George K. Porter Middle School in Los Angeles

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	8/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) data from California Department of Education, and using 2025 California Science Test data from California Department of Education.
Student Growth	9/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from California Department of Education.

Posted: August 12, 2026

Love this Middle School
My daughter has grown character and education so much

Posted: June 22, 2026

I recently graduated from this school, and I have much to say about my experience there. For starters, I am a student of the African American race, and there isnt much diversity at this school, as well as when it comes to things like Black intelligence and Black History Month. They dont do much, and they take everything down about Black people. when it comes to mexican heritage month they keep all the things up and it makes it seem as if teachers admin and the principle don't care about the students who like to learn and see about what has happened along the years. I went to porter all three years of middle school and ive noticed that they dont care much about helping struggling student as well. MY 8th grade year was the biggest struggle for me because i was trying so hard to make sure inwas in grad status and i barley made it if it wasnt for my english teacher i wouldnt have graduated he helped me excell. i went to the offices multiple times during school to get help or possibly change my classes because i was actually struggling and i wanted to make the stage but everytime i went they only told me to go to after school tutoring in which i did but it didnt provide the type of help i needed. I don't recommend end this school if you don't want your child to be bullied feel out of place and feel like they wont graduate. Its the simple things they couldve fixed in my 6th grade year but it stayed the same no matter how many times it was brought up. this shows that they dont plan on making the school dynamic better for all students any time soon because if they did then they would have done it already.

Posted: May 21, 2026

Se mira buena escuela
...lastima hice dos intentos y no aceptaron a mi hija para 6to.... a lo mejor no les gusta batallar

Posted: December 20, 2025

I am an eighth grader in the gifted magnet at this school. This school is a fairly good school, with a good ciriculum and good support provided. The quality of the teachers depend on what teacher you get, but a majority of the teachers here help kids learn the right things and provide support if they need it. Some teachers may be seen as strict, serious, and having a bad teaching style, but that is only for some specific teachers and they still do an okay job. Most classes have interesting activites, experiments, and and projects, but there are still assignments that are tedious, not exciting, and maybe evne unnecessary. However, basically every school and class will have work like that. While there are a lot of busy work in specific classes, a good amount of homework is productive. The social emotional environment is not very good. The staff has failed repeatedly to provide the emotional support needed by their students. They don't totally ignore the students or disregard them, which is good, but their support just hasn't bene enough to improve the emotional state of students. I cannot comment on their special education program becasue I do not have enough knowledge about it. The school is fairly safe, there hasn't been any extremely concerning incidents during my time here. However, there are fights between students, but most schools have fights. There was a trashcan fire and a bush fire during the 2023 - 2024 school year, but they responded appropriately and all students were safe. Teachers and staff do try to actively engage parents, but it won't be very effective unless the parent wants to be activly engaged. There are good and bad students, so if you are planning to go there, you have to make sure to befirned the right people. Some kids are mean, don't care about class, and just overall jerks, but there are a lot of kids with unique interests, a good mindset and habits, and sometimes even a good sense of humor. As long as you make the right friends, you will be happy here.

Posted: December 11, 2025

If you can don't bring your kids here bad Principal, bad staff, bad teachers and bad, disrespectful students, this school has gone down hill over the years. My child has experienced bullying, harassment from teachers, attacked, got assaulted (chocked) by male students and Both times never once did the principal return my request to speak with him the staff was rude and brushing things off I brought my kid here out of necessity. Unfortunately we need to wait till end of year so she can go to a better school charter school. Where there's zero tolerance for violence against students. Those students continue to walk around like nothing no consequences what's so ever. It's disturbing. As well as allowing one of those student father on campus trying to intimidate my child by staring angrily towards her still nothing has been done. Don't bring your kids here find a better school!

Posted: December 3, 2025

My son is in the gifted magnet in 6th grade. Im very pleased with his teachers. It is a bit rigorous but so far weve had no issues. When attending school events I felt welcome. The staff and principle have been friendly and inviting. The campus is clean and maintained. There are lots of student clubs to join. The teachers speak positively about the students. They are dedicated staff. Im happy with our choice.

