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Average

#4409 of 9,533 schools in CA

Top 46% in state

Polytechnic High

High School · Long Beach Unified

1600 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, CA 90813

Enrollment

3,954

Student-Teacher

23.5:1

Score

6.5

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Long Beach

#24 of 77

public schools

California high schools

#890 of 1,892

In district

#28 of 82

Long Beach Unified

About Polytechnic High

Polytechnic High serves 3,954 students in grades 9-12 in Long Beach, California, making it one of the larger high schools in the area. With 168 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 23.5:1, which is fairly typical for large public high schools in California. Academically, Polytechnic High ranks in the 51st percentile statewide, placing #4,730 out of 9,566 California schools with a MySchoolScout rating of 5.6 out of 10.

The school shows stronger performance in English Language Arts, where 52% of students achieve proficiency or above across grade levels. Mathematics presents more of a challenge, with 26% of students reaching proficiency standards, indicating significant room for academic growth in this subject area. The school draws from a diverse community in the 90813 zip code area, where the median household income is $48,535 and about 15% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher.

With a poverty rate of 25.6% in the surrounding neighborhood, many students face economic challenges that can impact educational outcomes. Polytechnic High is situated in Long Beach, a large coastal city in Los Angeles County, providing students with access to urban opportunities while serving a working-class community with deep local roots.

What Parents Should Know

Polytechnic High is a large school with 3,954 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.

The student-teacher ratio at Polytechnic High is 23.5:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.7Fair25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-2.17 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.5Above Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency25.8%
Reading/ELA Proficiency52.4%
Math vs. State Avg-2.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-3.5 pts
Overall Proficiency39%
Expected (poverty-adj.)42%
vs. Expected-3.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile50th
College Readiness9.5Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation42.3%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment5.6Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio23.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,131

Polytechnic High — Students at Polytechnic High score 39% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

57.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 34.9%
School
State
31.8%
ELA Proficiency 60.0%
School
State
51.5%

Based on 8 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
34%
ELA
63%
2021*
Math
54%
ELA
72%
2024
Math
25.8%
ELA
52.4%

* 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: 3.7/10.

How Polytechnic High Compares

See how Polytechnic High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.5/10
54th percentile in CA
Academic
6.5/10
6.5/10
Growth
3.7/10
Below average
Environment
5.6/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
58%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
168 teachers

Location

1600 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, CA 90813

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Polytechnic High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Renaissance High School for the Arts (rated 8.6/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Clear Passage Educational Center (rated 7.7/10, 0.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ST ANTHONY HIGH SCHOOL (rated 6.5/10, 0.9 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Long Beach, see our Long Beach schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 0.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Roosevelt Elementary Long Beach 0.2 mi 4.2
Clear Passage Educational Center Long Beach 0.2 mi 7.7
We the People High Long Beach 0.4 mi 5.9
Intellectual Virtues Academy Long Beach 0.4 mi 5.7
New Hope Academy of Change Long Beach 0.5 mi
Lincoln Elementary Long Beach 0.5 mi 4.9
Montessori On Elm Long Beach 0.6 mi
MONTESSORI ON ELM Long Beach 0.6 mi 7.2
Bobbie Smith Elementary Long Beach 0.7 mi 4.3
Washington Middle Long Beach 0.6 mi 3.9
Robinson Academy Long Beach 0.7 mi 2.9
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SCHOOL Long Beach 0.7 mi 6.9
Whittier Elementary Long Beach 0.7 mi 4.5
HUNTINGTON ACADEMY Long Beach 0.7 mi 4.6
Educational Partnership High Long Beach 0.7 mi 6.2
Renaissance High School for the Arts Long Beach 0.8 mi 8.6
ST ANTHONY HIGH SCHOOL Long Beach 0.9 mi 6.5
Jenny Oropeza Elementary Long Beach 0.9 mi 5.4
The Muse Academy Long Beach 0.8 mi
Stevenson Elementary Long Beach 0.9 mi 3.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 90813 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$50,302

Median Home Value

$543,700

Median Rent

$1,578/mo

Population

51,689

College Educated

15.9%

Homeownership

15%

Avg Commute

28.9 min

Poverty Rate

24.5%

Median Age

33.5

Community Profile

The community surrounding Polytechnic High has a median household income of $50,302. It is a community where 16% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $543,700, with a median rent of $1,578/month. The area has a poverty rate of 24.5%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 29 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Clovis East High Clovis, CA 6.5
Fountain Valley High Fountain Valley, CA 6.5
Temecula Valley High Temecula, CA 6.5
Arroyo Valley High San Bernardino, CA 6.4
Castro Valley High Castro Valley, CA 6.6
El Camino Real Charter High Woodland Hills, CA 6.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Polytechnic High

What grades does Polytechnic High serve?

Polytechnic High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Polytechnic High?

Polytechnic High has an enrollment of approximately 3,954 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Polytechnic High?

The student-teacher ratio at Polytechnic High is 23.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Polytechnic High rank in CA?

Polytechnic High is ranked #4409 out of 9,533 schools in CA.

What is Polytechnic High's MySchoolScout rating?

Polytechnic High has a composite rating of 6.5 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Polytechnic High?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Polytechnic High has 34.9% math proficiency and 60.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Polytechnic High a charter school?

No, Polytechnic High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Polytechnic High a Title I school?

No, Polytechnic High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Polytechnic High?

57.7% of students at Polytechnic High 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
81 Very Walkable
Transit Score
66 Good Transit
Bike Score
66 Bikeable
City Safety
High (4,186/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Long Beach). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
3,954
Student-Teacher Ratio
23.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
168
Free/Reduced Lunch
57.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Los Angeles County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Long Beach Unified
District Enrollment
63,966
Schools in District
82
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,539
District Rank
#28 of 82

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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