Astronaut Jose' M. Hernandez Academy

Astronaut Jose' M. Hernandez Academy is a K-8 public school serving 214 students in Stockton, CA, operating as its own independent district and showing significant academic improvement in recent years.

The school is on a strong upward trajectory, climbing from the 7th to the 30th percentile statewide in just two years, which is a faster improvement rate than most nearby schools. It benefits from substantial resources, spending over $18,900 per student—considerably more than neighbors like Rio Calaveras Elementary—and maintains smaller class sizes with a 20-to-1 student-teacher ratio. However, it still faces a major challenge with chronic absenteeism, at 37.5%, which is nearly double the state average and correlates with lower test scores that remain below state averages in all subjects.

Performance varies dramatically by grade, with 3rd-grade math near the state average but 4th and 8th-grade proficiency falling into the single digits, indicating inconsistent instructional outcomes. A notable comparison is with Aspire River Oaks Charter, a nearby school with similar student demographics that achieves much higher proficiency and lower absenteeism, suggesting organizational factors like school culture are key. The school also has a large, concerning gender performance gap that requires attention.