Posted: December 3, 2025

Im in eighth grade in the MIT program at Porter Middle School. It hasnt been perfect, but overall I really like the school and Im happy to be part of the magnet. Most of my teachers are really nice and make class interesting, but there is one teacher who doesnt really match my learning style. Ive had a lot of fun at the Paxton Lab and science class, theyre super cool and hands-on. This year, Im also part of the robotics club, which is also pretty fun. The school has fun events, and all the staff are really helpful if you need support or want to talk about anything. There are lots of activities and events that make coming to school more exciting. Overall, Porter is a great school.

Posted: September 18, 2025

George K. Porter Middle School is truly a gem. My family has been connected to this school for over a decade, and now my seventh-grade son attends after years of homeschooling. The transition has been nothing short of amazinghes made friends quickly, and every single teacher and staff member has shown kindness, warmth, and genuine care.

The leadership is inspiring. The principal (going on his third year) is passionate and presentyou can tell he loves being here, and that energy shines throughout the school. The vice principals are equally supportive and approachable.

What stands out most is how much pride everyone takes in this campus. From the teachers to the staff who care for the grounds, you can feel the love. The campus is always spotless, green, and beautifulit honestly feels like stepping into a special place.

I also deeply appreciate the schools inclusivity. From the posters on the walls to the environment in the classrooms, all students are represented and celebrated. My son feels safe, supported, and seen here, and as a parent, that means everything.

Porter Middle School is more than a schoolits a community. Im so grateful my family is part of it.

Posted: September 11, 2025

I hate it. Everyday I wake up and I Hate this school, I have to bring my kid Everyday I HATE IT SO MUCH

Posted: August 29, 2025

My familys experience at Porter has been incredibly positive. My child is in the Gifted Magnet in 7th grade, and weve had an amazing experience so far. The program was recently awarded Top Magnet School of Excellence, which speaks volumes about its success and the dedication of its staff.
The campus is clean, welcoming, and there is ongoing effort to improve and maintain the school environment. The atmosphere is vibrant, and there is a true sense of engagement and community spirit. Parents, staff, and students all play a role in creating a collective purpose that makes the school feel connected and supportive.
The teachers are passionate, caring, and invested in their students success. They go above and beyond to make learning meaningful, and their impact is seen in the steady growth Porter has made over the past four years in attendance, test scores, and GATE identification. Porter is winning both in and out of the classroom, and that progress is not something anyone can make upa quick look at the schools Instagram page says it all.
Far from having nothing to do, students at Porter have an abundance of opportunities. Spirit Weeks, Band Night, Fun Fridays, Harvest Fest, dances, and movie nights bring the school community together throughout the year. Field trips have taken students to the Catalina Island Marine Institute, Pali Institute, the courthouse, UCLA, Discovery Cube, Medieval Times, Aquarium of the Pacific, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, Six Flags, and more. While the LA fires disrupted some of these events last year, the overall richness of experiences remains a defining strength of the school.
The PTSA is active and engaged, supporting events and activities that enhance students school experience. Most importantly, Porter fosters a safe and caring environment. Staff take concerns seriously and work with families to ensure students feel supported and heard.
Porter is a place where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. The combination of dedicated teachers, strong leadership, community involvement, and rich student opportunities makes it a school I am proud to recommend.

Posted: August 28, 2025

My family's experience at Porter has been incredibly disappointing and, unfortunately, very negative. The school is dirty and run-down, with no apparent effort to improve its physical condition. Beyond that, there's a serious lack of engagement and community spirit. It's clear that neither the parents nor the school staff feel a sense of collective purpose.

The teachers who made a difference seem to have all retired, and the current staff lack the passion and care that students need. There are virtually no extracurricular activities or clubs available, leaving students with nothing to do. The PTA seems to be non-existent.

