Ernest Lawrence Middle School

Ernest Lawrence Middle School

Public Middle School | Grade 6-8
10100 Variel Ave,  Chatsworth, CA
Los Angeles Unified School District
3.5
3.8
1,120 Students
B+
Niche Grade
Established in 1968, Ernest Lawrence Middle is in the Los Angeles Unified School District. The school was named after the Nobel Prize-winning physicist who split the atom. Located on Variel Avenue in the city of Chatsworth, the school enrolls approximately 1,400 students and serves grades six through eight. The school's vision is to provide academic excellence, assist students in becoming college and career ready and develop the emotional and mental skills necessary for 21st-century living. The school features three magnet programs, including the Pioneering Science Magnet, which includes elective courses in a science lab, game and website design, fly simulator and drone technology. In addition, Ernest Lawrence features a Gifted and Highly Gifted Magnet program for students who have demonstrated exceptional abilities and accelerated learning levels. Ernest Lawrence Middle School offers general electives in art, music, leadership, Korean, computer science, anatomy, marine biology and financial planning. Classes featuring math, reading and English are also a part of each student's curriculum. In addition, the school also has an innovative physical education class for all grade levels. Ernest Lawrence Middle pushes students to become the best learners they can be.

School Details

Head of School
Danford Schar
Student Teacher Ratio
22:1
Math Proficiency
35%
Reading Proficiency
51%

Niche Grade

B+
Academics
A-
Teachers
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Reading Proficiency
51%
Math Proficiency
35%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
22:1
Teachers
48
Full Time Teachers
48
Teachers in First or Second Year
7.7%

GreatSchools Rating

Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Test Scores

Math
18%
State Average
17.9%
Science
7.6%
State Average
9.9%
GreatSchools Test Scores Rating
GreatSchools
The Test Score Rating reflects annual state test results for this school compared with scores statewide.

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
445:1

Student Diversity

Male
53%
Female
47%
Hispanic
55.6%
Asian or Pacific Islander
22.3%
White
13.2%
Two or more races
4.3%
Black
4%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%
Native American
<1%

Specialty School Programs

Free/Reduced Lunch Offered

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.5 17 Reviews
3.0 Middle School Student
5/23/2019
Some of the teachers in the gifted magnet program don't really know what they are teaching. But the PE classes are very good and active. The history teachers for 6th and 8th grade are pretty good teachers. They will use teaching methods that will help you remember the material and know it.
3.0 Alum
12/22/2018
teachers are hit or miss. teachers are hit or miss. teachers are hit or miss. teachers are hit or miss. teachers are hit or miss.
4.0 NicheUser
4/21/2015
I think it is very diverse and we al get along. everyone is more or less the same.
GreatSchools Reviews
3.8 38 Reviews
5.0 other
10/1/2025
It's just not that good. It stinks.
1.0 other
8/13/2025
the teachers don't really teach that good. and then the learning is bad and they don't give good food at this school
5.0 student
11/26/2024
I'm in the pioneering science magnet for the school year. All the teachers that I have are really good.
2.0 parent
8/14/2023
It's day 1 of my daughter's school year in the pioneering science program. She has 2 classes with no teachers and was removed from her honors classes after raising concerns of threats being made by another student. Principal cares very little for your student....be mindful of the fact that when bull...

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Ernest Lawrence Middle School is a public school for students in grades 6-8 in Chatsworth, CA, in the Chatsworth neighborhood, and is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District in California. The school has a total enrollment of 1,120 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 22:1. Academic records show that 35% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 51% are proficient in reading. Ernest Lawrence Middle School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of B+ and a GreatSchools Rating of 6 out of 10. The average home value in this area is $1,097,224. Discover additional schools in the area, like William Tell Aggeler High School, Chatsworth Charter High School, Sierra Canyon School, and more. Learn more about what Chatsworth has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Ernest Lawrence Middle School.

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