Summary:
The Firebaugh-Las Deltas Unified district operates two elementary schools serving grades K-5, with a combined enrollment of about 1,030 students in a high-need community where over 86% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
Families will find a split configuration, with Hazel M. Bailey Primary serving grades K-2 and Arthur E. Mills Intermediate serving grades 3-5. A key difference is in student attendance; Arthur E. Mills has an exceptionally low rate of chronic absenteeism at 5.5%, which is a significant strength, while Hazel M. Bailey's rate is higher at 17.0%. The primary school also has a smaller average class size and slightly higher per-student spending, suggesting a focus on early foundational years.
Academically, test scores at Arthur E. Mills Intermediate are below state averages, with a notable trend of declining statewide ranking over recent years despite its excellent attendance. Within the school, fifth graders show stronger English skills than younger grades, but math scores tend to drop from third to fifth grade. For parents, the analysis highlights that good attendance at the intermediate school hasn't yet translated to higher academic achievement, and addressing absenteeism in the early grades could be crucial for building a stronger foundation for future learning.
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