Most concerning is the issue with bullying, especially within the gifted magnet program. My child experienced bullying, and despite reporting it, the school chose to do nothing. This lack of action created an unsafe and uncaring environment, making my child's experience much worse. It's a place where no one seems to care, and the overall atmosphere is one of indifference.

I would strongly advise against sending your child to this school. The negative experience with the staff, the lack of activities, and the school's refusal to address serious issues like bullying make it a poor choice for any family.

Posted: August 27, 2025

Porter has unfortunately declined in overall quality over the past few years. While the academics remain adequate, the school environment has suffered greatly. We ultimately withdrew our child mid-year due to the administrations lack of response to repeated bullying concerns and the absence of meaningful support for student well-being. Teacher involvement is limited, with many not responding to parent communication, and the PTA is virtually inactive. The school offers very few events or enrichment opportunities, and field trips that are promoted during tours simply do not happen. In addition, the facilities are noticeably deteriorating. Porter once had a stronger reputation, but at this point it falls short of providing the supportive and engaging environment students deserve. I would encourage families to explore other options.

Posted: April 5, 2025

Excelente Maestros,Mi hijo es un alumno con un IEP ; Excelnte equipo la yuda que nos ofrecieron es lo mejor .Mi hijo se graduara este 2025.y les agradezco toda su cooperacion trato para con mi hijo. 100% recomendada

Posted: December 14, 2024

Our son is having a good experience in the Gifted Magnet at Porter. His teachers have a lot of experience and creative classroom activities. ISchool leadership is seasoned and responsible. The band program is fantastic too, thanks to an energetic young teacher. Overall, a nice, safe school for our kid.

Posted: December 14, 2024

Posted: December 8, 2023

Ugh! What is going on with the new management and Principal at Porter? There is a painful lack of organization, communication, and safety since the previous Principal left. There are so many fights on campus and my nephew is begging me to transfer him to another middle school. He tells me that learning is no longer engaging (my words, not his). Its a true shame because things seemed to be on the right track last year.

Posted: December 8, 2023

Posted: December 6, 2023

They do not follow IEPs as written for special needs students. The person in charge of the special education department does not respond to phone calls or emails about concerns. The facilities are also lacking.

Posted: September 22, 2022

Some of the teachers teach somewhat boring. However the rest is amazing of the school.

Posted: September 9, 2022

Our daughter was not treated well by the students and the administration at her home. We transferred to Porter Middle School and everything changed for the better. She loves her teachers and the other students. She is in the Magnet program.

Posted: September 9, 2022

Posted: June 28, 2022

Porter Middle School is a California Distinguished Middle School with grades 6-8 in Granada Hills. Porter serves a total of 1028 students with 596 students in the residential program and 432 students in the Gifted/High Ability Magnet program. The school is a Tier 1 Title 1 school with 68.22% of the students qualifying for the Federal Free or Reduced Lunch program. There is a wide range of sociology-economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds with 28.5% of the parents reported having a college degree or higher. The ethnicity make-up of Porter is 76% Latino, 9% White, 7% Asian, 3% Filipino, 2% African American and 3% identifying in more than one of those categories.

Porter Middle School has a variety of learners with 397 students (32%) being identified as gifted and talented learners, 11% of the students are in the special education program. 6% of the students are classified as English Learners, and 24% of students have reclassified as fluent English proficient in the two years. The school currently has 54% probable standard English learner students whose language classification of English Only or IFEP (Initially Fluent English Proficient) and who identify as one of the following ethnicities: African American/Black, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, or American Indian/ Alaskan Native. Within the magnet, 62% of students are identified as Gifted and Talented learners.

Porter Middle School has a Gifted/High Ability Magnet designed for students identified as Gifted or high achieving. The magnet offers a differentiated curriculum for students in accelerated classes. The curriculum is designed to help the students develop critical thinking skills, research and study skills, and creativity. Students at Porter Gifted Magnet enjoy small class sizes, enthusiastic teachers, and an interdisciplinary curriculum. Porter Gifted Magnet has been designated a Model of Excellence Program by Los Angeles Unified School District and a Magnet Schools of America School of Distinction.

