Best Elementary Schools in long beach , CA (2026 List)

Long Beach, California, a vibrant coastal city of nearly 470,000 residents, is known for its port economy, diverse communities, and growing tech and education sectors. The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) serves over 66,000 students and is often praised for its innovation. The district boasts a graduation rate of 86%, and reading and math proficiency averages between 45–60%. Still, disparities remain in underserved neighborhoods. LBUSD invests in early learning, college pathways, and mental health support. Schools like Polytechnic High have national acclaim. Notable Long Beach natives include Snoop Dogg and Billie Jean King. As a recognized model for urban education reform, Long Beach continues to prioritize student equity, workforce readiness, and community-driven learning.