Public school with a magnet program · Los Angeles Unified

Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet — Rating & test scores

6649 Balboa Boulevard, Lake Balboa · 183 students · Grades 9–12

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Drawn from OpenStreetMap, with building heights from LA County. Volunteers map it, so a new building may be missing.

A picture of the campus, not an attendance boundary or a rating.

Schools maintain a closed campus policy. For students’ safety, visitors may enter a campus only with the school’s official permission; this drawing implies no permission to enter.

Scope Score 79

SolidScope Score · 69th percentile. Higher than 69 in 100 of the 1,498 California public high schools we score.

75 is the typical California school. 100 is the best result in the state. How the score is built

In 2024–25, 98% of the class graduated in four years (51 of 52); across California, 89%.

Source for this line
Source
CDE four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR), 2024–25
Students
students who started 9th grade together: 52
Comparison
California: graduates divided by students who started 9th grade together, across 2,281 public schools’ rows (our combination, not CDE’s published state rate; 432,702 of 487,177).

Overview

Is this school a good high school?

Solid. Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet is higher than most California high schools on math test results. Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet is lower than most on English test results and attendance.

Test results, spring 2025

English, Proficient or Advanced3753%
Math, Proficient or Advanced7038%
English, Advanced4222%
Math, Advanced6112%

Showing up, 2024–25

Attendance2230 in 100
Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet’s place among California high schools, out of 100Los Angeles Unified’s other high schoolsBar colour, from the lowest quarter of schools to the highest

One more thing to know

32 in 100 students (51 of 158) missed 10% or more of school days in 2025–26. That compares with 28 in 100 at the average Los Angeles Unified high school.

Each bar is Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet’s place among 1,498 California public high schools we score. Our calculation from California Department of Education records, updated October 15, 2026.

How to read these bars, and their sources

A place counts the schools out of 100 with a lower figure. The dashed line is the middle. Test results are from spring 2025, grade 11, the latest year with a high school Scope Score. That year the state called these levels Met or exceeded and Exceeded. Attendance counts students who missed 10% or more of school days; fewer is better, so a higher place means fewer such students.

Source for the sentence
CDE chronic absenteeism file, 2025–26. All students counted for chronic absence (CDE’s eligible enrollment): 158. District and California figures are averages of school rates (190 Los Angeles Unified schools; 1,492 scored California high schools), our calculation.

In its own words

What does this school say about itself?

We haven’t read Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet’s website yet. Until we do, the school’s own site is the best place to hear it in its own words.

Open pearlmagnet.org (opens in a new tab)

Nearby

How does it compare with schools nearby?

4 of the 9 high schools nearby have a higher Scope Score than Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet. Each school is compared with every California high school.

Scope Score

10 high schools within 2.8 miles, highest score first. Under each name is how the school takes students.

  1. Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched StudiesMagnet · by applicationScope Score 8790th
  2. Lake Balboa College Preparatory Magnet K-12Magnet · by applicationScope Score 8585th
  3. High Tech LACharter · its own lotteryScope Score 8483rd
  4. Birmingham Community CharterCharter · its own lotteryScope Score 8173rd
  5. Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications MagnetScope Score 7969th
  6. Magnolia Science AcademyCharter · its own lotteryScope Score 7654th
  7. Van NuysNeighborhood school · by addressScope Score 7552nd
  8. Magnolia Science Academy 2Charter · its own lotteryScope Score 7552nd
  9. Reseda CharterCharter · its own lotteryScope Score 7340th
  10. Robert Fulton College PreparatoryNeighborhood school · by addressScope Score 7338th
Los Angeles UnifiedCharterMagnet or school of choice

A charter school takes applications from any family and holds a lottery when it has more applicants than seats. A magnet or other school of choice takes applications through its district.

Scope Score from California Department of Education state tests (CAASPP), spring 2025, grade 11. Distance is a straight line from this campus and is not an attendance boundary. See these schools on the map

Scores and family income

Further right, more students are from low-income families. Higher up, more students met or exceeded the standard in English.

25%50%75%0%25%50%75%100%

4 of 10 schools are named on the chart. Point at a dot or tap it to read any school.

English results: California Department of Education state tests (CAASPP), spring 2025, grade 11. Low-income is the share of students who qualified for free or reduced-price meals, 2024–25. The chart compares results, not causes.

Schools like it

How does this school compare with schools like it?

Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet’s Scope Score is 79. 304 California high schools, counting Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet, have a similar share of students from low-income families. Their typical score is 72. Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet’s result is higher than 262 of them.

The five schools with the highest results of the 304

  1. Students from low-income families: 75%

    Scope Score 98Strong · 99th percentile

  2. Students from low-income families: 85%

    Scope Score 91Strong · 95th percentile

  3. Students from low-income families: 73%

    Scope Score 90Strong · 94th percentile

  4. Students from low-income families: 79%

    Scope Score 90Strong · 94th percentile

  5. Students from low-income families: 76%

    La Quinta High

    Westminster

    Scope Score 89Strong · 93rd percentile

304 California public high schools where 73% to 85% of students qualified for free or reduced-price meals in 2024–25. The chart compares results, not causes. Our calculation from California Department of Education records, spring 2025.

How the group is chosen

The group is every California public high school we score where 73% to 85% of students qualified for free or reduced-price meals in 2024–25. That is within 6 points of Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet’s share. The count includes Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet. Typical means the median: half are higher and half are lower. Schools differ in more than family income, and no score is changed for it. Our calculation from California Department of Education records: state tests (CAASPP), spring 2025, and school meal eligibility, 2024–25.

Over time

Have results changed?

English results were higher than in 2025; math results were similar. English went from 53% to 79% and math from 38% to 39%.

Share at the state’s top two test levels, 2017 to 2026

Grade 11. Point at a year, tap it or use the arrow keys to read its figures.

English

No comparable testsNo tests25%50%75%2017201820192022202320242025202660%62%79%Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications MagnetThis school60%Los Angeles UnifiedDistrict57%CaliforniaCalifornia

Math

No comparable testsNo tests25%50%75%2017201820192022202320242025202628%29%39%Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications MagnetThis school32%CaliforniaCalifornia31%Los Angeles UnifiedDistrict

The lines break where a year has no comparable state test results. Each spring tests a different group of students. Los Angeles Unified’s line combines its 189 high schools we score (our calculation). Faint lines are its other schools. Source: California Department of Education, state tests (CAASPP).

