The top reported proficiency rate is 37% in English language arts. The lowest is 16% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Maurice Sendak Elementary
Maurice Sendak Elementary is a kindergarten-through-fifth-grade public school in North Hollywood, located in the San Fernando Valley part of Los Angeles. It serves a small student population in a neighborhood anchored by the NoHo Arts District, a walkable cultural core with theaters, galleries, music venues, and restaurants, surrounded by quieter residential blocks of bungalows and apartments.
The school's student body is predominantly Hispanic and economically disadvantaged. Nearly all students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the neighborhood's composition and economic circumstances. The school has a modest enrollment distributed across six grade levels, with the largest cohort in kindergarten and smaller groups in upper grades.
State testing data from the most recent school year shows proficiency across mathematics and English language arts in the lower ranges. In mathematics, proficiency across tested grades (third through fifth) is below the midpoint. English language arts shows somewhat higher proficiency rates, though still modest. Fifth-grade science proficiency is particularly low. When measured as an overall proficiency index across all tested subjects and grades, Maurice Sendak ranks in the bottom quartile among schools in Los Angeles County. This performance pattern suggests the school faces significant academic challenges that warrant close examination. A parent considering this school may want to investigate in detail what instructional approaches, interventions, and support structures the school has in place to address these results.
The neighborhood itself is in a period of substantial growth. Major transit-oriented development projects are underway around the North Hollywood Metro station, including a large mixed-use residential and retail complex that will reshape the area over the coming years. The housing market in the 91601 zip code reflects the area's location in Los Angeles: home values are notably above the state average, and monthly rents are substantial. A household making the national median income would spend roughly half its income on rent in this area, a high burden by standard measures.
Los Angeles Unified, the parent district, has recently implemented two systemwide policies that affect daily school life. A district-wide ban on student cellphones, smartwatches, and earbuds during the entire school day took effect in February 2025, implemented through lockable storage pouches at most middle and high schools. Additionally, the district approved a major school facilities bond funded through long-term property tax increases, a consideration for families contemplating a move into the district. The district has also expanded its Black Student Achievement Plan with additional funding for culturally responsive curriculum and counselor support at designated campuses.
Maurice Sendak serves families in a culturally vibrant, transit-accessible neighborhood with active arts and entertainment infrastructure nearby. The school's academic performance data presents clear challenges; families would benefit from direct conversations with school leadership about instruction, support for struggling learners, and any specialized programs or initiatives the school offers.
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