Summary:
The McKinleyville Union Elementary district operates two public elementary schools serving grades K-5 through a unique split configuration: Dow's Prairie Elementary for grades K-2 and Morris Elementary for grades 3-5, together enrolling just over 530 students.
Comparing the two schools reveals distinct profiles. Morris Elementary stands out for its strong science performance, where student proficiency significantly exceeds the state average, and for having a much lower rate of chronic student absenteeism, which is slightly better than the California average. In contrast, Dow's Prairie Elementary faces a significant challenge with chronic absenteeism, with a rate far above both the district and state averages, a factor often linked to academic outcomes.
Both schools serve a predominantly economically disadvantaged population and spend more per student than the state average. A key area for improvement across the district is mathematics, where both schools perform below state averages, with proficiency at Morris Elementary declining as students progress to fifth grade. Overall, the district's schools share a similar statewide ranking, indicating consistent performance levels, but the notable differences in attendance and science achievement between them highlight specific strengths and challenges within the McKinleyville Union Elementary system.
Thank you for your feedback!