The Gooden School

The Gooden School serves 184 students from kindergarten through eighth grade in Sierra Madre, offering an intimate educational environment with just 16 full-time teachers and an excellent 11.2:1 student-teacher ratio. This regular public elementary school has earned recognition with a strong 9.0 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating and ranks in the 65th percentile statewide at #622 out of 1790 California schools. The small class sizes allow for personalized attention and close teacher-student relationships that can foster both academic growth and social development throughout the elementary and middle school years.

Students benefit from the continuity of staying within the same school community from kindergarten through eighth grade, building lasting friendships and strong connections with faculty. The school draws families from Sierra Madre's well-educated community, where 65% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher and the median household income reaches $128,056. This affluent, suburban neighborhood reflects a strong commitment to education, with low poverty rates of just 6.1% and substantial family investment in their children's academic success.

The Gooden School sits in the heart of Sierra Madre's large suburban setting in Los Angeles County, providing students with both small-town charm and access to the greater Los Angeles area's cultural and educational opportunities.

With an enrollment of 184 students, The Gooden School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

As a private school, The Gooden School operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.