Elementary Schools in Fontana Unified

This analysis examines 30 elementary schools within the Fontana Unified School District, serving grades K-5 or K-6 in a high-need area where most schools have over 70% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch.

When comparing schools, Dorothy Grant Innovations Academy stands out as the top performer, ranking in the 68th percentile statewide with the district's highest English and Math scores, followed by Oak Park Elementary and Canyon Crest Elementary. Schools like Kathy Binks Elementary and Date Elementary have shown significant recent improvement in their state rankings. On the other hand, West Randall Elementary, Cypress Elementary, and Randall Pepper Elementary face the most urgent challenges, ranking in the bottom 10% of California schools with low test scores and high chronic absenteeism.

Key insights for the area show that attendance is a major factor, with higher-performing schools like the top three averaging 18% chronic absenteeism compared to nearly 31% at the lowest-ranked schools; notably, Dolores Huerta International Academy has the district's best attendance at 9.4%. Academic performance district-wide lags behind state averages, particularly in math, with a noticeable drop in proficiency between 3rd and 5th grade. Interestingly, higher per-student spending, such as at Sierra Lakes Elementary, does not guarantee higher rankings, suggesting other factors like school practices and attendance are more critical for success.