Summary:
This analysis examines five high schools serving grades 9-12 in the Sun Valley, CA area (zip code 91352), all operating in a high-poverty context with over 90% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch.
Among these schools, Alliance Marine - Innovation and Technology 6-12 Complex stands out as the top performer, ranking in the 72nd percentile statewide with strong test scores in English, math, and science, and it achieves this while spending the least per student. Sun Valley Magnet is notable for its perfect 100% graduation rate and significant improvement, now ranking in the 70th percentile. In contrast, Robert H. Lewis Continuation faces severe challenges, including very low graduation rates and academic proficiency, ranking in the bottom 3% of California schools.
The data shows a clear link between student attendance and success; schools with lower chronic absenteeism, like Alliance Marine, consistently perform better. While most schools are part of Los Angeles Unified, the charter school Alliance Marine demonstrates that effective models can yield strong results even with fewer resources. Parents should note the wide variation in outcomes, indicating that school leadership and specific programs can make a significant difference for students in this community.
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