Elementary Schools in Madera Unified

This analysis examines 18 elementary schools within the Madera Unified School District, all serving grades K-6 with a few extending to 8th grade, in a district where nearly all students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating significant economic challenges across the community.

When comparing schools, John Adams Elementary stands out for having the highest math proficiency, while Berenda Elementary leads in English Language Arts. Howard Elementary is notable for maintaining the lowest chronic absenteeism among larger schools. Schools needing the most support include Sierra Vista Elementary, which has the lowest overall ranking, and Eastin Arcola Elementary, which has seen a dramatic decline in performance.

Key findings show that higher per-student spending does not guarantee better results, as seen at Eastin Arcola, which has the highest spending but very low rankings. Mathematics performance is a particular concern, with strong scores in 3rd grade often dropping sharply by 5th and 6th grade across the district. Despite the challenges, some schools like George Washington Elementary show promising practices, such as exceptionally low chronic absenteeism, which could be models for other schools in Madera Unified.