Each year’s results

The top two levels were called Met or Exceeded before 2026 and are called Proficient or Advanced now. Los Angeles Unified’s figure weights each school by the students it tested.

English, grade 11: share at the top two levels
SpringDaniel Pearl Journalism & Communications MagnetLos Angeles UnifiedCaliforniaTested here
201762%60%60%68
201865%56%56%75
201951%57%57%80
202261%52%55%49
202346%55%55%50
202471%55%56%58
202553%58%57%32
202679%60%57%33
Math, grade 11: share at the top two levels
SpringDaniel Pearl Journalism & Communications MagnetLos Angeles UnifiedCaliforniaTested here
201729%28%32%68
201830%27%31%73
201926%29%32%80
202225%22%27%48
202310%23%27%50
202431%24%28%58
202538%29%30%32
202639%31%32%33

Tests

How did students here do on state tests?

Well above California in English; above it in math.

English

79%

scored Proficient or Advanced.

1294930
Los Angeles Unified59%California57%

Math

39%

scored Proficient or Advanced.

33282118
Los Angeles Unified31%California32%
MinimalDeveloping levelProficientAdvanced

In grade 11, spring 2026, 79% scored Proficient or Advanced in English and 39% in math, against 57% and 32% across California.

The state published these results on October 15, 2026. What changed across California. Spring 2026, grade 11 combined. From spring 2026, the state calls its top two levels “Proficient or Advanced” (formerly “Met or Exceeded”). Source: California Department of Education, state tests (CAASPP).

How does math compare with English?

In grade 11, spring 2026, math trails English by 40 percentage points in the share who scored Proficient or Advanced, against 25 points across California. The grade 11 cards above give each subject’s share.

All four test levels, with the number of students tested
Share of students tested at each level, spring 2026. The state’s test levels Advanced, Proficient, the Developing level (formerly Nearly met) and Minimal.
StudentsAdvancedProficientDeveloping levelMinimalTested
English, grade 11 · This school30%49%9%12%33
English, grade 11 · California27%30%21%22%414,559
English, grade 11 · Los Angeles Unified26%33%21%20%34,143
Math, grade 11 · This school18%21%28%33%33
Math, grade 11 · California16%16%20%48%413,523
Math, grade 11 · Los Angeles Unified14%17%22%47%34,113

Spring 2026, grade 11 combined: 33 tested in English, 33 tested in math. California combines the state’s results for the same grades, weighted by students tested (our calculation).

Who goes here

Who goes here?

Hispanic or Latino students are the largest group here, at 61% of students. 51 of 158 students missed 10% or more of school days.

Missing school, 2025–26

32in 100

students were chronically absent. That means they missed 10% or more of school days (51 of 158 students).

At the average Los Angeles Unified high school: 28 in 100. At the average California high school: 22 in 100.

Students, 2024–25

183

students in grades 9–12.

Hispanic or Latino 61%White 28%

Family income

79%

of students qualified for free or reduced-price meals in 2024–25, 144 of 183. California: 63%.

Teachers, 2024–25

14

teachers, with 12 years of experience on average.

21% were in their first year.

87% of teaching positions had the right credential, 2021–22.

Suspensions, 2025–26

1.2%

of students were suspended at least once (2 of 163). Average California high school 2.9%.

Sources: California Department of Education. Each tile names its year.

Full student mix, 2025–26
StudentsHere
Hispanic or Latino61%
White28%
Asian—
Black or African American—
Filipino—
Two or more races—
American Indian or Alaska Native—
Pacific Islander—
Not reported—
Where these figures come from

Attendance and suspensions: California Department of Education, 2025–26. Student mix: the students the state’s attendance file counts, 2025–26; a dash means our records hold no count. Student count: California Department of Education enrollment, 2024–25. Teachers: California Department of Education staffing files, 2024–25.

Teaching credentials: California’s School Accountability Report Card, 2024–25, measured in 2021–22: 13.8 of 15.9 full-time teaching positions. It counts positions, not individual teachers.

After high school

How many students here graduate, and where do they go next?

98% of students graduated in four years in 2024–25. That compares with 89% across California. 77% were ready for college or career (state measure) in 2024–25. 58% of the class of 2023 enrolled in college within 12 months.

ready for college or career (state measure), 2024–25

77%

Across California: 52%.

of graduates finished the UC/CSU course list, 2024–25

80%

At the average California high school: 56%.

Graduation, college and university records

Preparation · each measure describes a different student group

Graduated in four years

98%

Across California: 89%

2024–25 · 51 of 52 students who started 9th grade together

Ready for college or career (state measure)

77%

Across California: 52%

2024–25 · 41 of 53 students in the state’s measure

Finished the UC/CSU course list

80%

Average California high school: 56%

2024–25 · 41 of 51 graduates finished the UC/CSU course list

Destinations · class of 2023

Where students who finished high school went

58% enrolled in college within 12 months · 52 students who finished high school

  • University of California6 · 12%
  • California State University8 · 15%
  • California community college12 · 23%
  • In-state private1 · 2%
  • Out-of-state, 4-year3 · 6%
  • Out-of-state, 2-year0 · 0%
  • Not enrolled22 · 42%

Source: CDE college-going records, class of 2023. Shares are our arithmetic: each count divided by all high-school completers (graduates and other students who finished), rounded together so they total 100. “Not enrolled” does not describe employment, military service or other routes.

Where the class of 2023 went
58%enrolled in college within a year

52 completers, class of 2023

  • University of California6 (12%)
  • California State University8 (15%)
  • California community college12 (23%)
  • In-state private1 (2%)
  • Out-of-state, 4-year3 (6%)
  • Out-of-state, 2-year0 (0%)
  • Not enrolled22 (42%)

Source: CDE’s college-going rate for the class of 2023 (enrolled in college within 12 months). Shares are our arithmetic: count ÷ completers, rounded together so they total 100. A dash means we have no figure for that row; it isn’t zero.

