Original Research by School Decision on Educational Partnership High
Educational Partnership High is an alternative school in Long Beach serving students in grades ten through twelve, with a student body that is overwhelmingly concentrated in the senior class. The school operates within Long Beach Unified, which has been managing sustained enrollment decline across its traditional campuses, though alternative schools such as Educational Partnership often serve students who have not thrived in or do not fit within traditional high school settings.
The student composition at Educational Partnership reflects Long Beach's demographic makeup, with a majority Hispanic student population, and a substantial share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. These enrollment patterns are typical of alternative schools, which often serve higher-poverty populations and students navigating non-traditional pathways to graduation. The school sits in the 90813 zip code on Cedar Avenue, placing it within Long Beach proper.
Academic proficiency on state assessments is very low. In English language arts, about a fifth of students achieved proficiency. In mathematics, roughly a seventh of students met the standard. In science, the proficiency rate fell to single digits. These results reflect a pattern common to alternative schools, which typically enroll students with significant academic, behavioral, or personal barriers to success in conventional high schools. A parent considering this school should understand that it is designed for a specific population: students who need a different structure, pace, or support model than traditional high school offers, rather than a school where high state test performance is the primary measure of success. Parents may want to inquire directly with the school about its graduation pathway, what support services it provides, whether it offers career pathways or dual-credit options, and what the actual graduation rate and college-going patterns are, since state testing data alone does not capture whether the school is succeeding at its core mission for its students.
State testing data was the only academic metric available; graduation rates, chronic absenteeism, and other outcome measures were not reported. This is not unusual for alternative schools and does not necessarily indicate underperformance—it may reflect the nature of the population served and the school's accountability focus.
Long Beach itself is a large coastal city in the midst of a notable housing and development boom. Downtown is undergoing significant transformation with substantial new residential construction, and neighborhoods range from walkable, vibrant districts like Belmont Shore and Bixby Knolls to quieter, more affordable residential areas. The city's economy is anchored by the Port of Long Beach, aerospace and defense, health care, and education, creating a diverse employment base. Public transit is available through Long Beach Transit and the Metro A Line, though car ownership remains important for many residents. Housing costs in the area are above national median, and rental affordability challenges are real for families on modest incomes.
For a family considering Educational Partnership High, the relevant questions are not whether test scores match those of selective or traditional high schools—they will not—but whether the school's structure, support systems, and pathway options align with their student's needs and circumstances. Long Beach itself offers real neighborhood character and a genuinely diverse, immigrant-influenced community, which may resonate with families seeking that kind of environment.
See more original research from School Decision →