Herrick Avenue Elementary

Tucked into the northern end of the San Fernando Valley, Herrick Avenue Elementary serves the working-class neighborhoods of Sylmar, where families tend to put down roots and stay. The school has room to grow academically, but it sits within a tight-knit community that values stability, and families who are actively involved in their kids' education can find ways to make it work well. Sylmar itself has a quieter, more suburban feel than much of L.A., with mountain views and a slower pace that appeals to families looking for a little breathing room in an otherwise sprawling city.