Where these figures come fromEach measure’s source, student group and definition
Graduated in four years
2024–25 · 51 of 52 students who started 9th grade together. California Department of Education, adjusted cohort graduation records. Comparison is SchoolScope’s combination of graduates and cohort counts across the reference schools, not CDE’s published state rate.
Ready for college or career (state measure)
2024–25 · 41 of 53 students in the state’s measure. California Department of Education, College/Career Indicator (CCI), overall “Prepared” rate, among the students in the indicator’s group. Prepared is CDE’s overall classification, not AP participation or a college admission rate.
Finished the UC/CSU course list
2024–25 · 41 of 51 graduates finished the UC/CSU course list. California Department of Education, A–G completion records (graduates who met the UC/CSU course requirements). Course completion is separate from college enrollment.
Where students who finished high school went
CDE college-going records, class of 2023. College enrollment is counted for 12 months after finishing high school and matched to college records, so this runs about two years behind. A dash is unavailable, not zero.
Advanced courses on record

What other courses and pathways are on record?

College courses in high school (dual enrollment)
53 students took one

2023–24

Students taking a college course for credit while in high school, often through a community college. Federal Civil Rights Data Collection, school-reported.

What people say

What do students, families and staff say?

On high expectations, students, families and staff here all answered more positively than at Los Angeles Unified high schools in 2025–26.

137

students answered

78

family surveys came back

36

staff answered
This schoolLos Angeles Unified high schools, same questionsShare who gave one of the two most positive answers. Each line runs from 40% to 100%.

Students

137 answered

Feeling safe70%
Belonging70%
Caring adults72%
Having a say73%
High expectations76%
  • Higher than Los Angeles Unified
  • Students have a voice in decision making at this school75%district 53%
  • Teachers at my school know me78%district 61%
  • Teachers encourage students to make decisions80%district 64%
  • Happened to them 2 or more times in 30 days · lower is better
  • Had mean rumors or lies spread about you?17%district 15%
  • Been made fun of because of your looks or the way you talk?15%district 15%

Families

Parents and guardians · 78 surveys came back

Child is safe77%
Feeling welcome94%
Caring adults85%
Being included88%
High expectations93%
Bullying handled77%
  • Higher than Los Angeles Unified
  • This school informs me about school activities in different ways95%district 86%
  • Clerical/office staff treat me with respect in-person and online95%district 87%
  • I feel welcome to participate at this school95%district 87%
  • Lower than Los Angeles Unified
  • My child is safe on school grounds77%district 81%
  • Teachers at this school let me know about my child's progress83%district 86%

Staff

Teachers and other staff · 36 answered, 13 of them teachers

Feeling safe91%
Caring adults90%
High expectations97%
Little bullying88%
  • Higher than Los Angeles Unified
  • At this school, decisions are made based on students’ needs and interests86%district 77%
  • This school sets high standards for academic performance for all students97%district 88%
  • Harassment or bullying among students88%district 81%

Each line is the average of the survey’s questions on that theme. The themes are our grouping. We show a question only when at least 20 people answered it. The lists name the questions 3 points or more from Los Angeles Unified high schools. These answers are not part of the Scope Score. Source: Los Angeles Unified, School Experience Survey, 2025–26. Survey results (opens in a new tab)

All 46 student questions
QuestionHereLos Angeles Unified high schoolsAnswers
Safety
I feel safe in this school or in online school sessions70%65%137
Belonging
This school is a supportive and inviting place for students to learn79%65%133
I am happy to be at this school73%64%136
I feel like I am part of this school64%59%133
I feel accepted for who I am at this school67%66%134
Most kids at this school are kind to each other58%46%137
LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer) students at this school are accepted77%63%137
Caring adults
Teachers go out of their way to help students74%62%136
The teachers at this school treat students fairly68%60%133
Teachers care if I'm absent from school67%54%134
Adults at this school treat all students with respect64%59%137
There is an adult at my school whom I trust and can talk to no matter what is bothering me67%59%136
There is at least one adult at my school who supports me78%68%135
Teachers at my school know me78%61%136
If I told a teacher or other adult at this school that another student was bullying me, he or she would try to help me79%66%137
Engagement
Teachers give students a chance to take part in classroom discussions or activities86%73%136
My teachers make learning fun58%48%136
Students have a voice in decision making at this school75%53%136
Teachers encourage students to make decisions80%64%135
There are lots of chances for students at my school to get involved in sports, clubs, or other school activities outside of class79%74%135
I participate in extra-curricular activities offered through my school, such as school clubs or organizations, musical groups, sports teams, student government, or any other extra-curricular activities62%53%135
High expectations
In my classes, my teachers tell me how I can make my work better79%71%136
Adults at this school encourage me to work hard so I can be successful in college or at the job I choose79%70%136
Adults at this school have helped me learn the details of getting into college (completing applications, financial aid, etc)70%63%136
Bullied 2 or more times in the past 30 days
Had mean rumors or lies spread about you?A lower share means fewer students reported it.17%15%137
Been made fun of because of your looks or the way you talk?A lower share means fewer students reported it.15%15%137
Been pushed, shoved, slapped, hit or kicked by someone who wasn't kidding around?A lower share means fewer students reported it.5%6%137
Been bullied online?A lower share means fewer students reported it.6%6%136
Had sexual jokes, comments, or gestures made to you?A lower share means fewer students reported it.12%10%137
Other questions
The teachers at this school grade me fairly70%61%135
Students know how they are expected to act64%54%137
Adults at this school clearly inform students what would happen if they break school rules74%69%136
What is the highest level of education that you plan to complete?——105
I can change my intelligence with hard work74%72%136
I can increase my intelligence by challenging myself74%73%136
I am capable of learning anything68%72%136
I feel safe in the neighborhood around this school68%57%137
I can do well on all my tests, even when they're difficult48%48%136
I can master the hardest topics in my classes44%44%135
I can meet all the learning goals my teachers set56%54%135
I came to class prepared86%76%136
I remembered and followed directions88%81%136
I paid attention, even when there were distractions68%67%135
How well did you get along with students who are different from you?74%69%136
When others disagreed with you, how respectful were you of their views?76%74%136
How carefully did you listen to other people's points of view?84%79%136

A dash means fewer than 20 people answered, or the survey file we hold gives no share for the question.

