Photo: Epolk at English Wikipedia · CC BY 3.0Compton’s public schools outscore 50% of California districts
The grade covers the public school district serving Compton, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Math proficiency in Compton’s districts is 26%, below the California average (33%). 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 98% 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.
Compton’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 38% of tested students were proficient in reading and 26% in math, against 47% and 33% statewide; 98% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
89% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86% across California. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $22,872 per student, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
16 elementary schools, then five high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. Enrollment is down 15% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Lifeline Education Charter, KIPP Compton Community, ISANA Achernar Academy, Bridges Preparatory Academy, Optimal Christian Academy (private), Our Lady of Victory School (private), Epiphany Academy Nonpublic School (private) and Mandela Children's Learning Village (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 Compton’s grade
B−: better than 50% of California school districts, #484 of 847 California towns. Graduation is above the California average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Compton, with each school’s own grade.
Compton’s public schools are run by Compton Unified School District. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
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
Compton vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Compton’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Compton | B− | Compton Unified |
| Carson | B− | Los Angeles Unified |
| Lynwood | C+ | Lynwood Unified |
| Paramount | C+ | Paramount Unified |
| Long Beach | B | Long Beach Unified |
Every school in Compton
35 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).
Left off: 6 public programs with fewer than 25 students (Compton Unified ROP, Compton Community Day High, Compton Community Day Middle, Compton STEP, Compton Virtual Academy and Compton Academy of Technology and Innovation High).
Questions about Compton’s schools
Are Compton’s schools good?
They sit near the middle of California: the public schools Compton children attend outscore 50% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B− Schools grade, #484 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 52%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Compton in?
Compton Unified School District, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 16,304 students in 36 schools (2024–25).
Where do Compton kids go to high school?
One of 5 high schools, depending on your address: Manuel Dominguez High, Compton High, Centennial High, Compton Early College High and Thurgood Marshall.
What is Compton’s graduation rate?
89% of the class of 2023 in Compton Unified School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does Compton spend per student?
$22,872 in Compton Unified School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Compton?
Yes: Optimal Christian Academy (religious, grades PK–8, 175 students), Our Lady of Victory School (Catholic, grades K–8, 117 students), Epiphany Academy Nonpublic School (special education, grades 7–12, 20 students) and Mandela Children's Learning Village (nonsectarian, grades PK–6, 14 students). Compton also has 4 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Compton families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Compton → 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.