In addition to the Gifted/High Ability Magnet, Porter Middle School offers a School for Advanced Studies (SAS) program where all classes are honors level and provide a rigorous academic environment in which students of ethnically diverse backgrounds can grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Students build on character and are assisted in achieving their maximum potential through the use of innovative and proven instructional methods.

Coming soon..Magnet for Innovative Thinking.

Posted: March 17, 2022

Super happy with the teachers at this school...son is in 7th grade and is thriving! Grateful to have him there in the Magnet program.

Posted: March 17, 2022

Posted: June 8, 2020

Excellent school community. My daughter has loved her time here. The sports facilities have recently improved. I wish they would get a new fence, as the chain-link makes it look a bit like a prison.

Posted: June 8, 2020

They go beyond what they need to do and they create individual bonds with the students.

Posted: June 8, 2020

Posted: February 19, 2020

I go to this school and let me tell you something. This school is great for leadership skills and had a lot of different clubs and activities.

Posted: February 19, 2020

They dont give too much homework, which is great because it doesn't really stress me out.

Posted: February 19, 2020

Posted: December 1, 2018

I do believe that the school develops strong student character.

Posted: December 1, 2018

I see the strong presence that the Principal and Assistant principals provide, but most importantly it is their involvement with students and parents that makes the difference. These ladies are committed, approachable, and attentive listeners.

Posted: December 1, 2018

Counselors and teachers are willing to help and work with the parent to support a child that learns differently. I cannot emphasize enough parent involvement to create a team environment with teachers.

Posted: December 1, 2018

I was pleased that the situation we experienced was dealt with immediately and effectively.

Posted: December 1, 2018

Teachers in the SAS program are proactive in comminicating and coordinating assignments.

Posted: December 1, 2018

My son is now in 8th grade and I have had the pleasure to meet most of his teachers. They have all been supportive, caring, and demonstrate genuine interest in teaching. Communication via the Parent Portal is absolutely great, and every teacher Ive reached out to has responded the same day or the following day. It has been a wonderful experience to be able to team up with the teachers, and the counselor to guide my child into a successful path. Teachers in the SAS program provide the challenge that gifted students need to stay ingage and motivated.

Posted: December 1, 2018

Porter has been a wonderful experience for my son and me as a parent. I was a bit apprehensive sending my son here, but his three years at this school have been absolutely wonderful. I have a second child that next year will be attending this school as a 6th grader.

Posted: April 24, 2018

The administration is fairly new so based on what I have seen it is effective.

Posted: April 24, 2018

The teachers in the magnet have a rigorous curriculum.

Posted: April 24, 2018

As a parent of a magnet student, I have seen a strong standards-based curriculum and opportunities for my child to thrive.

Posted: April 24, 2018

The work at Porter Magnet
is standards based.

Posted: November 29, 2017

I was a student at that school last year for 2016-2017 my math teacher did not care that I broke my arm. The arm I broke was the arm I write with.

Posted: November 29, 2017

Posted: June 7, 2017

We sent out son here because he tested gifted. Not all students in the gifted magnet program are gifted. Some are in the school based on teacher recommendation. These students are failing out of the gifted magnet and the school has done nothing. I wanted my son to be in an academic setting where he would have peer competition. The other students cheat, their parents do their projects, and they generally lack any knowledge of real world events. My son has been bullied and even thwarted a theft. The students in the 6th grade are placed in a block schedule based on their math placement test in 5th grade. This is an absurd way to group students. The teachers and the staff were supportive of my concerns but the school continues to maintain their practices. A magnet program is supposed to be 60% minority, 40% white. The school did not meet their these quotas for the 2016-2017 year. The magnet program is 98% Hispanic. There are minimal students from any other races. The diversity is completely lacking.

