[2] Since 1993 residents may choose between Redondo Union High School or Mira Costa High School after graduating from Hermosa Beach CSD.
[citation needed] Hermosa schools were among the top 10% of schools in the state, with students scoring at or above the 90% in the highest grade tested in reading and math.
[citation needed] For the award, the Department of Education reviewed growth in scores over a three-year period.
The Hermosa Beach City School District as a whole received a score of 915[4] on the 2006 California Academic Performance Index, and neighboring Manhattan Beach Unified School District scored just below at 906,[5] making it one of California's best performing districts.
Each individual school also ranks at the top of its respective category.