Summary:
This analysis covers 13 schools within the Montebello Unified School District in zip code 90640, serving grades K-12 in the Montebello, CA area, where most schools serve a high-need population.
While the district overall performs below the state average, there are standout schools worth noting. Schurr High is the highest-ranked traditional high school with strong graduation rates and test scores, showing consistent improvement in recent years. Applied Technology Center boasts an exceptional 98.8% graduation rate and the best English proficiency in the area, while La Merced Academy is the top-performing K-8 school. In contrast, Greenwood Elementary and the continuation school, Vail High, face significant challenges with low test scores and high chronic absenteeism.
Key takeaways for parents include notable performance differences between schools with similar demographics, such as Washington Elementary significantly outperforming other elementary schools. There is a noticeable drop in math proficiency as students move from elementary to middle school, and chronic absenteeism is strongly correlated with lower academic performance. The specialized programs at Applied Technology Center and the positive trajectory at Schurr High suggest that specific school models and supports can lead to strong outcomes even within a challenging district context.
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