Los Angeles Unified School District students have achieved the highest academic performance in the history of the Smarter Balanced Assessment, LAUSD Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho announced on July 22 during the annual Opening of Schools Address at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

“This is not just a rebound. This is a breakthrough,” Carvalho said. “We didn’t just meet expectations – we exceeded them. We’ve achieved the best results this district has ever seen.”

Despite a year marked by devastating wildfires, heightened immigration enforcement, rising economic pressures and federal uncertainty, students across the district posted historic gains in literacy and math. For the first time, 11th grade students on average exceeded the standard in literacy. Across all subjects and grade levels, students posted double-digit growth in distance from standard – a powerful signal of deeper learning and momentum.

Across the board, student performance surpassed pre-pandemic levels, both in terms of distance from standard and the percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards. Black, Latino, low-income students, students with disabilities and students in the foster care system outperformed pre-pandemic levels – underscoring the success of the LAUSD’s equity-centered strategy, administrators said.

Targeted school models, such as Priority Schools and BSAP (Black Student Achievement Plan) Schools, are leading the way – outpacing districtwide rates of improvement and demonstrating the impact of strategic, student-centered investments.

“These gains are not a coincidence,” Carvalho added. “They are the result of courageous leadership, bold innovation and the unwavering belief that every child – regardless of background, zip code or circumstance – can succeed.”

Carvalho called on the entire Los Angeles community – educators, families, civic leaders and students – to stand together in a defining moment for public education.

“So I ask you now, stand with us. Stand for students. Stand for the future,” Carvalho said. “Believe in the promise of public education – not as it’s been reduced in headlines or budgets, but as we see it every day. In a kindergartner learning to read. In a middle schooler finding their passions and their voice. In a senior crossing the graduation stage with pride and limitless possibilities.”

As part of the Opening of Schools Address, the LAUSD announced more than 45 new programs that will be implemented during the school year. They include the expansion of outdoor classrooms, preschool dual language program expansion and new learning pathways that build bridges to careers.

“I am proud that we can kick off the upcoming school year with a celebration of improvement, and am sober to how much further we have to go until every student receives the opportunity to learn and thrive that they deserve,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “I am grateful for everyone in our schools who has worked tirelessly to help our students see academic progress. I look forward to the district’s deep analysis of which strategies have supported these gains so that we can continue and accelerate the trend in coming years.”

For information, visit lausd.net.