All 40 family questions
QuestionHereLos Angeles Unified high schoolsAnswers
Safety
My child is safe on school grounds77%81%73
Belonging
Clerical/office staff treat me with respect in-person and online95%87%75
Teachers treat me with respect in-person and online95%88%75
I am greeted by school staff when I visit this school92%86%74
I feel welcome to participate at this school95%87%78
Caring adults
Teachers take my concerns seriously88%85%75
Teachers at this school let me know about my child's progress83%86%75
Engagement
This school informs me about school activities in different ways95%86%78
This school includes me in important decisions about my child's education83%83%78
This school recruits and organizes parents to help and support the school87%80%75
High expectations
School staff expect my child to attend college90%87%74
School staff expect my child to graduate from high school95%90%74
Bullying reports taken seriously
Reports of all types of bullying are taken seriously at this school77%78%74
Other questions
Clerical/office staff take my concerns seriously92%84%75
Clerical/office staff respond to my needs in a timely manner91%83%75
Teachers respond to my needs in a timely manner91%84%75
Offering more flexible ways to meet (online, in person, phone) would increase my engagement with my child's school76%82%74
I am satisfied with my school's communication about how to support my child's learning90%85%74
This school encourages my child to explore different career choices78%84%78
School staff help me understand the requirements for CSU/UC admission86%81%72
School staff help me understand which courses my child needs to graduate from high school90%86%73
School staff help me understand how to apply for financial aid for college—85%10
School staff help me understand how to help my child apply for college—85%10
This school provides instructional resources to help me support my child's education83%84%75
This school offers extra activities for my child's personal growth86%86%78
This school provides high quality instruction to my child77%86%77
I am satisfied with how much my child is learning at this school82%86%78
I attend events in person and online at my child's school, like parent-teacher conferences, assemblies, and school performances92%80%74
I feel comfortable supporting my child’s use of technology at home to access and complete school assignments95%88%75
I have visited my child's school website to get information and/or access resources86%84%74
This school provides me with information (verbal and written) I can understand97%89%78
School staff provide translation and interpretation services when I need them75%83%44
This school provides information on grade level requirements for my child92%87%74
This school informs me about activities sponsored by the parent and family center81%83%69
I can easily find information about parent workshops or other programs offered at this school81%82%74
This school offers extra academic support for my child87%86%78
I have visited or received assistance from the parent and family center personnel, website or resource pages available online78%78%55
I have received information about my child's progress as an English Learner78%80%46
My child is clearly informed about the consequences of breaking school rules89%89%74
Discipline is fair at this school72%77%74

A dash means fewer than 20 people answered, or the survey file we hold gives no share for the question.

All 46 staff questions
QuestionHereLos Angeles Unified high schoolsAnswers
Safety
I feel safe on school grounds during the day91%93%35
Caring adults
At this school, decisions are made based on students’ needs and interests86%77%36
Adults at this school treat all students with respect94%88%35
High expectations
This school sets high standards for academic performance for all students97%88%33
This school emphasizes teaching lessons in ways relevant to students97%92%33
Bullying called a mild or insignificant problem
Harassment or bullying among students88%81%34
Other questions
I have the materials I need to do my job well80%78%35
Generally speaking, my technology issues are resolved within an acceptable time period77%82%35
I get the help I need to communicate with parents88%77%34
The child abuse training I receive adequately prepares me to address child abuse at my school91%92%35
I feel safe in the neighborhood around my school97%84%35
At this school, parents treat me with respect.92%84%36
This school is a supportive and inviting place for staff to work92%77%36
This school promotes personnel participation in decision-making that affects the school practices and policies78%71%36
How many adults at this school support and treat each other with respect?91%84%34
How many adults at this school feel a responsibility to improve this school?85%73%34
Students treat adults at this school with respect80%78%35
This school clearly communicates to students the consequences of breaking school rules86%71%35
This school effectively handles student discipline and behavioral problems89%66%35
Racial/ethnic conflict among students100%87%32
The curriculum at this school is focused on helping students get ready for college (teachers)—81%10
Teachers expect most students in this school to go to college (teachers)—81%10
Teachers in this school feel that it is a part of their job to prepare students academically to succeed in college (teachers)—87%10
The MyPGS informal observation process has helped me improve my teaching (teachers)—68%4
During the past year, how often did you communicate each individual English Learner’s progress towards reclassification as Fluent English Proficient (RFEP) to parents or students?* (teachers)——9
I use ELPAC scores to plan instruction for my English learner students (teachers)—50%9
I know how to determine progress towards reclassification for my students who are English Learners (teachers)—60%9
I know how to provide targeted instruction for English Learners who are not making progress towards reclassification (teachers)—65%9
I know which of my students are long-term English learners (LTELs) (teachers)—76%9
Observed the instruction of my colleagues to get ideas for my own instruction (teachers)—17%12
With my colleagues, I examined evidence of student understanding/mastery (e g , test data, student) (teachers)—28%12
Worked in grade-level or department-level teams to review and align grading practices (teachers)—35%12
Teachers meet to examine student performance data (teachers)—27%12
Teachers collaborate with one another by department, SLC, or grade level about curricular or instructional issues (teachers)—40%12
I have received training to effectively integrate technology into my instruction to address students' diverse learning styles (teachers)—76%12
I have received professional development training on how to create a learning environment that leverages digital tools and resources (teachers)—76%12
I integrate technology into my instructional practices to meet the needs of my students (teachers)—92%12
I feel confident integrating technology into my instruction (teachers)—91%12
What I learn in our school professional development meetings addresses my students' needs (teachers)—61%12
The professional development I received this year has made a positive impact on my teaching practice (teachers)—60%12
The professional development I received this year has helped me improve students’ engagement in my class (teachers)—57%12
The professional development I received this year has helped me improve my students' learning outcomes (teachers)—60%12
The professional development I received this year has improved collaboration and teamwork with my colleagues (teachers)—67%12
The professional development I received this year has helped me to understand and use data to inform my instruction (teachers)—68%12
The professional development I received this year has helped me to develop differentiated instruction for students (teachers)—62%12
I enjoy teaching at this school (teachers)—86%12

A dash means fewer than 20 people answered, or the survey file we hold gives no share for the question.

