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Barbara Benson Elementary

Q: Is Barbara Benson Elementary a good school?

Barbara Benson Elementary ranks 2617 th of 5857 California elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Public Grades K-5

2617^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 5,857 California Elementary Schools

Better than 55% of California elementary schools

Summary

Barbara Benson Elementary is a K-5 public school serving 313 students in the Tustin Unified School District, operating in a neighborhood where a high percentage of families face economic challenges.

Academically, the school has a mixed performance record, currently ranking in the middle tier of California elementary schools. While its English Language Arts scores are below the district average, it shows relative strengths in math and science, outperforming the state average in those subjects. The school faces a significant challenge with chronic absenteeism, with nearly one in five students missing too much school, a rate much higher than top-performing neighbors like Tustin Memorial Elementary (1.1%) and Red Hill Elementary (5.6%). There are notable performance differences between grades and student groups, with math being a particular bright spot.

Barbara Benson's story is one of contrasts within its own district. It is located very close to some of the highest-achieving schools in Tustin Unified, as well as others facing similar challenges, like Helen Estock Elementary. The school spends more per student than some higher-performing schools, suggesting that how resources are used is crucial. For parents, the key takeaways are the school's math strength, the critical importance of regular attendance, and the ongoing work to provide consistent support for all students, especially in building early reading skills.

313

Students ?

22.3

Student/teacher ratio ?

$16,610

Per pupil spending ?

73.2%

Free/discounted lunch ?

12712 Elizabeth Way
Tustin, CA 92780-2811

(714) 730-7531

District: Tustin Unified

Students who attend Barbara Benson Elementary usually attend:

Middle:	C. E. Utt Middle
High:	Tustin High

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

70.9%

White:

13.7%

Asian:

8.3%

See top rated California elementary schools

Compare Barbara Benson Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▼ Ranking trend: Declining — 64th percentile in 2013 → 55th in 2025

Strengths

✓Above the California median (55th percentile)

Worth a look

!Ranking has slipped — down 9 percentile points since 2013

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

!English Language Arts/Literacy scores 11 pts below the California average

Students meeting standards (2024-2025) ?

This school40%

District avg56%

California avg41%

2,617^th of 5,857

California public elementary schools ?

Top 45%▼ down 19 pts since 2015

From top 25% (2015) to top 45% (2025)

See the entire ranking list of California Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

13^th of 18Elementary Schools in the Tustin Unified

420^th of 1,543Tustin 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	49.6	2617 of 5857	55.3%	★★★☆☆
2024	64.0	1877 of 5869	68.0%	★★★☆☆
2023	63.2	1875 of 5859	68.0%	★★★☆☆
2022	58.0	2118 of 5883	64.0%	★★★☆☆
2019	52.6	2454 of 5789	57.6%	★★★☆☆
2018	46.2	2771 of 5662	51.1%	★★★☆☆
2017	53.0	2379 of 5692	58.2%	★★★☆☆
2016	75.4	1291 of 5614	77.0%	★★★★☆
2015	71.8	1427 of 5611	74.6%	★★★★☆
2013	61.7	2015 of 5530	63.6%	★★★☆☆
2012	68.1	1629 of 5390	69.8%	★★★☆☆
2011	69.4	1511 of 5377	71.9%	★★★★☆
2010	66.7	1641 of 5314	69.1%	★★★☆☆
2009	62.2	1803 of 5193	65.3%	★★★☆☆
2008	75.4	1168 of 5113	77.2%	★★★★☆
2007	83.0	852 of 5113	83.3%	★★★★☆
2006	82.5	853 of 4818	82.3%	★★★★☆
2005	78.5	990 of 4822	79.5%	★★★★☆
2004	73.5	1174 of 4809	75.6%	★★★★☆

