Summary:
The La Honda-Pescadero Unified district operates two small, rural elementary schools south of San Francisco: Pescadero Elementary and Middle (K-8, 126 students) and La Honda Elementary (K-5, 65 students), both of which spend significantly more per student than the typical California school.
Comparing the two, La Honda Elementary stands out for its strong and consistent academic performance, ranking in the 78th percentile statewide with 62% of students proficient in both English and Math, well above district and state averages. In contrast, Pescadero Elementary and Middle shows a mixed profile, with solid English scores (50% proficient) but significant challenges in Mathematics (28% proficient) and Science (26% proficient), particularly in the middle school grades.
Key factors for parents to consider include the notable difference in student poverty rates between the schools, with Pescadero's rate nearly double that of La Honda, and the district's overall high chronic absenteeism. While Pescadero benefits from a lower student-teacher ratio, La Honda has demonstrated remarkable academic improvement over the past decade. Both schools receive substantial funding, but the translation of those resources into student outcomes differs markedly, especially in core subjects like math.
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