Best Middle Schools in Zip Code 91340

This analysis examines three public middle schools (grades 6-8) in zip code 91340, San Fernando, CA, all serving student populations with high economic need, where over 90% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.

Among these schools, PUC Nueva Esperanza Charter Academy stands out for having the highest test scores in English, math, and science, even though it operates with the largest class sizes and the lowest spending per student. In contrast, San Fernando Middle, a school in the Los Angeles Unified district, spends the most per student but has the lowest academic proficiency rates. The third school, San Fernando Institute of Applied Media (also in Los Angeles Unified), shows the most improvement in its statewide ranking and has the best student attendance record, with chronic absenteeism nearly matching the California average.

All three schools perform below state averages in core subjects, but they show different strengths. Parents may note the significant variation in outcomes between schools with similar student demographics, particularly the higher academic performance at the charter school versus the better attendance and improvement at the traditional public school. The two schools named San Fernando share the same street address but operate independently with different resources and results.