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Almaden Elementary

Q: Is Almaden Elementary a good school?

Almaden Elementary ranks 3129 th of 5857 California elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Public Grades K-5

3129^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 5,857 California Elementary Schools

Better than 47% of California elementary schools

Summary

Almaden Elementary is a K-5 public school serving 305 students in the San Jose Unified district, located in a neighborhood with significant economic need where over 70% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.

Academically, the school has shown strong, steady improvement in recent years, climbing from the 15th to the 47th percentile statewide, though its test scores in English, math, and science remain below district and state averages. This performance places it above some district peers like Allen at Steinbeck and Terrell Elementary, but significantly below higher-performing nearby schools such as Los Alamitos Elementary and Guadalupe Elementary. A key area of success is the school's effectiveness with English Language Learners, where it ranks in the 75th percentile statewide.

The school faces the challenge of a high chronic absenteeism rate, though it has made notable progress in reducing it. Interestingly, higher per-student spending at Almaden and similar schools does not directly correlate with higher test scores when compared to some top-performing neighbors. The data reveals a stark performance divide within San Jose Unified, highlighting how educational experiences can vary widely between schools in the same district.

305

Students ?

19.9

Student/teacher ratio ?

$22,083

Per pupil spending ?

71.8%

Free/discounted lunch ?

1295 Dentwood Dr.
San Jose, CA 95118-3018

(408) 535-6207

District: San Jose Unified

Students who attend Almaden Elementary usually attend:

High:

Pioneer High

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

75.4%

Asian:

9.2%

White:

6.6%

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Compare Almaden Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Improving — 16th percentile in 2015 → 47th in 2025

Strengths

✓Ranking is trending up — up 31 percentile points since 2015

Students meeting standards (2024-2025) ?

This school37%

District avg45%

California avg41%

3,129^th of 5,857

California public elementary schools ?

Bottom 47%▲ up 30 pts since 2015

From bottom 16% (2015) to bottom 47% (2025)

See the entire ranking list of California Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

12^th of 27Elementary Schools in the San Jose Unified

788^th of 1,543San Jose Unified among California districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	41.3	3129 of 5857	46.6%	★★☆☆☆
2024	29.4	3984 of 5869	32.1%	★★☆☆☆
2023	29.2	3958 of 5859	32.4%	★★☆☆☆
2022	18.6	4997 of 5883	15.1%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	21.2	1127 of 1417	20.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2019	26.8	4211 of 5789	27.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	32.5	3634 of 5662	35.8%	★★☆☆☆
2017	33.6	3549 of 5692	37.6%	★★☆☆☆
2016	35.6	3370 of 5614	40.0%	★★☆☆☆
2015	19.4	4692 of 5611	16.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2013	36.8	3542 of 5530	35.9%	★★☆☆☆
2012	23.1	4445 of 5390	17.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2011	35.9	3547 of 5377	34.0%	★★☆☆☆
2010	17.3	4755 of 5314	10.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2009	30.5	3671 of 5193	29.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2008	21.7	4213 of 5113	17.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2007	22.0	4131 of 5113	19.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2006	38.3	2810 of 4818	41.7%	★★☆☆☆
2005	30.7	3232 of 4822	33.0%	★★☆☆☆
2004	14.7	4358 of 4809	9.4%	☆☆☆☆☆

English Language Learner

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2024	58.5	791 of 3162	75.0%	★★★★☆
2023	46.1	1403 of 3245	56.8%	★★★☆☆
2022	30.6	2562 of 3311	22.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	25.8	557 of 602	7.5%	☆☆☆☆☆
2019	30.0	2500 of 3275	23.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	33.5	2153 of 3246	33.7%	★★☆☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	43.4	2877 of 5597	48.6%	★★☆☆☆
2024	31.4	3693 of 5612	34.2%	★★☆☆☆
2023	23.8	4351 of 5609	22.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2022	14.3	5242 of 5635	7.0%	☆☆☆☆☆
2021	22.9	974 of 1267	23.1%	★☆☆☆☆
2019	33.4	3554 of 5492	35.3%	★★☆☆☆
2018	34.1	3478 of 5413	35.7%	★★☆☆☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	45.4	2616 of 5107	48.8%	★★☆☆☆
2024	31.0	3670 of 5107	28.1%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	23.2	4236 of 5087	16.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2022	17.2	4689 of 5084	7.8%	☆☆☆☆☆
2019	31.2	3609 of 4963	27.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	35.4	3188 of 4830	34.0%	★★☆☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	52.0	2302 of 5460	57.8%	★★★☆☆
2024	33.0	3701 of 5517	32.9%	★★☆☆☆
2023	31.4	3776 of 5363	29.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2022	21.5	4541 of 5264	13.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	34.6	739 of 1110	33.4%	★★☆☆☆
2019	27.8	4043 of 5173	21.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	36.1	3309 of 5084	34.9%	★★☆☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	39.3	3167 of 5628	43.7%	★★☆☆☆
2024	28.7	3945 of 5643	30.1%	★★☆☆☆
2023	37.1	3256 of 5638	42.2%	★★☆☆☆
2022	25.8	4150 of 5663	26.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	21.3	1016 of 1272	20.1%	★☆☆☆☆
2019	24.1	4271 of 5510	22.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	31.7	3566 of 5431	34.3%	★★☆☆☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

English Language Learner (2024)75th percentile+43 vs school

Low Socio Economic Status (2025)58th percentile+11 vs school

Hispanic (2025)49th percentile~ school

Female (2025)49th percentile~ school

Male (2025)44th percentile-3 vs school

By subject vs California (2024-2025) ?

