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James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary

Q: Is James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary a good school?

James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary ranks 2346 th of 5857 California elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Public Grades K-6

2346^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 5,857 California Elementary Schools

Better than 60% of California elementary schools

Summary

James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary is a K-6 public school serving 406 students in Sacramento's San Juan Unified School District, standing out as a relatively strong performer in an area where many nearby schools face significant academic challenges.

While the school's statewide ranking has declined over the past decade, it remains a clear leader compared to its immediate neighbors. Cowan consistently outperforms the district average and far surpasses nearby schools like Cottage Elementary, Starr King K-8, and Dyer-Kelly Elementary in core subjects, particularly in science where 60% of students are proficient. The school also maintains better student attendance and uses its resources more efficiently, achieving these results with lower per-student spending than several surrounding schools.

Parents should note that performance varies within the school; fifth graders excel while sixth graders struggle significantly, and the school faces challenges supporting English Language Learners. However, its structured "Fundamental" model appears effective, especially for Hispanic students. Compared to local options such as California Montessori Project-San Juan Campuses or Mission Avenue Open Elementary, Cowan offers a traditional, academically focused program that delivers above-average results for the area.

406

Students ?

25.3

Student/teacher ratio ?

$19,086

Per pupil spending ?

48.3%

Free/discounted lunch ?

3350 Becerra Way
Sacramento, CA 95821-3706

(916) 979-8240

District: San Juan Unified

Racial breakdown:

White:

49.0%

Hispanic:

22.4%

Two or more races:

10.8%

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At a glance

▼ Ranking trend: Declining — 89th percentile in 2013 → 60th in 2025

Strengths

✓Above the California median (60th percentile)

Worth a look

!Ranking has slipped — down 29 percentile points since 2013

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

!Large classes — about 25 students per teacher

Students meeting standards (2024-2025) ?

This school44%

District avg33%

California avg41%

2,346^th of 5,857

California public elementary schools ?

Top 40%▼ down 22 pts since 2015

From top 18% (2015) to top 40% (2025)

See the entire ranking list of California Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

13^th of 41Elementary Schools in the San Juan Unified

999^th of 1,543San Juan 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	54.4	2346 of 5857	59.9%	★★★☆☆
2024	61.9	1984 of 5869	66.2%	★★★☆☆
2023	63.0	1893 of 5859	67.7%	★★★☆☆
2022	68.2	1682 of 5883	71.4%	★★★★☆
2019	78.0	1253 of 5789	78.4%	★★★★☆
2018	71.2	1513 of 5662	73.3%	★★★★☆
2017	78.5	1188 of 5692	79.1%	★★★★☆
2016	85.1	894 of 5614	84.1%	★★★★☆
2015	82.1	1026 of 5611	81.7%	★★★★☆
2013	87.4	621 of 5530	88.8%	★★★★☆
2012	88.7	506 of 5390	90.6%	★★★★★
2011	91.3	360 of 5377	93.3%	★★★★★
2010	92.0	329 of 5314	93.8%	★★★★★
2009	95.7	119 of 5193	97.7%	★★★★★
2008	90.2	467 of 5113	90.9%	★★★★★
2007	94.0	290 of 5113	94.3%	★★★★★
2006	93.0	329 of 4818	93.2%	★★★★★
2005	92.6	353 of 4822	92.7%	★★★★★
2004	94.5	257 of 4809	94.7%	★★★★★

