Ralph Waldo Emerson Community Charter School is a charter middle school in the Los Angeles Unified School District in Westwood, Los Angeles, California, United States. It was designed by famed architect Richard Neutra and was named in honor of Ralph Waldo Emerson, the American author, poet, and philosopher.
Serving 516 students in grades 6-8, Emerson Community Charter ranks in the top 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 33% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 51% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 516 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 72%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 33% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 51% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Emerson Community Charter ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Emerson Community Charter's student population of 516 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
516 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
Year Founded
2014
School Calendar
School Motto
Scholarship, Citizenship, Achievement
School Rankings
Emerson Community Charter ranks within the top 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Emerson Community Charter is 0.70, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3514 out of 9523 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
5%
12%
Hispanic
44%
56%
Black
14%
5%
White
28%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
47%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emerson Community Charter's ranking?
Emerson Community Charter is ranked #3514 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Emerson Community Charter often compared to?
Emerson Community Charteris often viewed alongside schools like Paul Revere Charter Middle School, Palms Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
33% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 51% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Emerson Community Charter?
516 students attend Emerson Community Charter.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of Emerson Community Charter students are Hispanic, 28% of students are White, 14% of students are Black, 9% of students are Two or more races, and 5% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Emerson Community Charter?
Emerson Community Charter has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Emerson Community Charter offer ?
Emerson Community Charter offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is Emerson Community Charter part of?
Emerson Community Charter is part of Los Angeles Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Emerson Community Charter located?
Emerson Community Charter is located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA. There are 2 other public schools located in Westwood.
School Reviews
Review Emerson Community Charter. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.

What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.