Summary:
This analysis examines three elementary schools serving grades K-6 or K-8 within the Wright Elementary district in Santa Rosa, California, all serving student populations with high economic need.
Robert L. Stevens Elementary stands out as the highest-performing school in the area, earning 4 stars and ranking in the top 26% of elementary schools statewide, with strong test scores in English and Math that exceed both district and state averages and the lowest rate of chronic student absenteeism. In contrast, Wright Charter has the lowest ranking in the bottom 19% of state schools with a 1-star rating, shows a declining performance trend over recent years, and has the highest chronic absenteeism rate. J. X. Wilson Elementary falls in the middle, performing near the district average which is below the state average overall.
Despite very similar student demographics and per-student funding levels across the three schools, academic results vary widely, suggesting factors like school culture and instructional practices play a significant role. The clear connection between attendance and achievement is notable, with the top-performing school also having the best attendance. Parents should note that while one school in the Wright Elementary district excels, the district as a whole ranks in the bottom 64% statewide, and all schools struggle with science proficiency compared to the California average.
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