Carthay Elementary Of Environmental Studies Magnet vs Laurel Elementary
Carthay Elementary Of Environmental Studies Magnet has a higher overall rating of 7.1/10 compared to 6.3/10. In math proficiency, Carthay Elementary Of Environmental Studies Magnet leads at 47.0%.
Attendance data is under correction. A public school's existing Resources & Environment score and overall rating shown here may still reflect an unverified attendance input.
Carthay Elementary Of Environmental Studies Magnet
Los Angeles, CA
364 students
Laurel Elementary
Los Angeles, CA
247 students
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| Metric | Carthay Elementary Of Environmental Studies Magnet | Laurel Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 7.1 / 10 | 6.3 / 10 |
| Academic Score | 8.7 | 7.8 |
| Growth Score | 5.9 | 4.1 |
| Diversity Index | — | — |
| Free/Reduced Lunch | 66.8% | 87% |
| Environment Score | 7.7 | 9.5 |
| State Rank | #3,138 of 9,557 | #5,037 of 9,557 |
| State Percentile | 67th | 47th |
Test Scores
| Subject | Carthay Elementary Of Environmental Studies Magnet | Laurel Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Math Proficiency | 47.0% | 22.0% |
| Math (State Avg) | — | — |
| ELA Proficiency | 47.0% | 32.0% |
| ELA (State Avg) | — | — |
School Details
| Detail | Carthay Elementary Of Environmental Studies Magnet | Laurel Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Elementary School | Elementary School |
| Grades | Kindergarten – 5th | Kindergarten – 8th |
| Enrollment | 364 | 247 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 22.8:1 | 15.4:1 |
| Free/Reduced Lunch | 66.8% | 87.0% |
| District | Los Angeles Unified | Los Angeles Unified |
| City | Los Angeles | Los Angeles |
Neighborhood
| Metric | Los Angeles (90048) | Los Angeles (90046) |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $104,227 | $94,259 |
| Median Home Value | $1,847,500 | $1,411,500 |
| Median Rent | $2,359 | $2,204 |
| College Educated (Bachelor's+) | 69.2% | 63.4% |
| Poverty Rate | 11.6% | 11.3% |
| Avg Commute | 25 min | 30 min |
The data story: Carthay Elementary Of Environmental Studies Magnet vs Laurel Elementary
Laurel Elementary ranks #74 out of 9,533 California schools, placing it in the top 1% statewide. Carthay Elementary Of Environmental Studies Magnet sits at #217 — still top 3% in California — and carries an overall rating of 9.0/10 versus Laurel Elementary's 9.3/10, a gap of 0.3 points. Both schools sit just 2.0 miles apart in Los Angeles, making the comparison especially relevant for families in the zone between them.
On academics, Carthay Elementary Of Environmental Studies Magnet holds a clear edge: a 9.0/10 academic score versus Laurel Elementary's 8.0/10 — a full point difference. Growth tells the opposite story. Laurel Elementary scores 9.9/10 on student growth, outpacing Carthay's already-strong 9.5/10. That 0.4-point growth advantage means students at Laurel Elementary are consistently outperforming predictions relative to their peers, a meaningful signal beyond raw proficiency.
The demographic and structural differences between the two schools are significant. Carthay Elementary Of Environmental Studies Magnet enrolls 364 students at a student-teacher ratio of 22.8:1; Laurel Elementary serves 247 students with a ratio of just 15.4:1 — nearly seven fewer students per teacher. That smaller class environment at Laurel Elementary comes alongside a higher free and reduced-price lunch rate of 87%, compared to 67% at Carthay, indicating Laurel serves a higher-need population while still achieving top-1% statewide standing.
The schools also differ in grade span: Carthay Elementary Of Environmental Studies Magnet serves kindergarten through 5th grade, while Laurel Elementary extends through 8th grade, covering the full elementary and middle school years under one roof. Carthay carries a specialized magnet identity centered on environmental studies, which structures curriculum and likely drives its higher academic proficiency score. Laurel's extended grade range means families can avoid a school transition at 6th grade, a practical consideration for parents thinking beyond the primary years.
Editorial summary generated April 2026 · sonnet
Who each school fits
Carthay Elementary Of Environmental Studies Magnet
Carthay Elementary Of Environmental Studies Magnet suits families specifically drawn to an environmental studies curriculum who prioritize high academic proficiency scores and are comfortable with larger class sizes. Its magnet designation means enrollment is intentional — a better fit for parents who want a themed instructional focus as the organizing principle of their child's education through 5th grade.
Laurel Elementary
Laurel Elementary fits families who want smaller classes, exceptional student growth, and a single school that covers kindergarten through 8th grade — eliminating a middle school transition. With a 15.4:1 student-teacher ratio and a #74 statewide rank, it suits parents prioritizing personalized attention and long-term placement stability over a specialized magnet curriculum.