La Mirada’s public schools outscore 64% of California districts
The grade covers the two public school districts serving La Mirada, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Math proficiency in La Mirada’s districts is 28%, 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 96% 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.
La Mirada’s schools, in brief
Above the state in reading, below in math
Reading proficiency is 48% and math 28% across both districts in spring 2022, against 47% and 33% statewide; 91% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
Whittier Union High spends $23,421 per student and Norwalk-La Mirada Unified $20,749, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Paul of the Cross School (private) is 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 La Mirada’s grade
B: better than 64% of California school districts, #314 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 La Mirada, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in La Mirada · depends on your address
Reginald M. Benton Middle
Grades 6–8 · 718 students · 25:1 students per teacher
Arlie F. Hutchinson Middle
Grades 6–8 · 646 students · 22:1 students per teacher
7th grade in La Mirada · depends on your address
Reginald M. Benton Middle
Grades 6–8 · 718 students · 25:1 students per teacher
Arlie F. Hutchinson Middle
Grades 6–8 · 646 students · 22:1 students per teacher
8th grade in La Mirada · depends on your address
Reginald M. Benton Middle
Grades 6–8 · 718 students · 25:1 students per teacher
Arlie F. Hutchinson Middle
Grades 6–8 · 646 students · 22:1 students per teacher
9th grade in La Mirada
La Mirada High
Grades 9–12 · 1,726 students · 24:1 students per teacher
10th grade in La Mirada
La Mirada High
Grades 9–12 · 1,726 students · 24:1 students per teacher
11th grade in La Mirada
La Mirada High
Grades 9–12 · 1,726 students · 24:1 students per teacher
12th grade in La Mirada
La Mirada High
Grades 9–12 · 1,726 students · 24:1 students per teacher
La Mirada runs its own schools through grade 12 (Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District). From grade 9, students attend the Whittier Union High School District, shared with Downey, Industry, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs and Whittier. Parts of La Mirada (10% and 7% of its land) are served by ABC Unified and East Whittier City Elementary instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve La Mirada
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Close to the state in reading
La Mirada vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share La Mirada’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| La Mirada | B | Norwalk-La Mirada Unified K–12 · Whittier Union High 9–12 |
| Santa Fe Springs | B+ | Little Lake City Elementary K–8 · Los Nietos Elementary K–8 · Norwalk-La Mirada Unified K–12 |
| Buena Park | B | Buena Park Elementary K–8 · Centralia Elementary K–6 · Anaheim Union High 7–12 |
| Fullerton | A− | Fullerton Elementary K–8 · Fullerton Joint Union High 9–12 |
Every school in La Mirada
11 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 La Mirada’s schools
Are La Mirada’s schools good?
They sit near the middle of California: the public schools La Mirada children attend outscore 64% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B Schools grade, #314 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 60%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is La Mirada in?
Two districts: Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District runs grades K–12, and Whittier Union High School District runs grades 9–12, shared with Downey, Industry, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs and Whittier.
Where do La Mirada kids go to high school?
La Mirada High, with 1,726 students; its own test results earn an A+.
What is La Mirada’s graduation rate?
91% of the class of 2023 in Whittier Union High School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does La Mirada spend per student?
$23,421 in Whittier Union High School District and $20,749 in Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in La Mirada?
Yes: St. Paul of the Cross School (Catholic, grades K–8, 85 students).
Parents talk
What La Mirada families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near La Mirada → 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.