Best High Schools in Zip Code 90804

This analysis covers two public high schools serving grades 9-12 in zip code 90804 within the Long Beach Unified school district, revealing two institutions with very different strengths and student outcomes.

Wilson High, the larger comprehensive school, shows stronger academic performance in English Language Arts, outperforming both district and state averages, though its statewide ranking has declined in recent years. In contrast, Richard D. Browning High, a smaller alternative school, achieves an exceptional 98.2% graduation rate and a very low dropout rate, significantly exceeding averages, despite having lower standardized test scores. Both schools, however, face significant challenges in math and science proficiency, with rates well below district and state averages.

A critical issue for both schools is a high rate of chronic student absenteeism, exceeding 33%, which is notably higher than the district and state. Furthermore, while Richard D. Browning High benefits from more funding per student and a lower student-teacher ratio than Wilson High, this has not translated to higher test scores or rankings, highlighting the complex relationship between resources, school type, and measured outcomes.