English Language Learner

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2022	31.8	2462 of 3311	25.6%	★☆☆☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	43.2	2888 of 5597	48.4%	★★☆☆☆
2024	61.7	1881 of 5612	66.5%	★★★☆☆
2023	58.1	2031 of 5609	63.8%	★★★☆☆
2022	57.7	2036 of 5635	63.9%	★★★☆☆
2019	57.5	2079 of 5492	62.1%	★★★☆☆
2018	53.5	2303 of 5413	57.5%	★★★☆☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	55.0	1977 of 5107	61.3%	★★★☆☆
2024	64.4	1452 of 5107	71.6%	★★★★☆
2023	60.8	1622 of 5087	68.1%	★★★☆☆
2022	56.2	1829 of 5084	64.0%	★★★☆☆
2019	49.4	2318 of 4963	53.3%	★★★☆☆
2018	49.5	2256 of 4830	53.3%	★★★☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	40.7	3130 of 5460	42.7%	★★☆☆☆
2024	64.9	1507 of 5517	72.7%	★★★★☆
2023	54.7	2056 of 5363	61.7%	★★★☆☆
2022	51.7	2183 of 5264	58.5%	★★★☆☆
2019	58.1	1894 of 5173	63.4%	★★★☆☆
2018	46.7	2575 of 5084	49.4%	★★☆☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	55.6	2211 of 5628	60.7%	★★★☆☆
2024	64.0	1790 of 5643	68.3%	★★★☆☆
2023	65.4	1713 of 5638	69.6%	★★★☆☆
2022	57.7	2065 of 5663	63.5%	★★★☆☆
2019	48.1	2559 of 5510	53.6%	★★★☆☆
2018	38.4	3136 of 5431	42.3%	★★☆☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	44.6	1543 of 2598	40.6%	★★☆☆☆

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)61st percentile+6 vs school

Male (2025)61st percentile+5 vs school

Female (2025)48th percentile-7 vs school

Low Socio Economic Status (2025)43rd percentile-13 vs school

White (2025)41st percentile-15 vs school

English Language Learner (2022)26th percentile-38 vs school

By subject vs California (2024-2025) ?

Mathematics44%+7 vs state

Science38%+5 vs state

English Language Arts/Literacy38%-11 vs state

4.4

5 ratings · 5 written reviews

5★4

4★0

3★0

2★1

1★0

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What people are saying

by a parent
Thursday, February 12, 2015

My child attends on an Intra-district transfer. I actually selected Benson Elementary over our home school. They incorporate updated technology for a greater learning experience and provide outstanding extra curricular activities. The school has a great mix of students and the teaching staff is excellent. We were lucky enough to have Ms. Ezaki as my child's Kindergarten teacher. So the first experience at school was a very positive one. Ms. Mayer in the office is always helpful and kind. Additional plus, the Principal Ms. Vela has brought great programs to the school, such as the Brave program from the Joyful Child Foundation. We are looking forward to our youngest child attending next year. Close Quote

by a parent on FaceBook
Friday, February 6, 2015

I have had both of my kids at this school since kindergarten. One is in middle school now and my youngest is in his final year at Benson. I have had the opportunity to interact with ALL the teachers in one way or another. I feel that these teachers give their heart and soul and most importantly, their time to each and every one of the students at Benson. Both my children have thrived and come into their own, have been on honor roll, made beautiful work of art, been part of all the activities, and I contribute that to the Benson staff. I'm so very glad that my family has had such a wonderful experience at such a wonderful school. You would be wise to look into this great little hidden jewel of a school. Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Benson is an amazing little school with a giant heart! I have two children at Benson. We tried Tustin Ranch after moving into the area, because besides TMA it is THE school most parents think is best. I knew by the second day I had made a huge mistake. Benson has an amazing staff. Mr. Ricky is popular with all the kids & parents alike. Mrs. Vela is approachable and concerned about each student. As former technology coordinator for the district, Mrs. Vela and the teaching staff have made advanced technology a part of daily learning. Due to its small size, 5th grade teachers know kindergarteners by name. All of the teaching staff above 3rd grade are GATE trained. Finally, Benson has several special day classes for special needs students. It is a diverse little school with a more realistic picture of what it means to live in a diverse society than many OC schools. One of my children has some learning challenges, and Benson teachers, Resource teacher and staff have been amazing in supporting and accommodating him in the general education environment. Benson is a hidden little gem, and is the "Cheers" of Tustin Unified. It is a family oriented, child centered school. Close Quote

by a parent on FaceBook
Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Barbara Benson Elementary is a wonderful school! My child has been enrolled for 2 years now, and I can honestly say that she has grown by leaps and bounds, largely due to the excellence of the teachers and staff. They are kind, attentive and engaging. They are also very easy to work with, and contact after school. For instance, if I have a question and need to email a teacher, I always receive a response very quickly, often within an hour.

