Morrison Elementary named a top school for under-served kids

NORWALK – Norwalk’s Morrison Elementary was listed in a recent ranking as one of L.A. County’s top schools for low-income and disadvantaged students.

The school was one of 279 campuses recognized by Innovate Public Schools in its first annual report of “Top Los Angeles Public Schools for Underserved Students.”

Morrison was also recognized by L.A. County for its efforts to engage students in civic learning.

Innovate Public Schools compiled its list of top schools in collaboration with the University of Southern California Sol Price Center for Social Innovation and Rossier School of Education Center for Education Policy, Equity and Governance.

Morrison Elementary made the list based on its strong results in English and/or math proficiency for low-income African American and Latino students in 2017-18.

The official report will be released publicly at the end of April, followed by a celebratory event where Morrison will be honored on May 4.

Innovate Public Schools is a nonprofit organization working to make sure that all students — especially low-income students and students of color — receive a world-class public education that prepares them for success in college, careers and beyond.

“Across Los Angeles County, there are many schools that provide the type of education that gives students great life choices and pushes them to achieve their full potential,” Innovate Public Schools said in a press release.

“Unfortunately, those schools are too few and far between for low-income families. Which is all the more reason to showcase schools like Morrison that are truly making a different.

“Morrison Elementary is getting closer to the goal of providing a quality education for all kids.”

In addition to the Innovate Public School distinction, Morrison Elementary was selected among 28 schools in L.A. County and 92 statewide for the 2019 Civic Learning Award of Merit winners for their efforts to engage students in civic learning.

Schools receiving the award engage students through unique classes, clubs and programs. The awards are designed to celebrate successful efforts to engage students in civic learning and to identify models that can be replicated.