About the survey and these figuresWho answers, what we show, and how a theme figure is made

Los Angeles Unified School District, School Experience Survey 2025–26 (researcher file). Students in grades 4–12 take it; some questions go only to older grades.

Los Angeles Unified publishes no minimum number of answers. We show a question only when at least 20 people answered it, and a group only when at least 10% of it responded, so the answers speak for more than the few who chose to reply.

Each row shows the percentage its label describes. For a theme, such as one marked “average of 5 questions”, we average the percentages for its questions, the way Los Angeles Unified averages its own topics. Each lane lists every question with its own percentage.

Family and staff answers

What would families and staff tell you?

Families and staff can answer a short set of questions about Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet. These are not star ratings or reviews.

  1. Staff answers show once 5 people have answered.Until then this page shows no staff answers.
  2. Family answers show once 20 families have answered.Until then this page shows how many have answered.
  3. The questions are about the school, never a person.No question asks about a named teacher or staff member.
  4. Answers are never part of the Scope Score.They sit beside the state’s records and do not change a school’s score.
  5. Staff confirm a work email.Staff answers come only from people who confirmed an email address at Los Angeles Unified.

Families

No family answers yet

0 of 20 needed before answers show

  • Does the school tell you how your child is doing, in a way you understand, before report cards arrive?Usually · Sometimes · Rarely
  • When you contact the school with a question, do you hear back within two school days?Usually · Sometimes · Rarely · Haven’t contacted them
  • Can you get school information in the language you read best?Yes · Mostly · No
  • And 4 more questions.

Answer the family questionsResponder en españolHow family answers work

Staff

No staff answers yet

5 answers needed before they show

  • Would you send your own child to this school?Yes · Maybe · No
  • Do you plan to work at this school next year?Yes · Not sure · No
  • Do you have the materials and supplies you need to teach?Usually · Sometimes · Rarely
  • And 5 more questions.

Answer the staff questionsHow staff answers work

Money

Where does the money go?

$38,764 for each student in 2024–25. California’s high schools spent $20,309 for each student. Los Angeles Unified’s plan for 2026–27 covers $7.9 billion.

$38,764

for each student at this school, 2024–25
Spent at the school
$33,749
The school’s share of district office costs
$5,015
Of the total, from federal funds
$3,072
  • Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet$38,764
  • Los Angeles Unified high schools$23,805
  • California high schools$20,309

The district and California figures combine their high schools, weighted by enrollment (our calculation, 1,655 California schools). Spending does not show how well money is used. Source: California Department of Education, per-school spending report, 2024–25. Funding records ↓

Los Angeles Unified’s yearly plan

$7.9billion

in the district’s plan for 2026–27

$1.8billion

planned for services for English learners, low-income students and foster youth
  • Academic Excellence$5.8 billion
  • Operational Effectiveness$1.0 billion
  • Joy and Wellness$521 million
  • Investing in Staff$268 million
  • Black Student Achievement Plan Implementation$135 million
  • Engagement and Collaboration$68 million
  • Equity Multiplier$35 million
  • English Learner Supports$30 million

This is the district’s plan. It is not this school’s own budget. Each part of the bar is one goal in the plan, with the money for its actions added up (our calculation). The plan covers $7.9 billion of $11.3 billion in total budgeted spending. Source: Los Angeles Unified Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), 2026–27. Read the district’s plan →

The neighborhood

What is the area around this school like?

These figures are for everyone who lives in ZIP code 91406. They are not figures for the families at Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet.

Typical household income in a year

$78,429

Typical means half are higher and half are lower. The ZIP code is the school’s address, not its attendance area. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2020–2024, ZIP code area 91406.

Typical home value
$808,900
People who live in this ZIP code
51,953
Typical age
37.5 years
Adults 25 and older with a four-year college degree
30%

What you can do

Who can act on this school’s results?

Los Angeles Unified’s board decides Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet’s plan.

How to take part

  1. Watch the board’s agenda: the hearing is posted at least 72 hours ahead.
  2. Send written comments on the actions and spending the plan proposes.
  3. Raise questions through the district’s parent advisory committee; the superintendent must answer its comments in writing.
  4. Read the midyear report, due by February 28.

State support

The state hasn’t placed Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet in a support program. Federal designation under the Every Student Succeeds Act, 2025–26. Source 

Extra state help for the district

The state is giving Los Angeles Unified extra help in 2026. It qualified on the 2025 California School Dashboard. The county office must help the district for at least three years, including a review of its yearly plan.

Extra help for Los Angeles Unified: CDE’s assistance status file for the 2025 California School Dashboard. Source 

Questions to ask

What should I ask, and when?

Bring these 8 questions to Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet. Confirm anything about applying with the school itself.

On a tour

  1. When a child starts missing school, who calls the family, and how soon?32 in 100 chronically absent, 2025–26 (51 of 158 students); average Los Angeles Unified high school: 28 in 100
  2. When a bullying report comes in, who handles it, and how is the family told?11% (the average share reporting being bullied 2 or more times in the past 30 days, across 5 survey questions), 2025–26; LAUSD high schools: 10%
  3. What extra help do students who are behind get, and how do you know it’s working?61% in math scored at the Developing or Minimal level, grade 11, spring 2026 (33 students tested); California: 68%
  4. Which courses and career pathways does the school run, and who can enroll?
  5. How do counselors help students plan for college, training or work?
  6. What support is available when a student falls behind on graduation requirements?

At the office

  1. What time does the day start and end, and is any day shorter?
  2. Is there care before or after school, and what does it cost?

Getting in

Which schools feed into this school, and how do I get in?

Ask Los Angeles Unified which school serves your address.

