LOS ANGELES — A landmark national study released today affirmed the significant progress underway in Los Angeles Unified—standing out against a backdrop of stalled growth in math and reading across much of the country.
The Education Scorecard, a collaboration between Harvard University's Center for Education Policy Research, the Stanford University Educational Opportunity Project, and Dartmouth College, analyzed grade 3–8 math and reading performance for school districts across all 50 states and Washington D.C. from 2009 to 2025. The study reflects Los Angeles Unified’s improvement in math and reading, recognizing its exceptional gains relative to comparable districts. Among California’s largest school districts, Los Angeles Unified posted the highest average improvement in math scores between 2022 and 2025.
The data also highlights strong gains in reading. Among the largest California school districts included in the study, Los Angeles Unified demonstrated the highest average improvement in reading scores between 2022 and 2025, with growth in the 80th percentile compared to the 65th percentile for similar districts statewide. Notably, student performance improved across all major groups, with White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, low-income, female, and male students all ranking in the top quartile for gains in reading.
The findings are significant not just because scores are improving, but because of the students and communities those gains represent. Students across nearly every demographic group have not only recovered from pandemic-era losses, but in many cases surpassed pre-pandemic performance levels. This reflects broad, systemic progress across the District’s diverse student population, rather than gains concentrated among any single group.
“Los Angeles Unified has remained focused on ensuring every student has access to strong literacy instruction, targeted academic support, and high-quality learning opportunities,” Acting Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said. “The District’s gains in math and reading achievement reflect the hard work of our teachers, school leaders, students, and families, as well as a sustained investment in evidence-based instructional practices, expanded intervention supports, educator training, and consistent progress monitoring.”
The Scorecard's findings align with California's own Smarter Balanced Assessment results from October 2025, which showed Los Angeles Unified making substantial gains in both subjects, and the District's rate of improvement outpacing the State.
“We are proud that our students continue to demonstrate growth that is outpacing many districts across California and the nation,” Chait noted.
The researchers identified priorities for the road ahead, including areas that Los Angeles Unified has focused on: reducing chronic student absenteeism; investing federal research dollars on the impact of social media, early literacy reforms, and attendance; and pairing comparable districts to share successful strategies.
Quotes from the Board of Education
“I am very pleased to hear that LAUSD is one of the top performing urban school districts in the country. These accomplishments don’t happen by accident. It is the result of the hard work of our students, our tireless teachers and staff, and dedicated parents. Without them, we would not have accomplished such a magnificent recognition. We will all continue to do our best so that we keep improving on these results. Congratulations to this amazing school district and all who make it a great place to learn.” — Board President Scott M. Schmerelson
“Our progress in academic gains reflects the relentless dedication of educators, families, and students working together to support every child’s success. While much of the nation continues to struggle with reading and mathematics gains, LAUSD is showing what’s possible when we invest in equity, strong instruction, and our school communities.” — Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas
“LA Unified’s results show what is possible when we invest in evidence-based curricula and provide students with strong supports as they continue recovering from the pandemic. We will keep using data to build on what’s working and help more students succeed.” — Board Member Nick Melvoin
“These impressive outcomes are thanks to the tireless efforts of our educators and the support of our families. I’m proud of the ways that our entire system has focused on improving learning, and we are seeing the benefits. I look forward to continued progress as we work to ensure all students receive a high-quality public education.” — Board Member Kelly Gonez
“This reflects the incredible work happening every day across our classrooms. This achievement belongs to our students, educators, school staff, and families whose resilience and dedication helped drive meaningful growth in both math and reading. Our district’s progress demonstrates what can happen when we center equity, collaboration, and student achievement in every decision we make.” — Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin
The full report and district-level data are available at educationscorecard.org.