Mildred B. Janson Elementary

Tucked into the busy, unpretentious suburb of Rosemead in the San Gabriel Valley, Janson Elementary quietly punches above its weight, ranking in the top fifth of California elementary schools with particularly strong science scores. It's a great fit for families who want solid, well-rounded academics in a diverse, working-class community that feels authentically LA without the chaos of the city itself. Rosemead is the kind of place where neighbors know each other and kids can grow up with a real sense of community — and Janson reflects that grounded, hardworking spirit.