  1. Elementary
    Gault Street Elementary
    Scope Score 74Developing · 40th percentile · 2026Nearby same-district option · distance estimate, not a confirmed feeder
  2. Middle
    William Mulholland Middle
    Scope Score 77Solid · 63rd percentile · 2026Nearby same-district option · distance estimate, not a confirmed feeder
  3. High · this school
    Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet
    Grades 9–12Scope Score 79Solid · 69th percentile

These links come from past records and from distance. Confirm your child’s school with the district. Each school’s standing compares it with California schools at its own level. Explore schools on the map

All recorded links and nearby alternatives

Elementary links

  • Gault Street Elementary

    Nearby same-district option · distance estimate, not a confirmed feeder

    Scope Score 74 · Developing · 40th percentile · elementary · 2026

  • Lemay Street Elementary

    Nearby same-district option · distance estimate, not a confirmed feeder

    Scope Score 79 · Solid · 66th percentile · elementary · 2026

  • Anatola Avenue Elementary

    Nearby same-district option · distance estimate, not a confirmed feeder

    Scope Score 73 · Developing · 35th percentile · elementary · 2026

Middle-school links

  • William Mulholland Middle

    Nearby same-district option · distance estimate, not a confirmed feeder

    Scope Score 77 · Solid · 63rd percentile · middle · 2026

  • Northridge Middle

    Nearby same-district option · distance estimate, not a confirmed feeder

    Scope Score 74 · Developing · 44th percentile · middle · 2026

  • James Jordan Middle

    Nearby same-district option · distance estimate, not a confirmed feeder · Charter school. Check how it admits students.

    Scope Score 79 · Solid · 70th percentile · middle · 2026

Links do not guarantee placement. Charter, magnet, transfer and other admission routes can differ. Each school’s percentile compares it with California schools at its own level (continuation and alternative schools only with their own kind); the stages are not one ranking.

Applying to Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet for 2027–28

  1. If Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet serves your address, you register there without applying. Check which school serves your address first.

    LAUSD Resident School Identifier 

  2. On-time Choices applications closed November 6, 2026. Late applications open December 1, 2026 and join the end of the waitlist.

    apply.lausd.net 

  3. Magnets select by priority points. A child who isn’t selected is waitlisted only at their first-choice magnet, so list first the one you want most.

  4. Choices letters go out February 8–12, 2027. Accept or decline by March 5, 2027: no answer counts as a decline.

Compare with other schools

How Choices, lotteries and waitlists work

Where it is

Where is this school?

Address
6649 Balboa Boulevard, Lake Balboa 91406Get directions (opens Google Maps in a new tab)
Administrator
Kimberly FigueroaAs the state’s school directory lists it, last updated October 23, 2025.

A school’s place on the map is its address in the state directory. It does not show which homes the school serves. See nearby schools on the map

Short answers to 8 common questions

How do I get in?

On-time Choices applications closed November 6, 2026. Late applications open December 1, 2026 and join the end of the waitlist. See the details ↓

Is Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet a good high school?

Daniel Pearl Journalism & Communications Magnet has a Scope Score of 79. It scored higher than 69 in 100 of California’s 1,498 scored public high schools (Solid, 69th percentile, spring 2025). See the details ↓

How often do students miss school or get suspended?

In 2025–26, 32 in 100 students missed 10% or more of school days, against 28 in 100 at the average Los Angeles Unified high school. 1.2% of students (2 of 163) were suspended at least once in 2025–26, against 2.9% at the average California high school. See the details ↓

How does math compare with English?

In grade 11, spring 2026, math trails English by 40 percentage points in the share who scored Proficient or Advanced, against 25 points across California. See the details ↓

What do families and students say?

77% of families agreed or strongly agreed with “My child is safe on school grounds” (LAUSD high schools 81%, 73 answered).

  • 70% of students agreed or strongly agreed with “I feel safe in this school or in online school sessions” (LAUSD high schools 65%, 137 answered)
  • Source: Los Angeles Unified School District School Experience Survey, 2025–26

See the details ↓

What could my child study here?

53 students took a college course for credit in 2023–24, by the federal Civil Rights Data Collection. See the details ↓

Where do students go after finishing high school here?

58% of the class of 2023 enrolled in college within 12 months, by CDE’s college-going records. See the details ↓

What should I ask on a visit?

The questions drawn from this page are under Questions to ask, ready to copy. See the details ↓

The full record

Source records

This page is built from 13 sets of records from public data sources. Every figure keeps its source, grades, year and count.

Data updated

October 15, 2026

Record sets on this page
13
Sources
California Department of EducationU.S. Census BureauU.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil RightsNational Student Clearinghouse
State test years
2017–2026

Results

Students

After high school

Money and staff

Place, downloads and method

Score factorssource values, index and weights · 2024–25 · ranked #458 of 1,498 California high schools we score · #59 of 191 in Los Angeles Unified
Score factors, 2024–25
FactorSchoolIndexWeight
Graduation rate98%6225%
Exceeded standardaverage of English and math17%5122%
Ready for college or career (state measure)77%7120%
Met or exceededaverage of English and math45%5618%
Chronically absent29 in 100505%
Suspension rate1.5% (3 of 205)565%
English learners: top level33%705%

Index is where the school's value sits among the California high schools we score, from 0 to 100, where 50 is their average; it is not a percentile. School values are from 2024–25. Chronic absence and suspension are CDE's all-students school rates; the score uses an adjusted version of each that pulls small schools toward the average, so their index can sit nearer 50 than the rate suggests.

Scope Score by year2018–19 to 2024–25 · each year’s inputs, and the score for each year we could verify

The 2024–25 Scope Score, in the current-formula row below, uses the state’s college-or-career readiness measure, 2024–25. No verified earlier Scope Scores are available here.

Scope Score

School yearScope ScorePercentileRankComparison group
2024–257969#458California high schools · 1,498 schools · current formula

2018–19, 2021–22, 2022–23 and 2023–24 have records on file but no Scope Score we could verify against that year’s source files, so no score is shown for them.

School yearChronic absenceSuspension
2018–1916 in 1003.1% (11 of 356)
2021–22not on filenot on file
2022–23not on filenot on file
2023–2428 in 1001.6% (4 of 250)
2024–2529 in 1001.5% (3 of 205)

Chronic absence and suspension are CDE’s all-students school rates for each year.

