Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public Elementary Schools in 90242 (Downey, CA) (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 90242 California Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 12 public elementary schools serving 7,556 students in 90242, CA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 90242, CA are Old River Elementary School, Lewis (Ed C.) Elementary School and Imperial Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 90242 have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the California public elementary school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 46% statewide average). Elementary schools in 90242, CA have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of California public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public elementary school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).

Best 90242, CA Public Elementary Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Old River Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
11995 Old River School Rd.
Downey, CA 90242
(562) 904-3561
Gr: 4-5 | 540 students Student-teacher ratio: 30:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #22.
Lewis (Ed C.) Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
13220 South Bellflower Blvd.
Downey, CA 90242
(562) 904-3590
Gr: K-5 | 810 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #33.
Imperial Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
8133 Imperial Hwy.
Downey, CA 90242
(562) 904-3578
Gr: K-3 | 653 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #44.
Alameda Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
8613 East Alameda St.
Downey, CA 90242
(562) 904-3589
Gr: K-5 | 744 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #55.
Stauffer (Mary R.) Middle School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
11985 Old River School Rd.
Downey, CA 90242
(562) 904-3565
Gr: 6-8 | 1,329 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #66.
Carpenter (C. C.) Elementary School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 48% )
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
9439 East Foster Rd.
Downey, CA 90242
(562) 904-3588
Gr: K-5 | 796 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #77.
Sussman (Edward A.) Middle School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
12500 Birchdale Ave.
Downey, CA 90242
(562) 904-3572
Gr: 6-8 | 1,240 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #88.
Ward (E. W.) Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
8851 East Adoree St.
Downey, CA 90242
(562) 904-3591
Gr: K-5 | 543 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #99.
Gauldin (A.l.) Elementary School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
9724 Spry St.
Downey, CA 90242
(562) 904-3582
Gr: K-5 | 641 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #1010.
Central Juvenile Hall
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1605 Eastlake Ave.
Downey, CA 90242
(323) 225-4362
Gr: 6-12
Rank: #1111.
Nidorf Sytf Barry J.
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
16350 Filbert St.
Downey, CA 90242
(818) 367-5942
Gr: 6-12 | 35 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #1212.
Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
7285 East Quill Dr.
Downey, CA 90242
(562) 803-6648
Gr: 6-12 | 225 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 98%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 90242, CA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 90242, CA include Old River Elementary School, Lewis (Ed C.) Elementary School and Imperial Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 90242?
12 public elementary schools are located in 90242.
What is the racial composition of students in 90242?
90242 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public elementary schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (CA):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links:

Most Popular Articles

Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
 Uniforms: The Pros and Cons
Uniforms: The Pros and Cons
California Top-Ranked Public Schools
California Top-Ranked Public Schools
 The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Gym Class in Public Schools
The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Gym Class in Public Schools
 10 Major Challenges Facing Public Schools
10 Major Challenges Facing Public Schools

More Articles

Local School Topics
About Public Schools
Teaching
Evaluating Public Schools
Public School Jobs