English Language Arts/Literacy39%-10 vs state

Mathematics38%~ state avg

Science24%-8 vs state

5.0

4 ratings · 4 written reviews

5★4

4★0

3★0

2★0

1★0

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What people are saying

by a parent
Friday, August 17, 2018

I love our school. The teachers and principal really know the kids! Close Quote

by a parent
Friday, March 10, 2017

I'm very happy that Almaden Elementary School is going to be part of the history of my children.
My son is in middle school and he still remember with much affection to all the staff.
My daughter is very happy to be in Almaden E. School she loves everything she feels like being home!
She has the support of all the teachers and staff in what she needs.
Everybody is very friendly.
And we are proud parents that our children were in Almaden Elementary School since preschool! Close Quote

by a parent
Friday, March 10, 2017

I absolutely love Almaden Elementary! The staff there is amazing and they are all so welcoming. Both of my daughters attended Almaden from pre-school thru 5th grade so we've been there since 2006. This is our last year here and it's going to be so tuff to say goodbye to a great school. I would highly recommend Almaden Elementary. Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, March 9, 2017

Don't let two stars fool you. This school is amazing. The two stars are based off of ONE state test. It doesn't factor in the ongoing assessments that are given throughout the year. The principal shares multiple sources of data to show that students at Almaden performing at excellent levels. Teachers are super focused on providing foundational skills and pushing those students who need an extended challenge. They are some of the best teachers in the district. The front office staff is friendly and knows every family and child that walks in. The principal is always visible. She is always willing to drop everything and help you. She knows every child's name and you can even see her playing four square with the kids at recess. She is firm with the kids but fair and you can see how passionate she is about her staff and students. The parents aren't as involved as other schools but they are hardworking and want the best for their children. It's a shame that the two stars doesn't reflect this. Close Quote

