South Gate’s public schools outscore 50% of California districts
The grade covers the public school district serving South Gate, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. In South Gate, 28% of tested students are proficient in math, 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 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.
South Gate’s schools, in brief
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
The district spends $25,643 per student, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
11 elementary schools, then three middle and five high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. Enrollment is down 11% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Westbrook Academy, KIPP Corazon Academy, Aspire Firestone Academy Charter, Aspire Gateway Academy Charter, St. Helen Catholic Elementary School (private) and Kid Town USA Preschool-Montessori Academy (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 South Gate’s grade
B−: better than 50% of California school districts, #484 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 South Gate, with each school’s own grade.
7th grade in South Gate · depends on your address
Southeast Middle
Grades 6–8 · 1,215 students · 19:1 students per teacher
South Gate Middle
Grades 6–8 · 1,192 students · 20:1 students per teacher
International Studies Lrng Center at Legacy High Sch Complex
Grades 6–12 · 867 students · 20:1 students per teacher
8th grade in South Gate · depends on your address
Southeast Middle
Grades 6–8 · 1,215 students · 19:1 students per teacher
South Gate Middle
Grades 6–8 · 1,192 students · 20:1 students per teacher
International Studies Lrng Center at Legacy High Sch Complex
Grades 6–12 · 867 students · 20:1 students per teacher
South Gate’s public schools are run by Los Angeles Unified School District, which also serves Bell, Carson, Cudahy and Gardena and others. Parts of South Gate (12% and 8% of its land) are served by Downey Unified and Paramount Unified instead. 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
South Gate vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share South Gate’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| South Gate | B− | Los Angeles Unified |
| Lynwood | C+ | Lynwood Unified |
| Paramount | C+ | Paramount Unified |
| Downey | B+ | Downey Unified K–12 · Whittier Union High 9–12 |
| Cudahy | B− | Los Angeles Unified |
Every school in South Gate
28 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 South Gate’s schools
Are South Gate’s schools good?
They sit near the middle of California: the public schools South Gate 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 51%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is South Gate in?
Los Angeles Unified School District, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 406,717 students in 783 schools (2024–25). Small parts of South Gate are served by Downey Unified and Paramount Unified.
Where do South Gate kids go to high school?
One of 5 high schools, depending on your address: South East High, South Gate Senior High, International Studies Lrng Center at Legacy High Sch Complex, Sci Tech Engr Arts and Math at Legacy High Sch Complex and Visual and Performing Arts at Legacy High School Complex.
What is South Gate’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 South Gate spend per student?
$25,643 in Los Angeles Unified School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in South Gate?
Yes: St. Helen Catholic Elementary School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 264 students) and Kid Town USA Preschool-Montessori Academy (nonsectarian, grades PK–K, 99 students). South Gate also has 4 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What South Gate families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near South Gate → 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.