Serving 194 students in grades 6-12, New Designs Charter School-watts ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15-19% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic and Asian).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 194 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Top 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
New Designs Charter School-watts's student population of 194 students has declined by 43% over five school years.
The teacher population of 11 teachers has declined by 15% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Total Students
194 students
Total Classroom Teachers
11 teachers
Year Founded
2004
School Calendar
School Rankings
New Designs Charter School-watts ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of New Designs Charter School-watts is 0.59, which is less 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
#8330 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
12%
Hispanic
31%
56%
Black
56%
5%
White
4%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85-89%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)2.1%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
88%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is New Designs Charter School-watts's ranking?
New Designs Charter School-watts is ranked #8330 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of New Designs Charter School-watts?
The graduation rate of New Designs Charter School-watts is 85-89%, which is lower than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend New Designs Charter School-watts?
194 students attend New Designs Charter School-watts.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of New Designs Charter School-watts students are Black, 31% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are White, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of New Designs Charter School-watts?
New Designs Charter School-watts has a student ration of 18:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does New Designs Charter School-watts offer ?
New Designs Charter School-watts offers enrollment in grades 6-12
What school district is New Designs Charter School-watts part of?
New Designs Charter School-watts is part of New Designs Charter School-Watts School District.
In what neighborhood is New Designs Charter School-watts located?
New Designs Charter School-watts is located in the South Los Angeles neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA. There are 201 other public schools located in South Los Angeles.
School Reviews
1 10/10/2025
Everything that's wrong with the charter school system, in one business. The administration is merely there for profit and have proven to be inept at everything except massaging their institutions academic results and covering up their callous profiteering.
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