Photo: Justefrain · CC BY-SA 3.0Bell’s public schools score below 51% of California districts on tests and graduation
In Bell, 28% of tested students are proficient in math, below the California average (33%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Bell, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within California, not nationally.
From California state tests taken in spring 2022, when 95% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Bell’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 385 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Bell’s, its schools beat 65%, higher than their 49% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 41% of tested students were proficient in reading and 28% in math, against 47% and 33% statewide; 95% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
84% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86% across California. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
Los Angeles Unified spends $25,643 per student and Montebello Unified $24,212, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
Magnolia Science Academy Bell and Alhadi School (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Bell’s grade
B−: better than 49% of California school districts, #516 of 847 California towns. Both inputs trail the California average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Bell, with each school’s own grade.
7th grade in Bell · depends on your address
Ellen Ochoa Learning Center
Grades K–8 · 1,052 students · 18:1 students per teacher · in Cudahy
Orchard Academies 2C
Grades 6–8 · 395 students · 20:1 students per teacher
Orchard Academies 2B
Grades 6–8 · 352 students · 16:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Bell · depends on your address
Ellen Ochoa Learning Center
Grades K–8 · 1,052 students · 18:1 students per teacher · in Cudahy
Orchard Academies 2C
Grades 6–8 · 395 students · 20:1 students per teacher
Orchard Academies 2B
Grades 6–8 · 352 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Bell runs its own schools through grade 12 (Los Angeles Unified School District). From grade K, students attend the Montebello Unified School District, shared with Bell Gardens, Commerce, Montebello and Monterey Park. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Bell
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Bell vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Bell’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Bell | B− | Los Angeles Unified K–12 · Montebello Unified K–12 |
| Cudahy | B− | Los Angeles Unified |
| Commerce | C | Montebello Unified |
| Bell Gardens | C | Montebello Unified |
| Huntington Park | B− | Los Angeles Unified |
| Vernon | — | Los Angeles Unified |
| Maywood | B− | Los Angeles Unified |
4 of the 6 neighbors share Los Angeles Unified with Bell for grades K–12, so their letters differ mainly through the lower grades.
Every school in Bell
10 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with California’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Bell’s schools
Are Bell’s schools good?
On California’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Bell children attend score below 51% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B− Schools grade, #516 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 65%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Bell in?
Two districts: Los Angeles Unified School District runs grades K–12, and Montebello Unified School District runs grades K–12, shared with Bell Gardens, Commerce, Montebello and Monterey Park.
Where do Bell kids go to high school?
Bell Senior High, with 2,088 students; its own test results earn a B+.
What is Bell’s graduation rate?
84% of the class of 2023 in Los Angeles Unified School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does Bell spend per student?
$25,643 in Los Angeles Unified School District and $24,212 in Montebello Unified School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Bell?
Yes: Alhadi School (religious, grades PK–12, 182 students). Bell also has 1 charter school, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Bell families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Bell → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within California. Stars are from neighbors.