.

The clear standout is Ocean View Elementary, which consistently ranks among the top schools in the state, excels in English and math, and has very low student absenteeism. In contrast, Carmela Elementary faces the steepest challenges, with the lowest academic scores and rankings in the group. A notable positive story is Lake Marie Elementary, which has shown dramatic improvement in its state ranking over the past year.

Interestingly, higher per-student spending does not guarantee better results; the top-performing school has moderate funding, while the highest-spending school has average rankings. Chronic absenteeism is lower at higher-performing schools, and science scores are an area for growth across all schools. The data shows that within this single zip code, school performance varies widely, suggesting factors beyond just funding or location significantly impact student success.