No 2019–20 or 2020–21 records in this SchoolScope series
Results by gradeEnglish and math · grade 11 · spring 2026 · % of tested students

What each level means: California's level descriptions.

English · 2025–26 results by grade

Share of students tested, spring 2026
EnglishTestedAdvancedProficientDeveloping levelMinimalProficient or AdvancedCaliforniaDifference
Grade 113330%49%9%12%79%57%+22

California is CDE’s statewide English row for each grade, counting every student tested there; the comparisons in the chapters combine these rows for their grades, weighted by students tested (our calculation).

Math · 2025–26 results by grade

Share of students tested, spring 2026
MathTestedAdvancedProficientDeveloping levelMinimalProficient or AdvancedCaliforniaDifference
Grade 113318%21%28%33%39%32%+7

California is CDE’s statewide math row for each grade, counting every student tested there; the comparisons in the chapters combine these rows for their grades, weighted by students tested (our calculation).

A grade the school doesn't teach has no row. “Suppressed” marks a result CDE blanks because fewer than 11 students tested (CDE’s reporting rule); “none tested” marks a grade CDE lists with no students tested; “not on file” marks a result missing from the records we hold. None of them means zero.

Every tested year2017–2026 · rates, tested counts, and each grade

English and math by test year · all tested grades

Year · subjectStudents with scoresTop levelTop two levels
2026 · English3330%79%
2026 · Math3318%39%
2025 · English3222%53%
2025 · Math3212%38%
2024 · English5829%71%
2024 · Math5810%31%
2023 · English5020%46%
2023 · Math506%10%
2022 · English4935%61%
2022 · Math486%25%
2019 · English8020%51%
2019 · Math808%26%
2018 · English7529%65%
2018 · Math7312%30%
2017 · English6834%62%
2017 · Math687%29%

Each year names its school year end (2026 = 2025–26). “Students with scores” counts each subject on its own, so don’t add the English and math counts together. A dash is unavailable, not zero.

Earlier years · grade and subject

Year · grade · subjectStudents with scoresMet or exceeded
2025 · Grade 11 · English3253%
2025 · Grade 11 · Math3238%
2024 · Grade 11 · English5871%
2024 · Grade 11 · Math5831%
2023 · Grade 11 · English5046%
2023 · Grade 11 · Math5010%
2022 · Grade 11 · English4961%
2022 · Grade 11 · Math4825%
2019 · Grade 11 · English8051%
2019 · Grade 11 · Math8026%
2018 · Grade 11 · English7565%
2018 · Grade 11 · Math7330%
2017 · Grade 11 · English6862%
2017 · Grade 11 · Math6829%

Current 2025–26 grade results appear above. “Students with scores” counts the students tested in that grade, subject and year. A missing result is not zero, and each year’s row is a different group of children.

Science (CAST)schoolwide · spring 2026
Science (CAST)TestedAdvancedProficientDeveloping levelMinimal
Schoolwide3412%32%56%0%

CAST is tested in grades 5 and 8, then once in grade 10, 11, or 12. This row is the school's all-student aggregate. Not part of the Scope Score.

Attendance and suspensionsState records · this school and each student group · 2018–19 and 2025–26

CDE’s all-students school rates for 2024–25 and 2025–26; the change is the difference between the two rates as printed.

Year-over-year school rates
Chronic absenteeism2024–25 · 29 in 100 → 2025–26 · 32 in 100 · +3 in 100
Suspension rate2024–25 · 1.5% (3 of 205) → 2025–26 · 1.2% (2 of 163) · −0.3 percentage points
Group2018–192025–26Change
Female18 in 10033 of 92—
Male14 in 10018 of 66—
Asian3 of 18——
Black or African American6 of 24——
Filipino2 of 21——
Hispanic or Latino16 in 10028 of 97—
White14 of 9018 of 45—
Students with disabilities5 of 4613 of 37—
Low-income17 in 10034 in 100+17 in 100
All students16 in 10032 in 100+16 in 100
English learners—7 of 12—

Two reported school years only; no intervening-year result is implied. Where fewer than 100 students were counted, the cell shows the count and no change is printed. Source: CDE school-level chronic absenteeism by student group.

Graduation and readinessstate records · each rate for its own year and class of students
MeasureSource record
This school · CCI overall PreparedCDE College/Career Indicator · CCI source year 2025 · all students · all students in the current four-year graduation cohort, plus only Prepared fifth-year graduates from the prior cohort. Overall CCI Prepared rate 77% · numerator 41 students classified Prepared · denominator 53 CCI students.
California · CCI overall PreparedCDE statewide CCI cohort · CCI source year 2025 · all students · overall Prepared rate 52% · numerator 257,567 students classified Prepared · denominator 497,814 CCI students.
AP pathway among CCI Prepared studentsCDE College/Career Indicator · CCI source year 2025 · all students · AP pathway rate 66% · AP-pathway numerator 27 · denominator 41 (CCI Prepared students). This measure uses Prepared students as its denominator, not the whole CCI cohort; it is not an AP exam-taking rate or a count of AP courses offered. That cohort includes all students in the current four-year graduation cohort plus only Prepared fifth-year graduates from the prior cohort. In 2025 the pathway accepts two qualifying AP exams, two qualifying AP courses, or a combination of one of each in different subjects.

CDE's overall Prepared rate is the college-readiness factor in the Scope Score (20% of the high school score). The school rate is 41 of 53 CCI students, not the AP-only pathway or A–G completion rate. The California figure is CDE's statewide CCI student cohort, not an average of SchoolScope's comparable high schools or the SchoolScope school-rank pool.

Graduation rate
98%
AP route, among those ready for college or career
66%
2025 CDE CCI cohort · AP courses, exams, or both; share of students ready for college or career (CDE’s “Prepared”), not course offerings
Finished the UC/CSU course list (A–G)
80%
A–G are the 15 courses (across 7 subjects) required for UC/CSU eligibility
College-going rate
58%

These source periods and populations differ: graduation uses an adjusted cohort, while A–G completion and college-going use separately reported groups. The rates are shown individually, without a shared performance tier.

