School District Question (Pasadena, Redondo Beach: top school, to live in, statistics)

[Sorcerer68]

I'm aware of a a few of the best districts: South Pas, Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, La Canada...do any of you know where I can get a recent, complete rankings list? I've looked and can only find pay ones. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

[abstrak_tokatl]

That's because it's a lot of work and really depends on you and what you are SPECIFICLY looking for. No insult intended, but rankings here are very one sided when they are free. We aren't here to do your work for you. So it would probly be best if you just paid someone to take your specifics and have them give you an idea.

[Sorcerer68]

Originally Posted by abstrak_tokatl

That's because it's a lot of work and really depends on you and what you are SPECIFICLY looking for. No insult intended, but rankings here are very one sided when they are free. We aren't here to do your work for you. So it would probly be best if you just paid someone to take your specifics and have them give you an idea.

There are lists that have been posted here in the past, you know "top school districts for 2006" and such but I can't seem to find the posts when I search. Paying a site $96 seems like a waste. There has to be information compiled somewhere, I'm willing to go through it myself.

[abstrak_tokatl]

Then you need to search it. I'm pretty sure that none of us on this board have the links. We're kinda lazy that way. Most likely what you will get from the rest of us is just our personal opinions. Whereas those places where you pay for it will cater to what you are looking for.

Personally i love pasadena's gernal quietness, but it's night life around colorado is annoying.

You really gotta think about what kinda area you want to live in and look for someone or group or business that can provide you with it. Here we can probly just give you our thoughts to questions asked.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Sorcerer68

I'm aware of a a few of the best districts: South Pas, Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, La Canada...do any of you know where I can get a recent, complete rankings list? I've looked and can only find pay ones. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

California Department of Education has huge files which can be imported into excel. The fields include district and county names.

Here is the record layout:

Record Layout for the 2006 API Base Data File - Academic Performance Index (CA Dept of Education)

And here are the data:

API Data Files - Academic Performance Index (CA Dept of Education)

[Sorcerer68]

Originally Posted by abstrak_tokatl

Then you need to search it. I'm pretty sure that none of us on this board have the links. We're kinda lazy that way. Most likely what you will get from the rest of us is just our personal opinions. Whereas those places where you pay for it will cater to what you are looking for.

Personally i love pasadena's gernal quietness, but it's night life around colorado is annoying.

You really gotta think about what kinda area you want to live in and look for someone or group or business that can provide you with it. Here we can probly just give you our thoughts to questions asked.

I'm not looking for area recommendations. I'm an L.A. native who has lived here on and off (mostly on) for nearly 40 years. My question was only about schools. I like Pasadena too, I lived in Old Pas and enjoyed the years I spent there.

[Sorcerer68]

Originally Posted by Charles

California Department of Education has huge files which can be imported into excel. The fields include district and county names.

Here is the record layout:

Record Layout for the 2006 API Base Data File - Academic Performance Index (CA Dept of Education)

And here are the data:

API Data Files - Academic Performance Index (CA Dept of Education)

Thank you Charles.

[VickyVicky]

GreatSchools.net

Has updates on schools. I use it all the time. Has API test scores, statistics on the schools and parent reviews. It is a free site.

[kidpsych]

School digger has ranked lists of elementary, middle, and high schools in california, it's free.

[Sorcerer68]

Originally Posted by VickyVicky

GreatSchools.net

Has updates on schools. I use it all the time. Has API test scores, statistics on the schools and parent reviews. It is a free site.

Thanks Vicky, I found this a couple days ago and it's been a huge help. And thanks Kid Psych, I'll check out School Digger too.

I'm using this to help my sister who is looking for a new place and has an 8 year-old son. This has been both slightly overwhelming and a real education.