How to determine the popularity of a high school in Los Angeles?

Hi there. So, I'm genuinely curious, how do you actually measure the popularity of a high school- specifically in places like LA? Is it based on the number of students, the school's reputation, or something else?

The "popularity" of a high school can be measured in several ways, depending on the context in which you're asking. It's not necessarily about which school is the 'most talked about', or which one is the most famous, but rather, it could be about which schools parents and students are most interested based on various factors.

One typical measure of popularity is the number of applications a school receives, especially if the school has a selective admissions process. High application numbers indicate a high level of interest from students and parents.

Another factor could be the school's reputation. This could be linked to the school's academic performance, such as test scores or college matriculation rates. If we're discussing athletic reputation, schools might be popular based on their successful sports teams. On the other hand, if we're discussing arts and culture, a strong theater program or renowned arts facilities could also play a part.

As you identified, the number of students can also be an indication, with larger schools often being more visible in the community due to their size. But bear in mind that this is a slightly more indirect measure, as size doesn't necessarily correlate with quality or preference.

Lastly, alumni presence and community involvement in Los Angeles could offer another measure of popularity. Schools that produce influential community members or those with a broad and engaged alumni network may boost a school's local popularity.

So, there are several factors to consider, and the answer might vary depending on who you ask. Ultimately, the 'popularity' of a school should be less important than whether it's a good fit for a student's individual needs and goals.