The different programs at this school are wonderful. The kids are exposed to Fine arts in an engaging way. There are also "Family Nights" the school organizes that are either free or an extremely affordable way to take the family out for a fun evening.

Lastly, (regarding a previous reviewer's post) there are lots of involved parents helping out at Benson. Also, this school is neither overrun... nor have I ever even seen a gang-banger parent. This claim in my opinion is slanderous and deplorable. The school is filled with bright, intelligent and kind students as well. I would encourage anyone to visit Benson during business hours, so they can see it for themselves. Close Quote

by a parent on FaceBook
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Average school but below average non-educated, unemployed parents. Many are gang affiliated with tattoos on their face, neck, etc. No parent involvement at all as well as some very low income children. About 30% are English learners. My biggest concern was the parenting or lack there of. Close Quote

Schools Near Barbara Benson 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)	% Polio (2022)	% Hepatitis B (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	% 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
Barbara Benson Elementary	Public	K-5	12712 Elizabeth Way	Tustin	92780	Orange County	Tustin Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(714) 730-7531	313	14	22.3	73.2%	43 (13.7%)	4 (1.3%)	222 (70.9%)	26 (8.3%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (1.0%)	15 (4.8%)	49.6	2617^th of 5857 public elementary schools	55.3%		64	1877^th of 5869 public elementary schools	68.0%	740	38.1	38.1	18.4	50.0	45.2	37.7	31.6	55.9	45.2	43.9	96.9					96.9	$16,610	$2,106	$14,504
Guin Foss Elementary	Public	K-5	18492 Vanderlip Ave.	Santa Ana	92705	Orange County	Tustin Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(714) 730-7552	395	16	25.4	61.5%	74 (18.7%)	3 (0.8%)	258 (65.3%)	35 (8.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	25 (6.3%)	69.4	1631^st of 5857 public elementary schools	72.2%		68.4	1665^th of 5869 public elementary schools	71.6%	34	32.9	32.9	72.9	50.0	55.1	57.8	83.3	57.1	40.0	57.5							$16,169	$1,928	$14,241
Red Hill Elementary	Public	K-5	11911 Red Hill Ave.	Santa Ana	92705	Orange County	Tustin Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(714) 730-7543	436	17	25.6	28.9%	222 (50.9%)	2 (0.5%)	132 (30.3%)	36 (8.3%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	43 (9.9%)	94.4	372^nd of 5857 public elementary schools	93.6%		92.5	532^nd of 5869 public elementary schools	90.9%	160	68.7	68.7	64.8	81.3	83.6	77.6	68.5	85.3	77.6	78.1	93.2	93.2					$15,366	$1,967	$13,399
Tustin Memorial Elementary	Public	K-5	12712 Browning Ave.	Santa Ana	92705	Orange County	Tustin Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(714) 730-7546	613	22	27.8	22.5%	130 (21.2%)	4 (0.7%)	69 (11.3%)	322 (52.5%)	2 (0.3%)	1 (0.2%)	85 (13.9%)	97.7	102^nd of 5857 public elementary schools	98.3%		97.6	109^th of 5869 public elementary schools	98.1%	7	61.8	61.8	83.8	89.1	90.0	87.7	89.9	93.1	83.6	88.7							$14,962	$1,683	$13,279