English Language Learner

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2024	18.8	3111 of 3162	1.6%	☆☆☆☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	60.7	1921 of 5597	65.7%	★★★☆☆
2024	63.7	1776 of 5612	68.4%	★★★☆☆
2023	63.6	1781 of 5609	68.2%	★★★☆☆
2022	75.4	1304 of 5635	76.9%	★★★★☆
2019	78.8	1139 of 5492	79.3%	★★★★☆
2018	74.4	1316 of 5413	75.7%	★★★★☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	61.4	1643 of 5107	67.8%	★★★☆☆
2024	72.1	1096 of 5107	78.5%	★★★★☆
2023	71.9	1080 of 5087	78.8%	★★★★☆
2022	42.4	2719 of 5084	46.5%	★★☆☆☆
2018	54.2	1948 of 4830	59.7%	★★★☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	48.6	2547 of 5460	53.4%	★★★☆☆
2024	51.0	2324 of 5517	57.9%	★★★☆☆
2023	60.9	1695 of 5363	68.4%	★★★☆☆
2022	71.5	1103 of 5264	79.0%	★★★★☆
2019	83.3	574 of 5173	88.9%	★★★★☆
2018	70.8	1140 of 5084	77.6%	★★★★☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	47.3	2652 of 5628	52.9%	★★★☆☆
2024	58.4	2055 of 5643	63.6%	★★★☆☆
2023	59.0	1995 of 5638	64.6%	★★★☆☆
2022	59.4	1988 of 5663	64.9%	★★★☆☆
2019	76.3	1242 of 5510	77.5%	★★★★☆
2018	65.7	1682 of 5431	69.0%	★★★☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	42.6	1616 of 2598	37.8%	★★☆☆☆
2024	47.8	1488 of 2651	43.9%	★★☆☆☆
2023	41.3	1684 of 2661	36.7%	★★☆☆☆
2022	48.6	1505 of 2726	44.8%	★★☆☆☆
2019	61.8	1143 of 2834	59.7%	★★★☆☆
2018	57.8	1269 of 2737	53.6%	★★★☆☆

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)

Hispanic (2025)68th percentile+8 vs school

Female (2025)66th percentile+6 vs school

Low Socio Economic Status (2025)53rd percentile-7 vs school

Male (2025)53rd percentile-7 vs school

White (2025)38th percentile-22 vs school

English Language Learner (2024)2nd percentile-65 vs school

By subject vs California (2024-2025) ?

Science60%+28 vs state

English Language Arts/Literacy48%~ state avg

Mathematics35%~ state avg

5.0

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Schools Near James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

