Within the Newhall School District, four schools were named Top Public Schools for Underserved Students in Los Angeles County.
McGrath Elementary received recognition as a top public school for low-income Latino students in English, and Newhall, Peachland and Wiley Canyon elementary schools were recognized as top public schools for Latino students in math, according to NSD Superintendent Jeff Pelzel.
The Top Public Schools for Underserved Students report was presented by Innovate Schools, a nonprofit organization that works in tandem with the University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy and Rossier School of Education.
“We looked at California Department of Education data from more than 2,000 schools and found that, of these, close to 300 schools are closing the achievement gap for low-income students of color,” according to a news release from Innovate Public Schools.
The schools selected by the report surpassed statewide average scores in math and English language arts for their low-income Latino and African-American students, and increased college eligibility rates for those students.
“(The recognition) means that we’re on the right track and that we have structures in place that are meeting the needs of our students and that our community outreach with parents is making a difference,” said Newhall Elementary Principal Jackeline Tapia. “I’m very proud of our teachers, parents and students for earning this.”
“Our focus is to to improve student growth at whatever level they begin, and we’re excited to know that the strategies and structures we have in place are working,” said McGrath Principal Jennifer Boone. “It’s just great news.”
This is the first year Innovate Schools has produced the report for Los Angeles County.
