Elementary Schools in Natomas Unified

This analysis examines 12 elementary schools within the Natomas Unified School District in Sacramento, serving grades from K-5 to K-8, revealing a district with both standout performers and schools facing significant challenges.

Academic performance varies widely across the district. Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Elementary is the clear top performer, with test scores well above state averages and an exceptionally low chronic absenteeism rate of 2.8%. Other strong schools include Heron and Two Rivers Elementary. On the other end, American Lakes and Bannon Creek have very low proficiency rates and some of the highest chronic absenteeism in the district.

Key factors differentiating schools include chronic absenteeism and socioeconomic indicators. Schools with lower rates of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch generally perform better. There is no clear link between higher per-student spending and better outcomes, as some of the highest-spending schools do not have the strongest results. The district as a whole performs below state averages in English, Math, and Science, with mathematics showing a particular decline in higher grades across most schools.