Gaspar De Portola Charter Middle

Tucked into the residential streets of Tarzana in the western San Fernando Valley, Gaspar De Portola Charter Middle consistently punches well above its weight, ranking among the top schools in California for a public middle school option. Families drawn to strong academics across English, math, and science — without the private school price tag — tend to find this charter a natural fit, and its charter status gives it a bit more flexibility than a typical LAUSD school. The surrounding neighborhood has a settled, suburban feel with tree-lined streets and easy access to the Ventura Boulevard corridor, making it a comfortable landing spot for families who want that quieter Valley lifestyle while still keeping one foot in the broader Los Angeles metro.