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Very Good

#2944 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 31% in state

Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet

High School · Los Angeles Unified

6649 Balboa Blvd., Lake Balboa, CA 91406

Enrollment

224

Student-Teacher

17.2:1

Score

7.3

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#2,944 of 9,539

In Lake Balboa

#3 of 11

public schools

In district

#328 of 769

Los Angeles Unified

School environment

9.3 / 10

Excellent

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Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet

7.3/10

High School in Lake Balboa · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Independence Continuation

5.6/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Lake Balboa College Preparatory Magnet K-12

7.1/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet

Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet is a public high school in Lake Balboa, CA, part of Los Angeles Unified. Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet serves approximately 224 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 17.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.3 out of 10 and ranks #2,944 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet show 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 66% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.6 pts above district
  • This school 7.3 · Very Good
  • District avg 6.7
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

36% of students at Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress2.6Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-2.58 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics8.7Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency31% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency70.7% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg+3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+14.8 pts
Overall Proficiency51% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)34% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+16.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile80th
College Readiness8.7Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate95%+
AP Participation36.2%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.3Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$22,687
Chronic Absenteeism35.7%

Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet — Students at Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet score 51% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 34%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

71%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 41.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 65.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
51.5% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 30 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
67%
ELA
62%
2010
Math
67%
ELA
72%
2011
Math
77%
ELA
82%
2012
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2013
Math
72%
ELA
62%
2014
Math
17%
ELA
67%
2015
Math
32%
ELA
72%
2016
Math
27%
ELA
62%
2017
Math
32%
ELA
67%
2018
Math
27%
ELA
52%
2019
Math
27%
ELA
52%
2020*
Math
15%
ELA
54.5%
2021*
Math
15%
ELA
54.5%
2024
Math
31%
ELA
70.7%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.6/10.

How Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet Compares

See how Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.3/10
69th percentile in CA
Academic
8.7/10
Excellent
Growth
2.6/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
9.3/10
Excellent
AP Courses
2
State avg: 2.6
Sports
11
6 boys' · 5 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
71%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
13 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
35.7%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
36.2% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics11sports offered
6 boys'·5 girls'·22 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

6649 Balboa Blvd., Lake Balboa, CA 91406

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Birmingham Community Charter High (rated 8.2/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is High Tech LA (rated 7.0/10, 0.3 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Independence Continuation (rated 5.6/10, 0.1 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Lake Balboa, see our Lake Balboa schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Independence Continuation Lake Balboa 0.1 mi 5.6
Lake Balboa College Preparatory Magnet K-12 Lake Balboa 0.1 mi 7.1
William Mulholland Middle Lake Balboa 0.2 mi 8.1
Birmingham Community Charter High Lake Balboa 0.3 mi 8.2
High Tech LA Lake Balboa 0.3 mi 7.0
Magnolia Science Academy 2 Van Nuys 0.4 mi 4.6
Gault Street Elementary Lake Balboa 0.5 mi 6.6
St. Bridget of Sweden Elementary Van Nuys 0.7 mi
ST BRIDGET OF SWEDEN Lake Balboa 0.7 mi 5.7
Lemay Street Elementary Lake Balboa 0.8 mi 5.3
VALLEY WALDORF CITY SCHOOL Van Nuys 0.9 mi 4.9
The City School Lake Balboa 0.9 mi
Anatola Avenue Elementary Lake Balboa 1.1 mi 4.9
Academy for Enriched Sciences Encino 1.4 mi 8.5
LN Media Academy Encino 1.5 mi
Stagg Street Elementary Van Nuys 1.5 mi 7.5
Westmark School Encino 1.5 mi
WESTMARK SCHOOL Encino 1.5 mi 7.3
Newcastle Elementary Reseda 1.3 mi 6.2
Bertrand Avenue Elementary Reseda 1.4 mi 4.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 91406 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$76,653

Median Home Value

$765,000

Median Rent

$1,859/mo

Population

52,661

College Educated

28.7%

Homeownership

39.4%

Avg Commute

33.1 min

Poverty Rate

18%

Median Age

37

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
MARYMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL LOS ANGELES Los Angeles, CA 7.3
Minarets High O'Neals, CA 7.3
Needles High Needles, CA 7.3
Architecture Construction & Engineering Charter High (ACE) Camarillo, CA 7.2
JEWISH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL OF THE BAY San Francisco, CA 7.2
MONTEREY BAY ACADEMY La Selva Beach, CA 7.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet

What grades does Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet serve?

Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet?

Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet has an enrollment of approximately 224 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet?

The student-teacher ratio at Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet is 17.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet rank in CA?

Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet ranks #2,944 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet's MySchoolScout rating?

Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.3 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet has 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 66% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet a charter school?

No, Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet a Title I school?

No, Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet?

71.0% of students at Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
74 Very Walkable
Transit Score
50 Good Transit
Bike Score
71 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
224
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
13
Free/Reduced Lunch
71.0%
Type
alternative
Setting
Large City
County
Los Angeles County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
35.7%
4-Year Graduation
95%+

District

Los Angeles Unified
District Enrollment
419,929
Schools in District
785
Per-Pupil Spending
$22,687
District Rank
#328 of 769

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