Harry Wirtz Elementary

Harry Wirtz Elementary School is located at 8535 Contreras Street, Paramount, CA 90723. The school serves students in kindergarten through grade 5. Enrollment stands at 432 students as of the 2023–24 school year. The student-teacher ratio is 23:1. The student body is 51% male and 49% female. According to state assessment data, 28% of students reached proficiency in math and 36% in reading. Harry Wirtz operates as a non-charter, Title I public elementary school within Paramount Unified School District, offering a Gifted and Talented Education program and earning best Elementary Schools badge — one of only three PUSD elementary campuses to receive the designation based on 2023–24 performance data. Harry Wirtz serves a defined neighborhood attendance zone in the central residential corridor of Paramount under Paramount Unified's K–5 boundary-based enrollment structure. Residential properties in this corridor trade near $615,000 consistent with the Paramount area housing market. Among Paramount Unified elementary schools, Harry Wirtz ranks #2,162 in California and stands among the the best elementary schools in California for Title I campuses with combined GATE programming and recognition in the Paramount CA public school district.

Harry Wirtz Elementary School has received an award for having one of the best elementary schools in 2024, which ranks it among the top Title I Elementary Schools in the Paramount Unified School District. Nearly all (95%) of the student population is economically disadvantaged; therefore, this award is even more significant as it represents a school that achieves above the district average in math and reading proficiency while serving such a high-need population in southeastern LA County.

Q1. Is there a GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) Program at Harry Wirtz Elementary?

Ans. Yes, Harry Wirtz Elementary does offer a Gifted & Talented Education (GATE) Program while providing opportunities for qualifying students. An established process for identification includes teacher referrals and data from assessments. Families who feel their child may qualify can call the school office or talk to their child's teacher for assistance.

Q2. Are there counseling services available for students at Harry Wirtz Elementary?

Ans. According to data, there is one school counselor (full-time) at Harry Wirtz Elementary. Counselors can help you by providing referrals for academic services, resources related to social and emotional learning, and links to community support services. The school office can provide information regarding your child accessing counseling services.

Q3. How does Harry Wirtz communicate with parents?

Ans. ParentSquare is the email platform used by Harry Wirtz Elementary School, which includes school-wide announcements, attendance information, and teacher-to-parent messaging. The ParentSquare app is compatible with both Android and Apple devices and should be used for the most up-to-date information about school activities and announcements.

Q4. What after-school programs are available at Harry Wirtz Elementary?

Ans. Harry Wirtz has partnered with Think Together in order to provide students with supervised academic and enrichment activities after the school day's completion. Harry Wirtz participates in the Paramount Unified After-School Education and Safety program. For hours and openings, please call the school.

Q5. What is the demographic makeup of the students at Harry Wirtz Elementary?

Ans. The student population is 91% Hispanic, 6% African-American, and 95% of students come from low-income homes. Because Harry Wirtz serves a high-need area of the Paramount Unified School District, the school receives Title I federal financial assistance for instructional materials and academic interventions for those students performing below grade level.