Posted: June 7, 2017

Posted: November 18, 2015

I get calls or emails from the teachers when my children is not doing good in behavior and academic aspect which i agree!

Posted: August 9, 2015

My son and I really like this school. From the first tour, it has been college bond mentality from the get-go. The school feels safe and my son has adapted very well from elementary school. For 6th grade (magnet), the students have 4 classes with two of the same teachers. This allowed him to slowly incorporate the middle school schedule of multiple classes/ teachers.The school has clubs and school activities that allows him be involved with school functions. He did very well in 6th and 7th grade with a 3.6 gpa. It was not easy though.

The only really big complaint I have as a parent, would be way too much homework. It appears that the Magnet teachers are not communicating with each other (which I was told by the magnet coordinator, Dr. Marsh) They are suppose to communicate on a master calendar (which i saw empty for 3 straight months) so the students do not receive an abundance amount of homework. Most nights he had 3-5 hours of homework each night, including weekends and holidays...yes holidays!!! So, I am hoping that administration reads this and can help with this issue. I understand some homework is necessary, but every subject every night, I believe, is too excessive. Other than homework issues, Porter MS is a fabulous school for my son. Check out the tours!

Posted: August 9, 2015

Posted: June 15, 2014

This school is terrible at everthing I saw a condom on the flor at lunch also in a locker. And the teachers don't teach anything. Also they try to get you introuble for the dumbest reasons. I got 2 day after school detention for barking. Some other kid yelled in a substitutes ear and only got luck detention that is not fair and Thera a lot of drugs fight bully's hookah pens this is not a good school to go to

Posted: April 27, 2014

Goerge Porter MS The Staff are very Helpful, the Gifted Program is an excellant Program. Poter has nothing to improve at this time. The teachers are caring and very knowledable in their subject. If I email them or leave them a message within 24 hours they call me back. I am very happy my daughter is part of GPMS.

Posted: February 16, 2014

Magnet kids get a rigorous education, but also an unreasonable amount of homework (note the number of other reviewers who agree). Meaningful work I support, but much is repetitive busywork (Fuentes and Ward are worst teachers at this). Any complaint is met with "but it's college prep!" Um, no: middle school is high school prep. Don't get ahead of yourselves. My kid has a 3.5, but my family has no free time on evenings or weekends. With homework, they mistake quantity for quality. The principal promised change on this issue but hasn't delivered; teachers just ignore him. One delusional teacher said that the kids would keep their middle school homework notebooks, refer to them and find them valuable through senior year of high school. A high school teacher I mentioned this to cracked up and said it was ridiculous.

Posted: February 3, 2013

Porter has some real good teachers. My son has really become interested in Math and Science. He really likes his teachers, especially Mr. Worland. Mr. Palmer, his Science teacher, really pushes him to work hard and learn about Science, but he has been out sick. I thick this school can't keep really good teachers.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Northridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Northridge	CA	2.5 mi
2	Hollyglen	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Hawthorne	CA	25.4 mi
3	Foothill Park	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Camarillo	CA	32.8 mi
4	Camarillo	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Camarillo	CA	33.2 mi
5	Del Prado Town Homes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Camarillo	CA	34.3 mi
6	RiverPark	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Oxnard	CA	39.8 mi
7	Hollywood Beach	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Oxnard	CA	43.4 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Central Camarillo	Camarillo	CA	33.2 mi
2	Oxnard	Oxnard	CA	40.1 mi
3	Ventura	Ventura	CA	42.8 mi

Base	Distance
Los Angeles AFB	24.5 mi.
Los Alamitos JFTB	36.8 mi.
Point Mugu NAS - Naval Base Ventura County	37 mi.
Port Hueneme - Naval Base Ventura County	41.9 mi.
Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station	41.9 mi.

George K. Porter Middle School

Los Angeles, CA 91344

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George K. Porter Middle School

Los Angeles, CA 91344

School Ratings

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