Advanced coursework, federal snapshot2023–24 · Civil Rights Data Collection · dated historical snapshot
MeasureThis school
AP offeredoffered
AP course count10
AP enrollment (male/female)73
IB participationnot reported
Dual enrollmentoffered · 53 enrolled
Algebra I in grade 8not reported
Calculus sections1
Physics sections2
Chemistry sections3
Reported male/female enrollment (CRDC)224

These counts aren’t part of the Scope Score. “Not reported” means the federal record has no value for that item; it isn’t a zero. Enrollment counts add the male and female students the survey reports.

College destinationsclass of 2023 · state college-going records, 12 months after graduation
DestinationCompleters% (derived)
University of California612%
California State University815%
California community college1223%
In-state private12%
Out-of-state, 4-year36%
Out-of-state, 2-year00%
Not enrolled2242%

52 students who finished high school, class of 2023 · state-reported college-going rate 58% · % column is computed by SchoolScope (count ÷ all who finished high school; CDE calls them completers), not a CDE-native rate · an unavailable or suppressed cell is marked as missing; a reported zero remains distinct · source: CDE 12-mo CGR, 2023 cohort (the newest published), National Student Clearinghouse match.

Fundingschool and district spending, from state and federal finance records · each row names its fiscal year and measure

Per-pupil spending

District · current expense$18,180 per pupil

NCES F-33 · FY 2020–21 (2021) · fall district membership: 460,633 pupils

California · selected district mean$14,491 per pupil

NCES F-33 · FY 2020–21 (2021) · SchoolScope’s unweighted mean across 818 selected California district finance records

School-level federal expenditures$2,519 per pupil

CDE ESSA · school-attributed per-pupil record · FY 2024–25 (2025) · source denominator: 183

Central federal expenditures attributed here$553 per pupil

CDE ESSA · central expenditures attributed to this school · FY 2024–25 (2025) · source denominator: 183

District current expense · FY 2024–25$29,292 per ADA

CDE SACS Current Expense of Education · district fiscal year ending 2025 · average daily attendance denominator

These figures are not directly comparable: school ESSA attributed spending and NCES district current expense use different measures and populations. Their fiscal years are labeled above.

How the California mean was selected

SchoolScope starts with its selected California finance records, not every NCES California district. For FY 2020–21, it calculates an unweighted mean of NCES F-33 current expense per pupil. District records contribute once, regardless of enrollment. The calculation keeps records with positive per-pupil current expense, enrollment over 100, CCD agency type 1, and a recorded district name; it excludes names ending in County Office of Education, Department of Education, or Superintendent of Schools. This is a SchoolScope calculation, not a state-published spending average.

Selected General Fund operating costs · FY 2024–⁠25 · SchoolScope calculation
Instruction 52%Instruction support 17%Student services 12%Administration 7%Buildings & maintenance 10%Other 2%
The arithmetic behind these shares · FY 2024–25
GroupDollarsShare, to two decimalsPrinted
Instruction$5,655,379,38451.81%52%
Instruction support$1,791,152,34816.41%17%
Student services$1,344,873,23212.32%12%
Administration$763,652,7807.00%7%
Buildings & maintenance$1,099,649,06210.07%10%
Other$260,356,5952.39%2%
Total$10,915,063,400100.00%100%

These shares are our arithmetic: each group’s dollars divided by the $10,915,063,400 total of the groups shown, rounded to whole percents by largest remainder so they add up to 100. Dollar amounts are rounded to the nearest dollar, so they can differ from the total by a dollar. SchoolScope groups district-level CDE SACS UserGL actuals from Fund 01, using operating objects 1000–5999 and excluding retiree benefits, food and community services, facilities acquisition, other outgo, and nonagency goals. These shares use that filtered total; they do not exactly break down CDE's official current expense per ADA above. The school-level ESSA figure uses a separate source.

NCES F-33 district fiscal-year history, 2017–⁠2021; latest district record shown: 2021
2021$18,180 per pupil
2020$16,355 per pupil
2019$15,793 per pupil
2018$13,247 per pupil
2017$13,549 per pupil

Source: NCES F-33 · Full district breakdown →

Staffing recordsstate teacher credential-and-placement and district salary records · each for its own year

Additional workforce records

Properly assigned intern credential holders0.0%

CDE 2024–25 SARC, Teacher Preparation and Placement table; measured school year 2021–22. Share of reported school teaching-position full-time equivalents assigned to properly assigned intern credential holders. A reported 0.0% is shown; unavailable rates are omitted. This is a position share, not a count of current teachers or of emergency permits.

The surrounding ZIP codeCensus Bureau survey, 2020–2024 · ZIP 91406 · not the school’s students
American Community Survey 5-year estimates · 2020–2024 · ZIP 91406 area
MeasureEstimate
Median household income$78,429
Bachelor's degree or higher (adults 25+)30%
ZIP-area population51,953
Median age37.5 years

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2020–2024 5-year estimates. Median household income covers the past 12 months and is reported in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars. Bachelor's degree or higher uses adults age 25 and over as its population. A dash is unavailable, not zero; a reported zero remains zero. ZIP-area figures do not establish the school's attendance area or describe its enrolled students. These figures are not part of the Scope Score. See all schools in ZIP code 91406 →

Downloads, embed and methodologyCSV · embed code · sources · corrections

Embed this scorecard

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Data sources: public data sources, including the California Department of Education · state tests (CAASPP) 2025–26 · Scope Score from 2024–25 results, compared across 1,498 high schools · attendance and suspensions by student group from 2018–19 and 2025–26 · district finance for the year each row names · Census survey (ACS) 2020–2024 · federal civil rights data (CRDC) 2023–24, a past snapshot · state college-going records, class of 2023, matched to National Student Clearinghouse enrollment · Los Angeles Unified School District School Experience Survey 2025–26 · Data updated October 15, 2026

  • No student group comparison is shown for this school this year: either no group had 30 or more students tested in each subject, or no same-grade district or state rate was available for its groups.

How we analyzeRequest a correction