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)	% Polio (2022)	% Hepatitis B (2022)	% Varicella (2022)	% DTP (2022)	% MMR (2022)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
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 8th 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 6th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts/Literacy 7th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts/Literacy 8th 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 6th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics 7th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics 8th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics All Grades	% Completely Immunized KG	% Polio KG	% Hepatitis B KG	% Varicella KG	% DTP KG	% MMR KG	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary	Public	K-6	3350 Becerra Way	Sacramento	95821	Sacramento County	San Juan Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(916) 979-8240	406	16	25.3	48.3%	199 (49.0%)	26 (6.4%)	91 (22.4%)	39 (9.6%)	3 (0.7%)	4 (1.0%)	44 (10.8%)	54.4	2346^th of 5857 public elementary schools	59.9%		61.9	1984^th of 5869 public elementary schools	66.2%	362	60.3		60.3	49.0	47.3	73.2	15.6			47.8	37.3	32.8	54.4	12.5			35.1							$19,086	$17,724	$1,362
Whitney Avenue Elementary	Public	K-5	4248 Whitney Ave.	Sacramento	95821	Sacramento County	San Juan Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(916) 575-2407	411	17	24.1	85.2%	92 (22.4%)	59 (14.4%)	95 (23.1%)	133 (32.4%)	1 (0.2%)	4 (1.0%)	27 (6.6%)	8.4	5713^th of 5857 public elementary schools	2.5%		15.4	5267^th of 5869 public elementary schools	10.3%	446	9.6		9.6	14.3	15.4	15.4				15.0	13.5	13.0	5.5				10.7	97.1					97.1	$26,398	$24,072	$2,326
Pasadena Avenue Elementary	Public	K-5	4330 Pasadena Ave.	Sacramento	95821	Sacramento County	San Juan Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(916) 971-7373	343	13	26.3	71.7%	130 (37.9%)	21 (6.1%)	115 (33.5%)	45 (13.1%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	31 (9.0%)	18.3	4987^th of 5857 public elementary schools	14.9%		17.3	5091^st of 5869 public elementary schools	13.3%	104	15.5		15.5	33.3	27.3	25.9				28.7	25.0	12.1	15.5				17.3	96.0			97.3			$22,765	$20,432	$2,333
Del Paso Manor Elementary	Public	K-6	2700 Maryal Dr.	Sacramento	95821	Sacramento County	San Juan Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(916) 575-2330	734	28	26.2	62.1%	250 (34.1%)	48 (6.5%)	161 (21.9%)	197 (26.8%)	3 (0.4%)	3 (0.4%)	72 (9.8%)	41.1	3150^th of 5857 public elementary schools	46.2%		50.9	2512^th of 5869 public elementary schools	57.2%	638	33.3		33.3	45.3	39.7	29.1	29.8			36.4	50.0	40.9	28.2	23.1			36.3	87.0	96.1		90.9	90.9	97.4	$19,835	$18,012	$1,823
Mission Avenue Open Elementary	Public	K-6	2925 Mission Ave.	Carmichael	95608	Sacramento County	San Juan Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(916) 575-2362	415	15	27.6	48.4%	238 (57.3%)	11 (2.7%)	46 (11.1%)	86 (20.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	34 (8.2%)	42.7	3023^rd of 5857 public elementary schools	48.4%		46.9	2745^th of 5869 public elementary schools	53.2%	278	39.7		39.7	32.9	35.1	43.1	46.8			39.1	34.2	38.6	31.0	35.5			34.8	92.8				95.7		$19,476	$18,162	$1,314
Cottage Elementary	Public	K-5	2221 Morse Ave.	Sacramento	95825	Sacramento County	San Juan Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(916) 575-2306	502	19	26.4	76.3%	167 (33.3%)	16 (3.2%)	72 (14.3%)	209 (41.6%)	1 (0.2%)	2 (0.4%)	35 (7.0%)	8.9	5691^st of 5857 public elementary schools	2.8%		11.1	5618^th of 5869 public elementary schools	4.3%	73	8.6		8.6	19.1	14.7	24.2				19.2	14.0	6.7	2.9				8.4	95.3	97.6	97.6		96.1		$24,531	$22,190	$2,341
California Montessori Project-San Juan Campuses	Public, Charter	K-8	5330A Gibbons Dr. Ste. 700	Carmichael	95608	Sacramento County	California Montessori Project-San Juan Campuses District	Yes	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(916) 971-2432	1,545	60	25.9	32.1%	890 (57.6%)	28 (1.8%)	329 (21.3%)	53 (3.4%)	4 (0.3%)	2 (0.1%)	239 (15.5%)	54.1	2360^th of 5857 public elementary schools	59.7%		61.4	2009^th of 5869 public elementary schools	65.8%	351	48.4	32.3	42.4	37.8	44.6	57.6	52.8	57.5	46.2	48.4	29.8	42.3	37.3	44.8	47.1	28.0	37.7	92.2	96.3	97.1	97.1	96.3	96.7
Oakdale Tk-8	Public	K-8	3708 Myrtle Ave.	North Highlands	95660	Sacramento County	Twin Rivers Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(916) 566-1910	559	21	26.0	92.7%	105 (18.8%)	94 (16.8%)	152 (27.2%)	136 (24.3%)	1 (0.2%)	11 (2.0%)	60 (10.7%)	11.3	5553^rd of 5857 public elementary schools	5.2%		11.2	5604^th of 5869 public elementary schools	4.5%	51	12.2	12.3	12.3	24.0	10.8	22.0	22.0	16.9	22.0	19.1	21.8	10.3	9.5	10.0	9.2	12.3	12.1	88.7	91.9	93.6	95.2	90.3		$21,420	$19,184	$2,236
Marvin Marshall Preschool and Children's Center	Public	K	5309 Kenneth Ave.	Carmichael	95608	Sacramento County	San Juan Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(916) 971-7375	0				0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Starr King K-8	Public	K-8	4848 Cottage Way	Carmichael	95608	Sacramento County	San Juan Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(916) 971-7320	885	41	21.3	85.8%	232 (26.2%)	68 (7.7%)	116 (13.1%)	409 (46.2%)	0 (0.0%)	10 (1.1%)	50 (5.6%)	7.7	5750^th of 5857 public elementary schools	1.8%		7.7	5786^th of 5869 public elementary schools	1.4%	36	8.9	7.2	8.1	15.4	5.1	10.0	21.5	17.7	10.0	13.2	15.9	9.1	6.1	3.5	5.1	5.2	7.4	85.9	91.6	94.4	94.4	87.3	95.8	$22,827	$20,800	$2,027

Frequently Asked Questions about James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary

What is the racial makeup of James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary?

Students at James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary are 49% White, 22% Hispanic, 11% Two or more races, 10% Asian, 6% African American.

How many students attend James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary?

In the 2024-25 school year, 406 students attended James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary.

Is James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary a good school?

James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary ranks 2346^th of 5857 California elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

What district is James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary in?

San Juan Unified

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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.