Phillip EdwinLos Angeles offers a diverse array of elementary schools, including high-performing public schools, charter schools, and specialized magnet programs. From Westside institutions with exceptional test scores to South LA schools recognized for beating the odds in literacy, the city provides quality educational options across many neighborhoods.
This guide highlights twenty-five of the best elementary schools in Los Angeles, based on academic performance, student outcomes, and unique program offerings.
Top 25 Elementary Schools in Los Angeles
1. Warner Avenue Elementary
Warner Avenue Elementary is a top-ranked public school serving grades K-5 with 592 students, earning an overall score of 97.08/100 and ranking #158 in California. The school achieves exceptional academic outcomes, with 82% of students proficient in math and 85% proficient in reading, significantly exceeding both district and state averages. The student-teacher ratio is 23:1, and 11% of students are economically disadvantaged. The school placed #109 in reading proficiency and #152 in math proficiency among California elementary schools. Warner Avenue serves the Westwood neighborhood and is known for its rigorous academic program and strong parent involvement.
2. Westwood Charter Elementary
Westwood Charter Elementary is a highly ranked charter school serving grades K-5 with 662 students, earning an overall score of 91.45/100 and ranking #466 in California. The school achieves strong academic performance with 77% of students proficient in math and 78% proficient in reading. The student-teacher ratio is 25:1, with 18% of students economically disadvantaged. Reading proficiency ranks #333 and math proficiency ranks #306 among California elementary schools. The school is part of the Los Angeles Unified School District and offers a charter school curriculum with a focus on academic excellence.
3. Clover Avenue Elementary School
Clover Avenue Elementary School serves the Westside Village neighborhood with 498 students in grades K-5, earning a 10/10 ranking and placing in the top 1% of California schools. The school demonstrates exceptional academic achievement with 85-89% proficiency in both math and reading. The student-teacher ratio is 24:1, with 76% minority enrollment. The school’s outstanding test scores place it among the highest-performing elementary schools in Los Angeles. Clover Avenue is known for its rigorous academic program and strong community involvement.
4. Kentwood Elementary
Kentwood Elementary is a public school serving grades K-5 with 297 students, earning an overall score of 87.87/100 and ranking #661 in California. The school achieves strong academic outcomes with 62% of students proficient in math and 67% proficient in reading. The student-teacher ratio is 21:1, with 31% of students economically disadvantaged. The school placed #864 in reading proficiency and #899 in math proficiency among California elementary schools. Kentwood serves the Westchester area and is known for its supportive learning environment.
5. Micheltorena Street Elementary School
Micheltorena Street Elementary School serves 366 students in grades K-5, ranking in the top 30% of all California schools and the top 20% for math and reading. The school achieves math proficiency of 50-54%, reading proficiency of 55-59%, and science proficiency of 50-59%, all exceeding state averages. The student-teacher ratio is 20:1, with 71% minority enrollment. The school ranks #1,960 out of 9,523 California schools and is recognized for its academic improvement. The school serves the Silver Lake area and is known for its diverse student body.
6. City Terrace Elementary
City Terrace Elementary is a public school serving grades K-5 with 332 students, earning an overall score of 75.92/100 and ranking #1,305 in California. The school achieves 42% proficiency in math and 52% proficiency in reading, performing better than both district and state averages. The student-teacher ratio is 18:1, with 75% of students economically disadvantaged. Reading proficiency ranks #1,724 and math proficiency ranks #1,978 among California elementary schools. The school is recognized for its reading and math performance exceeding expectations.
7. Charnock Road Elementary School
Charnock Road Elementary School serves the Westside Village neighborhood with 286 students in grades K-5, ranking in the top 30% of California schools. The school achieves math proficiency of 50-54% and reading proficiency of 45-49%, with a student-teacher ratio of 18:1 and 93% minority enrollment. The school is ranked #3 in Westside Village. Charnock Road Elementary is known for its academic programs and supportive community.
8. Lashon Academy City
Lashon Academy City is a charter school serving 107 students in grades K-6, ranking in the top 30% of California schools. The school achieves math proficiency of 40-59% and reading proficiency below 50%, with a student-teacher ratio of 27:1. The school is ranked as the #1 elementary school in South Los Angeles. Lashon Academy City is known for its personalized learning environment and commitment to serving a diverse student population in the Mid-City area.
