Downtown Business High vs Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet
Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet has a higher overall rating of 9.5/10 compared to 8.9/10. Downtown Business High is significantly larger with 857 students, about 6.5× the size of Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet (131). In math proficiency, Downtown Business High leads at 69.0%.
Downtown Business High
Los Angeles, CA
857 students
Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet
Los Angeles, CA
131 students
Ratings Comparison
| Metric | Downtown Business High | Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.9 / 10 | 9.5 / 10 |
| Academic Score | 9.7 | 9.0 |
| Growth Score | 6.6 | 9.7 |
| Diversity Index | — | — |
| Free/Reduced Lunch | 76.9% | 97.7% |
| Environment Score | 9.1 | 9.8 |
| State Rank | #295 of 9,533 | #21 of 9,533 |
| State Percentile | 97th | 100th |
Test Scores
| Subject | Downtown Business High | Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet |
|---|---|---|
| Math Proficiency | 69.0% | 24.5% |
| Math (State Avg) | — | — |
| ELA Proficiency | 82.0% | 64.5% |
| ELA (State Avg) | — | — |
School Details
| Detail | Downtown Business High | Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet |
|---|---|---|
| Type | High School | High School |
| Grades | 9th – 12th | 9th – 12th |
| Enrollment | 857 | 131 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 19.0:1 | 14.6:1 |
| Per-Pupil Spending | — | — |
| Free/Reduced Lunch | 76.9% | 97.7% |
| Chronic Absenteeism | — | — |
| District | Los Angeles Unified | Los Angeles Unified |
| City | Los Angeles | Los Angeles |
Neighborhood
| Metric | Los Angeles (90026) | Los Angeles (90023) |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $85,835 | $56,623 |
| Median Home Value | $1,143,400 | $617,600 |
| Median Rent | $1,822 | $1,414 |
| College Educated (Bachelor's+) | 47.4% | 10.2% |
| Poverty Rate | 16.6% | 21.9% |
| Avg Commute | 32 min | 30 min |
The data story: Downtown Business High vs Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet
Downtown Business High and Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet sit 3.1 miles apart in Los Angeles, yet their schoolwide ratings diverge sharply: Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet earns a 9.5/10 overall versus Downtown Business High's 8.9/10 — a 0.6-point gap. The state rank difference is far more striking: Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet places #21 of 9,533 California schools, while Downtown Business High ranks #295 of 9,533. Both serve grades 9–12, so families are choosing between institutions at the same level with meaningfully different standing statewide.
The academic picture splits in an unexpected direction. Downtown Business High posts a higher academic score — 9.7/10 compared to Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet's 9.0/10, a 0.7-point edge. The growth story reverses that advantage decisively: Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet scores 9.7/10 on growth versus Downtown Business High's 6.6/10, a 3.1-point gap. That growth delta — the largest difference between the two schools — means students at Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet are advancing at a substantially faster pace relative to their starting point, even as Downtown Business High's students test at a slightly higher absolute level.
The two schools serve populations of very different sizes with different levels of economic need. Downtown Business High enrolls 857 students at a 19.0:1 student-teacher ratio, while Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet is a far smaller program with 131 students and a tighter 14.6:1 ratio — meaning roughly 4.4 fewer students per teacher. Free and reduced-price lunch eligibility stands at 77% at Downtown Business High and 98% at Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet, reflecting a higher concentration of economic disadvantage at the magnet school even as it outperforms on growth.
The magnet structure at Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet defines its identity: the school is purpose-built around science, technology, engineering, and math, and admission is selective by design. Downtown Business High offers a broader curriculum with a career-technical business focus for a much larger student body, making it accessible without an application process tied to a specific academic strand.
Editorial summary generated April 2026 · sonnet
Who each school fits
Downtown Business High
Downtown Business High suits students who want a large, career-oriented environment with strong academic outcomes and a business or professional focus. At 857 students and a 9.7/10 academic score, it works well for families who value proven test-score performance and a broader course offering without the commitment of a STEM-specific magnet application.
Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet
Boyle Heights Sci Tech Engr and Math Magnet fits students with a clear interest in STEM who thrive in a small, intensive setting. The 131-student enrollment and 14.6:1 student-teacher ratio mean more individual attention, and the #21 state rank and 9.7/10 growth score make it compelling for motivated students aiming to accelerate — particularly those comfortable with a selective application process.