The Beverly Hills Unified School District reported various academic improvements across district schools for the 2025-26 school year. (photo courtesy of BHUSD)

The Beverly Hills Unified School District reported districtwide academic improvements during the June 23 Board of Education meeting as officials presented results from the 2025-26 Strategic Plan and Local Control Accountability Plan.

According to the district, California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress scores increased 4 percentage points in English language arts, 5 percentage points in mathematics and 9 percentage points in science compared with the previous year. District officials also reported that BHUSD no longer has any metrics rated below “Meets Standard” on the California Dashboard, marking the first time since the accountability system was introduced in 2017.

District officials attributed the gains to investments in curriculum, instruction and student support. Over the past two school years, English language arts scores increased by a combined 9 points and mathematics scores rose by 10 points. The district said science gains followed the restoration of science instruction to the elementary school day, adoption of a new TK-8th-grade science curriculum and the launch of a districtwide elementary science fair.

BHUSD also reported an increase in college readiness indicators for the class of 2026. Applications to four-year colleges and universities increased 37% compared with the previous graduating class. The district said it expanded its college counseling program by lowering the student-to-counselor ratio and increasing individualized guidance throughout the application process.

Among the reported outcomes, 15 students were accepted to the University of Southern California – seven more than the previous year. The district also reported increases in student enrollment at the University of California, Los Angeles, as well as gains at the University of California, Santa Barbara and the University of California, Santa Cruz. The percentage of students accepted to a four-year college or university increased by 6%, while the number of graduating seniors earning the California Seal of Biliteracy grew from 37 to 72.

The district also reported improvements in other academic measures. High-impact tutoring at Horace Mann and El Rodeo elementary schools, developed through a grant-supported partnership with Stanford University, contributed to improved student performance, according to the district. SAT participation increased by 8%, while the percentage of students earning a score of 3 or higher on advanced placement exams increased from 84% to 88%. BHUSD also reported maintaining a districtwide attendance rate of at least 95% while reducing suspension rates.

“These results show what happens when a district works together to put kids first,” Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss said. “The board invested in our classrooms, tutoring, curriculum and college counseling, and our teachers, staff, families and students turned those investments into real results. More students are achieving at higher levels, and more students are prepared for what comes next.”

“The record of achievement at BHUSD is here to stay,” Board of Education President Judy Manouchehri said. “Our students’ scores increased by 4% in English, 5% in mathematics and 9% in science, while four-year college applications increased by 37%. These results affirm the vision of the board and the extraordinary work taking place in every classroom, office and home across our district.”

District officials said they plan to continue the current instructional priorities and investments in counseling, curriculum and student support programs during the 2026-27 school year.

For information, visit bhusd.org.