9. Mid-city’s Prescott School Of Enriched Sciences
This alternative school serves 217 students in grades 1-5, ranking in the top 50% of California schools with math proficiency of 40-44% and reading proficiency of 45-49%. The student-teacher ratio is 24:1, with 96% minority enrollment. The school is ranked #2 in South Los Angeles. Prescott School offers an enriched sciences curriculum and is known for its focus on hands-on learning and interdisciplinary instruction.
10. Global Education Academy
Global Education Academy is a charter school serving 373 students in grades K-8, ranking in the top 50% of California schools. The school achieves math proficiency of 35% and reading proficiency of 50-54%, with a student-teacher ratio of 22:1 and 99% minority enrollment. The school is ranked #3 in South Los Angeles. Global Education Academy offers a comprehensive K-8 program with a global education focus.
11. Synergy Charter Academy
Synergy Charter Academy serves 322 students in grades K-5, ranking in the top 50% of California schools with math proficiency of 45-49% and reading proficiency of 40-44%. The student-teacher ratio is 25:1, with 99% minority enrollment. The school is ranked #4 in South Los Angeles. Synergy Charter Academy is recognized for its commitment to serving a high-needs population and its focus on academic achievement.
12. Accelerated Charter Elementary School
Accelerated Charter Elementary School serves 517 students in grades K-6, ranking in the top 50% of California schools. The school achieves math proficiency of 32% and reading proficiency of 49%, with a student-teacher ratio of 26:1 and 99% minority enrollment. The school is ranked #5 in South Los Angeles. The school offers an accelerated curriculum designed to help students achieve above grade-level proficiency.
13. Baldwin Hills Elementary School
Baldwin Hills Elementary School serves 428 students in grades K-5, with math proficiency of 35% and reading proficiency of 43%. The student-teacher ratio is 23:1, with 97% minority enrollment. The school is ranked #6 in South Los Angeles. Baldwin Hills Elementary is known for its strong community involvement and commitment to academic excellence.
14. One Hundred Twenty-second Street Elementary School
This school serves 598 students in grades K-5, with math proficiency of 35% and reading proficiency of 43%. The student-teacher ratio is 20:1, with 99% minority enrollment. The school is ranked #7 in South Los Angeles. The school serves the South Los Angeles community and is known for its focus on literacy and foundational skills.
15. Dr. Lawrence H. Moore Math Science Technology Academy
This academy serves 504 students in grades K-5, with math proficiency of 39% and reading proficiency of 37%. The student-teacher ratio is 22:1, with 99% minority enrollment. The school is ranked #8 in South Los Angeles. The academy offers a specialized curriculum focusing on math, science, and technology education.
16. Ritter Elementary School
Ritter Elementary School serves 284 students in grades K-5, with math proficiency of 35-39% and reading proficiency of 35-39%. The student-teacher ratio is 20:1, with 99% minority enrollment. The school is ranked #9 in South Los Angeles. Ritter Elementary serves the Watts community and is known for its dedicated faculty and staff.
17. Watts Learning Center
Watts Learning Center is a charter school serving 359 students in grades K-5, with math proficiency of 35-39% and reading proficiency of 35-39%. The student-teacher ratio is 28:1. The school is ranked #10 in South Los Angeles. The center offers a charter school program focused on academic achievement and student development.
18. Weigand Avenue Elementary School
Weigand Avenue Elementary School was recognized in an analysis by The 74 as an “exceptional school” for outstanding third-grade reading outcomes. The school ranks among the top 5% of outperforming schools in California. This recognition is part of The 74’s Bright Spots series, which highlights schools across the U.S. that are beating the odds in literacy. Weigand Avenue is known for its focus on early literacy and student success.
19. 99th Street Elementary School
99th Street Elementary School was recognized in an analysis by The 74 as an “exceptional school” for its outstanding third-grade reading outcomes. The school ranks among the top 5% of outperforming schools in California. The recognition highlights schools that are beating the odds in literacy. 99th Street Elementary is committed to literacy achievement and serves a diverse student population.
20. San Miguel Elementary School
San Miguel Elementary School serves 652 students in grades K-5, with 143 English Language Learners (21.9% of enrollment). The school is located in South Gate and operates under the Los Angeles Unified School District. San Miguel Elementary offers comprehensive services for English Language Learners and a supportive learning environment.
