Elk Grove Unified

The Elk Grove Unified district is a large, diverse system of 67 schools serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade across the Elk Grove area, with an overall academic performance that exceeds California state averages.

There is a significant performance gap between schools, creating what feels like two different districts. Top-tier schools like Arnold Adreani Elementary, Elizabeth Pinkerton Middle, and Pleasant Grove High consistently earn 5-star ratings with proficiency rates far above the district average. In contrast, several schools, particularly at the middle and high school levels, face steep challenges with much lower proficiency and very high chronic absenteeism rates, such as William Daylor High and Samuel Jackman Middle.

Key takeaways for parents include noting that middle schools are the district's weakest overall tier, while the high school graduation rate is a strength, even at some schools with lower test scores. A school's chronic absenteeism rate is a critical indicator of its challenges. The district's highest per-student spending is at alternative schools, highlighting the resources dedicated to supporting high-need students, and math proficiency declines notably from elementary to high school more than other subjects.