Original Research by School Decision on Cheviot Hills Continuation
Cheviot Hills Continuation is a small alternative school in the Cheviot Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, serving high school students in grades nine through twelve. Alternative schools in Los Angeles Unified serve students who face barriers to traditional high school enrollment, including those working toward recovery from credit deficiencies, attendance gaps, or involvement with the juvenile justice system.
The school is very small. Its student population is heavily low-income, with a substantial share of students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals. The student body is predominantly Hispanic, with a smaller Black population and very few Asian or white students. No data were available on the share of students who are English learners or who receive special education services.
State assessment data from the most recent school year show that proficiency in English language arts is very low. In mathematics, no students achieved proficiency. Science testing data were suppressed, likely due to the small number of test-takers. These results reflect the reality that continuation schools typically serve students facing significant academic and life challenges; students enroll because they have not succeeded in traditional settings. Proficiency metrics from state standardized tests are not the primary lens through which to evaluate a continuation school. Instead, continuation schools are measured largely on whether they help students earn high school credits, complete their diploma, and reach the graduation milestone. State graduation rate data for this school were not available; a parent or family considering the school should ask directly about the graduation pathway, diploma completion, and support services offered.
Cheviot Hills Continuation sits in a city and region undergoing active transformation. Los Angeles itself is sprawling and car-dependent, though some neighborhoods offer walkable urban life. Downtown and certain Westside areas have strong pedestrian street life and transit access. The school's zip code has a median home value well above the state benchmark and rents that reflect a tight housing market; families in the area face substantial housing costs. The broader city economy is anchored by major employers including Los Angeles County government, UCLA, USC, Kaiser Permanente, and aerospace and defense firms, alongside a robust entertainment and media sector.
Los Angeles Unified itself has adopted several district-wide policies that shape daily school life. In February 2025, the district implemented a ban on cellphone use throughout the entire school day, including lunch and breaks, with most high schools using lockable pouches for storage. This is a material change to student communication and school culture. Additionally, voters approved a large school facilities bond to repair and upgrade aging school buildings, an investment that carries property tax implications for families relocating into the district. The district has also revamped its Black Student Achievement Plan with expanded funding for culturally responsive curriculum and support staffing.
For a family considering Cheviot Hills Continuation, the relevant questions center on program design: What is the graduation completion rate for students at this school? What credit recovery and diploma pathways does the school offer? What counseling, mental health, and workforce support services are available? What is the school's placement rate into employment or post-secondary education after graduation? A parent may want to reach out to the school directly to understand how it serves its student population and what the realistic outcomes are.
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