Schools Near Almaden Elementary

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Immunizations Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2025)				Ranking (2024)				CAST Science (2025)		Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts/Literacy (2025)				Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics (2025)				% Completely Immunized (2022)	% Varicella (2022)	% DTP (2022)	% MMR (2022)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2024)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	SchoolDigger Rating (2025)	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	Rank Change from Previous Year	CAST Science 5th Grade	CAST Science All Grades	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts/Literacy 3rd Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts/Literacy 4th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts/Literacy 5th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts/Literacy All Grades	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics 3rd Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics 4th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics 5th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics All Grades	% Completely Immunized KG	% Varicella KG	% DTP KG	% MMR KG	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Almaden Elementary	Public	K-5	1295 Dentwood Dr.	San Jose	95118	Santa Clara County	San Jose Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(408) 535-6207	305	15	19.9	71.8%	20 (6.6%)	13 (4.3%)	230 (75.4%)	28 (9.2%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.7%)	12 (3.9%)	41.3	3129^th of 5857 public elementary schools	46.6%		29.4	3984^th of 5869 public elementary schools	32.1%	855	24.5	24.5	38.1	32.7	46.9	39.3	46.5	32.0	36.7	38.0					$22,083	$879	$21,204
Reed Elementary	Public	K-5	1524 Jacob Ave.	San Jose	95118	Santa Clara County	San Jose Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(408) 535-6247	356	16	21.8	24.2%	125 (35.1%)	0 (0.0%)	111 (31.2%)	70 (19.7%)	0 (0.0%)	4 (1.1%)	46 (12.9%)	84.6	937^th of 5857 public elementary schools	84.0%		82.1	1070^th of 5869 public elementary schools	81.8%	133	59.7	59.7	60.7	64.3	69.6	64.9	65.5	67.4	52.6	61.4					$19,837	$581	$19,256
Lietz Elementary	Public	K-5	5300 Carter Ave.	San Jose	95118	Santa Clara County	Union Elementary	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(408) 264-8314	501	22	22.7	23.2%	131 (26.1%)	5 (1.0%)	175 (34.9%)	147 (29.3%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	41 (8.2%)	84.9	928^th of 5857 public elementary schools	84.2%		78.9	1204^th of 5869 public elementary schools	79.5%	276	61.0	61.0	66.7	58.0	69.0	64.9	68.8	55.6	62.0	62.1					$18,543	$2,135	$16,408
Hacienda Science/Environmental Magnet	Public	K-5	1290 Kimberly Dr.	San Jose	95118	Santa Clara County	San Jose Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(408) 535-6259	622	23	27.5	22.3%	189 (30.4%)	21 (3.4%)	195 (31.4%)	134 (21.5%)	2 (0.3%)	1 (0.2%)	80 (12.9%)	88.6	736^th of 5857 public elementary schools	87.4%		81.2	1102^nd of 5869 public elementary schools	81.2%	366	56.4	56.4	68.6	63.8	76.2	69.6	70.5	69.5	60.6	66.8	98.1				$19,440	$702	$18,738
Sartorette Charter	Public, Charter	K-5	3850 Woodford Dr.	San Jose	95124	Santa Clara County	Cambrian	Yes	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(408) 264-4380	278	15	18.5	20.5%	63 (22.7%)	1 (0.4%)	108 (38.8%)	77 (27.7%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.7%)	27 (9.7%)	74.3	1408^th of 5857 public elementary schools	76.0%		70.2	1583^rd of 5869 public elementary schools	73.0%	175	55.0	55.0	48.8	64.3	65.0	58.7	48.8	53.6	55.0	52.3					$11,661	$1,381	$10,280
Allen at Steinbeck	Public	K-5	820 Steinbeck Dr.	San Jose	95123	Santa Clara County	San Jose Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(408) 535-6205	406	23	17.9	69.0%	50 (12.3%)	6 (1.5%)	282 (69.5%)	39 (9.6%)	1 (0.2%)	8 (2.0%)	20 (4.9%)	20.9	4745^th of 5857 public elementary schools	19.0%		17.5	5070^th of 5869 public elementary schools	13.6%	325	18.5	18.5	26.5	23.3	32.1	26.8	29.4	20.6	22.2	24.1	97.2	97.2	97.2	97.2	$25,081	$2,434	$22,647
Terrell Elementary	Public	K-5	3925 Pearl Ave.	San Jose	95136	Santa Clara County	San Jose Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(408) 535-6255	255	15	17.2	54.1%	40 (15.7%)	20 (7.8%)	148 (58.0%)	28 (11.0%)	1 (0.4%)	1 (0.4%)	17 (6.7%)	20.1	4817^th of 5857 public elementary schools	17.8%		21	4770^th of 5869 public elementary schools	18.7%	47	17.1	17.1	33.3	10.0	27.8	24.2	29.4	16.7	22.2	23.0	92.2	94.1	94.1	94.1	$25,848	$3,505	$22,343
Los Alamitos Elementary	Public	K-5	6130 Silberman Ave.	San Jose	95120	Santa Clara County	San Jose Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(408) 535-6297	602	27	22.0	12.1%	224 (37.2%)	3 (0.5%)	84 (14.0%)	190 (31.6%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	99 (16.4%)	92.6	507^th of 5857 public elementary schools	91.3%		93.3	489^th of 5869 public elementary schools	91.7%	18	56.7	56.7	74.5	73.7	71.1	73.1	79.4	78.7	69.1	75.8					$19,399	$555	$18,844
Guadalupe Elementary	Public	K-5	6044 Vera Cruz Dr.	San Jose	95120	Santa Clara County	Union Elementary	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(408) 268-1030	537	20	26.8	8.2%	147 (27.4%)	3 (0.6%)	60 (11.2%)	277 (51.6%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	48 (8.9%)	93.6	433^rd of 5857 public elementary schools	92.6%		93.4	481^st of 5869 public elementary schools	91.8%	48	60.8	60.8	68.3	74.4	75.5	73.0	80.7	80.5	75.7	78.7					$16,821	$1,818	$15,003
Noddin Elementary	Public	K-5	1755 Gilda Way	San Jose	95124	Santa Clara County	Union Elementary	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(408) 356-2126	500	22	22.7	15.2%	127 (25.4%)	5 (1.0%)	95 (19.0%)	231 (46.2%)	2 (0.4%)	3 (0.6%)	37 (7.4%)	91.9	557^th of 5857 public elementary schools	90.5%		88.5	785^th of 5869 public elementary schools	86.6%	228	51.2	51.2	76.5	80.2	72.1	76.4	81.7	80.2	60.5	74.1					$15,015	$1,140	$13,875

Frequently Asked Questions about Almaden Elementary

What is the racial makeup of Almaden Elementary?

Students at Almaden Elementary are 75% Hispanic, 9% Asian, 7% White, 4% African American, 4% Two or more races.

How many students attend Almaden Elementary?

In the 2024-25 school year, 305 students attended Almaden Elementary.

What district is Almaden Elementary in?

San Jose Unified

What schools do graduates of Almaden Elementary attend?

Students who attend Almaden Elementary usually go on to attend:

High : Pioneer High

Is Almaden Elementary a good school?

Almaden Elementary ranks 3129^th of 5857 California elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Rate Almaden Elementary!

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the California Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.