How strong are the public middle schools in Los Angeles?
With a fresh school year kicking off, we analyzed newly released data from Niche.com — which include comprehensive report cards, rankings and reviews — to identify those schools that made the biggest strides last year and those that lead their peers.
Hollenbeck Middle School's overall rating improved the most among similar schools in Los Angeles, rising from a C to a B-, according to data from Niche.
For the 2019-2020 school year, the school, located at 2510 E. Sixth St., enrolls 1,065 students. Niche graded the school a B- for academics (on an A-D scale).
The overall ranking comes from Niche's proprietary algorithms. A school's ranking might change due to many factors, including the relative rankings of similar schools and whether a school gained or lost peers due to openings or closings. Other numbers come from current public data from the U.S. government.
Academically, 30% of Hollenbeck Middle School's students scored as proficient or above in math, and 39% did so in reading. That's compared to city averages of 19% in math and 28% in reading. The school's improved overall rating is notable in that it serves a less-affluent population, with 94% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch.
It's not the only school that's climbed Niche's rankings this year. Florence Nightingale Middle School saw its overall rating improve from a C to a B-. The school is located at 3311 N. Figueroa St. and is a bit smaller, currently serving 734 students, of whom 72% identify as Hispanic and 25% identify as Asian.
Niche graded Florence Nightingale Middle School a C+ for academics on an A-D scale. The school's latest math proficiency was at 29%, and reading proficiency was 33%. It also serves a less-affluent population, with 91% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch.
Mark Twain Middle School also improved, from C to B-. The school is located at 2224 Walgrove Ave. and has 622 students currently enrolled, of whom 74% identify as Hispanic and 14% identify as black.
Niche graded Mark Twain Middle School a C+ for academics on an A-D scale. Its latest math proficiency was at 21%, and reading proficiency was 38%.
While some public middle schools in Los Angeles are moving up the ranks, others are consistently top-rated overall, including:
- Thomas Starr King Middle School, with an overall rating of B+.
- Palms Middle School, with a B+ rating overall.
- John Burroughs Middle School, rated B overall.
Want more of the latest intel on Los Angeles schools? Hoodline also analyzed the latest Niche ratings for the city's public elementary schools.
This story was created automatically using data from Niche.com, then reviewed by an editor before publication. Click here for more about how and why Hoodline is automating local news. Got thoughts about what we're doing? Go here to share your feedback.
