Sally Ride Elementary: A SMArT Academy

Tucked into the dense, working-class neighborhoods of South Los Angeles, Sally Ride Elementary draws families who are drawn to its STEM-focused SMArT Academy identity — a nod to the school's commitment to science and technology even within a community that faces real resource challenges. The surrounding 90011 zip code is one of the most densely populated in the country, home to a largely Latino immigrant community with deep neighborhood roots, and the school reflects that tight-knit, family-oriented culture. Families who are actively engaged and willing to advocate for their kids' learning experience may find the school's thematic focus a genuine asset in an area where specialized programming can be hard to come by.