Alhambra Unified tops list of western San Gabriel Valley school districts for academic growth

The Alhambra Unified School District had the largest growth of academic achievement in the western San Gabriel Valley in 2012, according to the most recent Academic Performance Index (API). Alhambra Unified improved by 18 points, while the highest performing school in the SGV, San Marino Unified, dropped a point. Alhambra ranks fourth overall out of the eight districts. Alhambra Unified also topped the list last year for growth in math and English performance specifically. California's API rankings measure academic achievement of the state's public schools using standardized test scores. Scores range from 200 to 1,000.

Western San Gabriel Valley API growth (2011-2012)

Individual school scores for Alhambra Unified also grew, with 13 of Alhambra’s 16 mainstream schools showing an increase and all but one meeting the state target of 800 points. Four of Alhambra's elementary schools improved significantly, with Emery Park jumping 29 points, Park 32 points, Martha Baldwin 33 points, and Granada 60 points.

Alhambra Unified School District API growth (2011-2012)

Alhambra Unified's API scores have steadily increased the last few years, growing by 30 points since 2010. San Gabriel High School has shown a stark improvement, jumping 53 points in just two years and meeting the state's target this year. Alhambra High School has also improved over time, but still sits at just below the state goal. If it continues its current average increase of 18 points a year in the past three years of reporting, Alhambra High will meet the state goal by 2013. 

Alhambra Unified School District's API scores over time (2010-2012)