Summary:
This analysis examines four elementary schools (K-5) within the Long Beach Unified School District, all located in the 90813 zip code of Long Beach, CA, which serve student populations with high economic need (80-90% qualifying for free/reduced lunch).
Lincoln Elementary stands out as the highest-performing school in the area, ranking in the 63rd percentile statewide and leading in English, Math, and Science proficiency while also having the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (though still high at 28.3%). Jenny Oropeza Elementary shows the most dramatic recent improvement, jumping from the 27th to the 41st percentile, despite having the highest chronic absenteeism. Roosevelt Elementary and Whittier Elementary face greater challenges, with Whittier consistently ranking in the state's bottom quartile.
Key findings for parents include a widespread issue with chronic absenteeism, which is significantly above state averages at all four schools and may impact learning. While academic performance varies, all schools trail the state average in Science proficiency. Notably, Lincoln achieves its strong results with the lowest per-student spending in the group, demonstrating that high academic achievement is possible in this high-need area. Parents should note the significant improvement trajectory at Jenny Oropeza and the grade-level performance patterns, such as a common decline in Math scores between 3rd and 5th grade across the schools.
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