Loma Vista Elementary	Public	K-5	13822 Prospect Ave.	Santa Ana	92705	Orange County	Tustin Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(714) 730-7528	433	18	24.7	61.2%	101 (23.3%)	3 (0.7%)	261 (60.3%)	40 (9.2%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (1.2%)	23 (5.3%)	55.3	2286^th of 5857 public elementary schools	61.0%		52.5	2425^th of 5869 public elementary schools	58.7%	139	33.8	33.8	41.9	46.8	54.7	47.8	43.4	45.5	42.9	43.9	90.1	95.6	96.7	93.4	94.5	94.5	$15,481	$1,799	$13,682
Helen Estock Elementary	Public	K-5	14741 North B St.	Tustin	92780	Orange County	Tustin Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(714) 730-7390	456	17	27.6	93.6%	21 (4.6%)	15 (3.3%)	376 (82.5%)	37 (8.1%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.4%)	5 (1.1%)	11.6	5533^rd of 5857 public elementary schools	5.5%		11.6	5579^th of 5869 public elementary schools	4.9%	46	5.4	5.4	21.3	18.6	23.6	21.4	19.0	12.5	13.0	14.8							$16,867	$2,025	$14,842
Ladera Elementary	Public	K-5	2515 Rawlings Way	Tustin	92782	Orange County	Tustin Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(714) 730-7505	345	13	26.5	32.5%	81 (23.5%)	2 (0.6%)	101 (29.3%)	118 (34.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	43 (12.5%)	89.2	706^th of 5857 public elementary schools	87.9%		85.6	925^th of 5869 public elementary schools	84.2%	219	52.7	52.7	70.7	59.3	74.6	68.3	75.9	70.4	74.6	73.7							$16,610	$2,226	$14,384
Tustin Ranch Elementary	Public	K-5	12950 Robinson Dr.	Tustin	92782	Orange County	Tustin Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(714) 730-7580	520	20	26.0	61.3%	107 (20.6%)	16 (3.1%)	265 (51.0%)	84 (16.2%)	1 (0.2%)	2 (0.4%)	45 (8.7%)	67.4	1720^th of 5857 public elementary schools	70.6%		74.8	1372^nd of 5869 public elementary schools	76.6%	348	39.3	39.3	42.4	58.5	64.4	55.3	48.8	58.1	45.6	50.8							$15,479	$1,769	$13,710
Arroyo Elementary	Public	K-5	11112 Coronel Rd.	Santa Ana	92705	Orange County	Tustin Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(714) 730-7381	585	21	27.8	14.5%	259 (44.3%)	1 (0.2%)	134 (22.9%)	82 (14.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	109 (18.6%)	96.2	221^st of 5857 public elementary schools	96.2%		94.6	378^th of 5869 public elementary schools	93.6%	157	71.0	71.0	78.8	79.2	81.9	80.0	85.0	80.2	72.0	78.8	97.1	97.1	97.1	97.1	97.1		$14,756	$1,751	$13,005
Benjamin F. Beswick Elementary	Public	K-5	1362 Mitchell Ave.	Tustin	92780	Orange County	Tustin Unified	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(714) 730-7385	426	17	25.0	90.8%	16 (3.8%)	7 (1.6%)	366 (85.9%)	27 (6.3%)	2 (0.5%)	1 (0.2%)	7 (1.6%)	31.3	3855^th of 5857 public elementary schools	34.2%		33.6	3638^th of 5869 public elementary schools	38.0%	217	15.9	15.9	28.6	37.3	35.3	33.7	20.6	32.9	43.5	32.1							$16,347	$2,062	$14,285

Frequently Asked Questions about Barbara Benson Elementary

How many students attend Barbara Benson Elementary?

In the 2024-25 school year, 313 students attended Barbara Benson Elementary.

Is Barbara Benson Elementary a good school?

Barbara Benson Elementary ranks 2617^th of 5857 California elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

What is the racial makeup of Barbara Benson Elementary?

Students at Barbara Benson Elementary are 71% Hispanic, 14% White, 8% Asian, 5% Two or more races, 1% African American.

What schools do graduates of Barbara Benson Elementary attend?

Students who attend Barbara Benson Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : C. E. Utt Middle
High : Tustin High

What district is Barbara Benson Elementary in?

Tustin 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.