Ask anyone in Compton what has changed most in recent years, and many will point to the schools.

The evidence is hard to miss.

The new Compton High School opened in August 2025 on a modern campus that replaced the original school, which was more than a century old.

The campus includes a performing arts center made possible by a $10 million gift from Compton native Andre "Dr. Dre" Young.

This spring, Compton High's Class of 2026 made history as the first to graduate from the new campus, with 362 graduates.

School leaders reported that about 90 percent of the class earned college acceptances.

For a student body that spent years in temporary quarters while its campus was rebuilt, the moment carried extra weight.

Across the district, more than 1,230 seniors from Centennial, Compton, Compton Early College and Dominguez high schools crossed the stage in June.

Dominguez, the district's largest high school, graduated 496 students, while Compton Early College celebrated 120 graduates.

The district's high school graduation rate now sits near 89 percent, above the state average.

The building boom is not over.

In May, Compton Unified broke ground on a new $270 million Centennial High School, replacing a campus that opened in 1954.

The rebuilt school is expected to welcome its first students in August 2029, with a performing arts center, career and technical education spaces and a new competition pool.

Then voters went further.

In June, Compton approved Measure CPT, a $360 million school bond, with about 58 percent support, clearing the 55 percent threshold.

The measure drew a rare public split, with Dr. Dre backing it and Rep. Maxine Waters' campaign urging a no vote.

Supporters say the money is needed to keep modernizing schools, including plans for a new Dominguez High School.

Higher education is moving in step.

Compton College was among the first campuses designated a California Black-Serving Institution, a recognition of its work removing barriers for students.

The college's long-range plan through 2035 is built around a single goal: help students finish faster while closing equity gaps.

Its newest goals include stronger success in transfer-level English and math, lower textbook costs and an improved student housing experience.

College Promise partnerships with local school districts aim to make the jump from high school to college feel like a natural next step.

Still, honest progress means looking at the hard numbers.

State testing shows Compton's high school students trail California averages in math and reading proficiency, with math lagging the furthest.

New buildings open doors, but classroom results will decide whether those doors lead somewhere.

District leaders have emphasized targeted support for English learners and for students at schools receiving additional equity funding, along with deeper parent and student engagement.

Teachers and families say the energy on campus is real.

The challenge now is turning that energy into stronger reading, writing and math skills at every grade level.

For parents, there are immediate ways to get involved.

Parent-teacher conferences take place in mid-October, and bond oversight committee meetings are open to anyone who wants to track how construction dollars are spent.

The story of education in Compton is no longer only about survival.

It is about expectations.

Compton's students are graduating, applying and getting accepted.

The next chapter is making sure every one of them arrives ready to succeed.