Original Research by School Decision on Hawthorne Math and Science Academy
Hawthorne Math and Science Academy is a charter high school in southwestern Los Angeles County serving grades nine through twelve. The school sits in Hawthorne, a residential South Bay city with a strong aerospace presence anchored by SpaceX and a long manufacturing heritage. The school itself is small to mid-sized, with enrollment spread fairly evenly across all four high school grades.
The student body is predominantly Hispanic, with substantial representation from Black and Asian students, and a large share qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting a low-income community. The school does not report data on English learners or students with IEPs, which is typical for some charter operations; a parent may want to ask the school directly about its support for these populations.
In the most recent state testing window for which data was available, the school showed uneven performance across subjects. English language arts proficiency stood at a solid level, but mathematics proficiency was notably lower, and science proficiency was substantially lower still. Only one year of data is currently available, so it is not possible to see whether these reflect recent gains, declines, or a stable pattern. A parent considering this school should ask for historical test results and for clarification on what curricula and supports are in place to strengthen science and mathematics outcomes, especially given the school's math and science focus.
The school lacks a graduation rate in the available data. State data on four-year graduation rates for individual schools are published with a lag; a parent should request the most recent graduation rate directly from the school and ask about college enrollment rates and post-secondary pathways as well.
Housing in the Hawthorne zip code is moderately priced relative to the broader Los Angeles County market, though costs remain elevated. The area is walkable at the neighborhood level, with sidewalks and local parks scattered throughout, and light rail service is available via the Metro C Line at nearby stations. Hawthorne Boulevard, the main commercial corridor, is under redevelopment as a Complete Street and is being positioned as a civic anchor.
The Hawthorne School District, which feeds into the high school landscape, has undertaken a significant structural change in recent years: it has established on-campus health and wellness centers in partnership with Venice Family Clinic, providing free or low-cost medical care, mental health support, and insurance enrollment assistance to all students regardless of insurance status. This is a district-wide resource that may support academic performance and school climate.
Hawthorne Math and Science Academy is a charter option within a district context undergoing meaningful investment in student support infrastructure. The school's proficiency numbers in mathematics and science warrant direct conversation with enrollment staff about curriculum, instruction, and remediation strategies, particularly for students who enter below grade level.
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