Original Research by School Decision on King/drew Medical Magnet High
King/Drew Medical Magnet High is an alternative high school in South Los Angeles serving grades nine through twelve. It sits within Los Angeles Unified, the nation's second-largest school district, which in early 2025 implemented a districtwide cellphone ban during the entire school day and has been investing in housing-related bond measures and culturally responsive curriculum programs across its campuses.
The school enrolls a student body that is substantially Black and Hispanic in roughly equal shares, with the vast majority of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. The enrollment is stable across all four grades. Data on special populations—students with individualized education plans or English learners—was not available.
On the most recent state testing data available, students showed stronger performance in English language arts, where about three-quarters met proficiency. In mathematics and science, proficiency rates were considerably lower, with fewer than half the students meeting grade-level standards in each subject. State test results typically show one year of data; multiyear trend comparisons were not available to assess whether these numbers represent improvement, decline, or stability. A parent may want to inquire directly with the school about the factors behind the math and science results and what specific supports are in place to close those gaps.
As an alternative school, King/Drew serves a specific role within LAUSD's broader menu of pathways. Alternative schools typically serve students who benefit from a different structure, pace, or focus than comprehensive high schools offer. The name suggests the school may emphasize health or medical career pathways, though the detailed curriculum and program structure would require conversation with school leadership or review of the school's course catalog to understand fully.
Los Angeles itself is a sprawling, polycentric city with sharp variation in walkability and neighborhood character. Downtown has undergone revitalization and supports pedestrian street life tied to Metro rail. The broader city organizes around single-family and duplex residential zones mixed with commercial and industrial uses. Housing in the 90059 zip code, where the school is located, sits below the state median home value, though rents remain substantial relative to household income in the region. The area has been marked by development pressures linked to the state housing shortage, though construction has slowed amid rising interest rates and labor costs. The region's major employers span government, education, aerospace, healthcare, and entertainment—a wide industrial base.
Families moving into LAUSD should plan for a district-level property tax increase tied to Measure US, a school facilities bond approved by voters to repair aging buildings. The cellphone ban, implemented in February 2025, is a daily operational change affecting how students communicate during school hours and how families connect during the day.
The school maintains a course catalog and offers boys basketball and softball. More detailed information about medical or health-focused programming, dual enrollment or career pathway options, or comprehensive support services would be found through the school website or direct outreach to administration.
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