21. 24th Street Elementary School
24th Street Elementary School serves 454 students in grades K-4, with math proficiency of 40-44% and reading proficiency of 30-34%. The student-teacher ratio is 20:1, with 98% minority enrollment. The school offers a primary education program focused on foundational skills and student development.
22. Kipp Empower Academy
Kipp Empower Academy is a charter school serving 602 students in grades K-4, with math proficiency of 41% and reading proficiency of 33%. The student-teacher ratio is 24:1, with 99% minority enrollment. Kipp Empower Academy is part of the KIPP network, known for its college preparatory focus and academic rigor.
23. Center For Advanced Learning
This charter school serves 247 students in grades K-5, with math proficiency of 25-29% and reading proficiency of 40-44%. The student-teacher ratio is 21:1. The center offers an advanced learning program focused on academic achievement and student development.
24. New Heights Charter
New Heights Charter serves 406 students in grades K-8, with math proficiency of 31% and reading proficiency of 38%. The student-teacher ratio is 20:1, with 99% minority enrollment. The charter school offers a K-8 program focused on academic achievement and student development.
25. Dr. Theodore T. Alexander Jr. Science Center
This charter school serves 612 students in grades K-5, with math proficiency of 30% and reading proficiency of 37%. The student-teacher ratio is 22:1, with 97% minority enrollment. The science center offers a specialized curriculum focusing on science education and academic achievement.
Comparison Table
| School | Type | Location | Grades | Math Proficiency | Reading Proficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warner Avenue Elementary | Public | Westwood | K–5 | 82% | 85% |
| Westwood Charter Elementary | Charter | Westwood | K–5 | 77% | 78% |
| Clover Avenue Elementary | Public | Westside Village | K–5 | 85–89% | 85–89% |
| Kentwood Elementary | Public | Westchester | K–5 | 62% | 67% |
| Micheltorena Street Elementary | Public | Silver Lake | K–5 | 50–54% | 55–59% |
| City Terrace Elementary | Public | City Terrace | K–5 | 42% | 52% |
| Charnock Road Elementary | Public | Westside Village | K–5 | 50–54% | 45–49% |
| Lashon Academy City | Charter | South LA | K–6 | 40–59% | <50% |
| Prescott School of Enriched Sciences | Alternative | South LA | 1–5 | 40–44% | 45–49% |
| Global Education Academy | Charter | South LA | K–8 | 35% | 50–54% |
Tips and Other Useful Information
Westside Schools Dominate Rankings: Schools in the Westside neighborhoods—including Westwood, Westside Village, and Westchester—consistently outperform the district average, often with 70-85% of students scoring proficient in math and reading compared to the LAUSD averages of 33% and 40% respectively.
Charter vs. Traditional Public Schools: Both types appear among the top-ranked schools. Westwood Charter Elementary and Lashon Academy City are charter schools that offer alternative educational approaches, while Warner Avenue and Clover Avenue are traditional public schools that perform at the highest levels.
Schools Serving Vulnerable Communities: Several schools in South Los Angeles demonstrate strong academic outcomes while serving predominantly minority and economically disadvantaged student populations. 99th Street Elementary and Weigand Avenue Elementary were recognized by The 74 for exceptional third-grade reading outcomes.
Dual Language and Specialized Programs: Many of the top schools offer specialized programs including Spanish dual-language immersion, magnet programs, and STEM-focused curricula. Schools like Dr. Lawrence H. Moore Math Science Technology Academy offer specialized STEM programming.
Application and Enrollment: While most elementary schools follow neighborhood attendance boundaries, charter schools and magnets often have separate application processes. Schools like Westwood Charter and Lashon Academy City may require lottery-based admission for out-of-neighborhood students.
Conclusion
Los Angeles offers a wealth of exceptional elementary schools, from the top-performing Westside institutions like Warner Avenue and Clover Avenue to South Los Angeles schools recognized for beating the odds in literacy. Whether you are seeking a traditional public school with outstanding test scores, a charter school with a specialized curriculum, or a magnet program with a focused theme, the city provides diverse options for families. With schools serving a wide range of communities and student populations, there is an elementary school in Los Angeles to meet every child’s educational needs.