Students at Compton Early College High School listen to a speaker during a recent Career Day. Compton high schools have posted to highest graduation rate in Los Angeles County and the second best rate in the state among districts with similar size and socioeconomic status.
Courtesy photo
By Emilie St. John
Contributing Writer
COMPTON — With a 93% graduation rate in 2024, the Compton Unified School District has posted the top graduation rate in Los Angeles County.
The district ranks number one in the county and number two in the state among districts of similar size and socioeconomic status. CUSD’s College & Career Indicator (CCI) stands at an impressive 50%, also earning the #1 spot in LA County and the #2 ranking statewide among similar districts.
In California, the Department of Education tracks metrics like graduation rates and the college and career indicator to measure how effectively districts are preparing students for their futures. Compton also ranked the top in the county and second in the state in college and career indicator, a figure that tracks the percentage of high school graduates moving ahead to college.
exceptional performance in these areas highlights its leadership and dedication to student success. By prioritizing equity, innovation, and academic excellence, the district continues to raise the bar for education in California.
Compton school board President Micah Ali attributes the district’s success to the steady leadership of Superintendent Darrin Brawley, who has led the district for more than a decade.
“Superintendent Brawley’s leadership has been nothing short of transformative for Compton Unified School District,” Ali said. “His unwavering commitment to excellence has driven our staff to continuously raise the bar in delivering quality education.
“Dr. Brawley’s ability to build and nurture meaningful partnerships with industry leaders has opened doors for our students to access world-class resources and opportunities,” Ali added. “Additionally, his steadfast guidance has ensured the district’s financial stability, allowing us to focus on providing the best possible outcomes for our scholars. His leadership has truly been the cornerstone of our district’s success.”
Brawley said the district’s success is possible due to his staff’s alignment with implementing the board’s vision.
“The success of our students in Compton involves a shared and aligned vision between the board and my cabinet team and employees within our organization,” Brawley said. “The board’s vision provides strategic direction and long-term goals for the district, emphasizing priorities such as academic excellence, student development and student support systems within our school district.
“This vision acts as a guide, ensuring every decision and initiative focuses on eliminating opportunity gaps, enhancing STEAM education, improving student achievement outcomes and graduation rates.”
“[Staff] plays a crucial role in translating this vision into actionable strategies and measurable outcomes,” he added. “By leading implementation with fidelity, our team is able to ensure the resources, programs and initiatives, such as in-class interventions, after-school tutoring, after-school programs, professional development and partnerships with corporations are aligned with our goals.”
The district’s flagship college access initiative, Compton Goes to College, was recently honored with the 2024 Golden Bell Award by the California School Boards Association. The recognition highlights the program’s impact on college readiness and equity within the district. In addition, the district’s College and Career Department was the recipient of the 2024 Power of Hope Award that recognizes outstanding districts for increasing college and career outcomes across the district.
Launched in 2015, the Compton Goes to College program was designed to address social inequities and ensure greater access to higher education for all students. Over the past nine years, the program has achieved increased high school graduation rates by more than 30%.
The district saw an additional 3,500 college-level courses being taken by students last year compared to 2015, and two schools have received a dual enrollment exemplary award from the state.
The district also has entered into unique partnerships that include inviting community members who serve as mentors to the students at the various campuses and is expanded through the support of regional neighbors like the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Chargers Impact Fund partnered with the Bikes for Kids Foundation, Pechanga Resort Casino and the Brady Hunter Foundation to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Chargers’ holiday bike giveaway last Christmas. Chargers Legends Terry Crews, Marcellus Wiley, Mike Scifres, Antoine Cason and Sean Culkin were on hand to surprise 400 students at Ronald E. McNair Elementary School with brand new bikes.
“Stability in leadership has been a critical factor in achieving the ambitious goals set forth by the school board,” Ali said. “Dr. Brawley’s remarkable 13-year tenure with Compton Unified is a testament to his dedication and vision.
“In an era where most superintendents serve less than four years, his long-standing leadership has allowed him to forge and sustain impactful partnerships, recruit and develop exceptional staff and oversee the growth of an entire generation of scholars.
“Just this past year, we celebrated a milestone as students who started in Pre-K under his leadership finally graduated from high school. This continuity has provided a solid foundation for the district’s ongoing success and ensures that our vision for the future remains strong and focused.”
Emilie St. John is a freelance journalist covering the areas of Carson, Compton, Inglewood and Willowbrook. Send tips to her at emiliesaintjohn@gmail.com.
