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Junction Elementary

Q: Is Junction Elementary a good school?

Junction Elementary ranks 1669 th of 5857 California elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Public Grades K-8

1669^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 5,857 California Elementary Schools

Better than 72% of California elementary schools

Summary

Junction Elementary is a consistently strong K-8 public school in Palo Cedro, serving 416 students within the well-regarded Junction Elementary district, where it outperforms state averages in English, Math, and Science while maintaining a lower-than-average chronic absenteeism rate.

The school's standout strength is its exceptional effectiveness in supporting economically disadvantaged students, historically ranking in the 97th percentile statewide for this group, which is a significant achievement compared to nearby schools like Alta Mesa Elementary and Shasta Meadows Elementary that serve higher-need populations with lower proficiency. Furthermore, Junction Elementary achieves these strong results with notably efficient spending, operating at roughly half the per-student cost of some comparable schools such as Bella Vista Elementary and Millville Elementary, while delivering stable, 4-star performance year after year.

While the school shows a slight performance dip in middle grades before a strong 8th-grade recovery, its overall trajectory is positive, with improving attendance and particularly strong science scores. Compared to its closest neighbor, Chrysalis Charter, which serves a similar community, Junction Elementary outperforms academically across all core subjects, solidifying its position as a consistently high-achieving and efficient school in the region.

416

Students ?

18.3

Student/teacher ratio ?

$7,100

Per pupil spending ?

34.9%

Free/discounted lunch ?

9087 Deschutes Rd.
Palo Cedro, CA 96073-8713

(530) 547-3274

District: Junction Elementary

Students who attend Junction Elementary usually attend:

High:

Foothill High

Racial breakdown:

White:

80.3%

Hispanic:

9.6%

Two or more races:

3.4%

See top rated California elementary schools

Compare Junction Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▼ Ranking trend: Declining — 89th percentile in 2013 → 72nd in 2025

Strengths

✓Test scores above the California average (50% vs 41% meeting standards)

✓Above the California median (72nd percentile)

Worth a look

!Ranking has slipped — down 17 percentile points since 2013

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

Students meeting standards (2024-2025) ?

This school50%

District avg50%

California avg41%

Elementary school

1,669^th of 5,857

California public elementary schools ?

Top 28%▼ down 6 pts since 2015

From top 22% (2015) to top 28% (2025)

See the entire ranking list of California Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

Middle school

925^th of 2,761

California public middle schools ?

Top 34%▲ up 8 pts since 2015

From top 42% (2015) to top 34% (2025)

See the entire ranking list of California Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

410^th of 1,543Junction Elementary among California districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Elementary school ranking

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	68.4	1669 of 5857	71.5%	★★★★☆
2024	77.3	1277 of 5869	78.2%	★★★★☆
2023	83.4	1030 of 5859	82.4%	★★★★☆
2022	71.0	1571 of 5883	73.3%	★★★★☆
2019	79.0	1213 of 5789	79.0%	★★★★☆
2018	81.7	1043 of 5662	81.6%	★★★★☆
2017	77.1	1240 of 5692	78.2%	★★★★☆
2016	67.1	1656 of 5614	70.5%	★★★★☆
2015	76.4	1261 of 5611	77.5%	★★★★☆
2013	87.6	608 of 5530	89.0%	★★★★☆
2012	81.2	959 of 5390	82.2%	★★★★☆
2011	64.1	1798 of 5377	66.6%	★★★☆☆
2010	60.7	1941 of 5314	63.5%	★★★☆☆
2009	62.5	1793 of 5193	65.5%	★★★☆☆
2008	50.6	2335 of 5113	54.3%	★★★☆☆
2007	73.9	1207 of 5113	76.4%	★★★★☆
2006	61.4	1683 of 4818	65.1%	★★★☆☆
2005	74.0	1163 of 4822	75.9%	★★★★☆
2004	72.0	1230 of 4809	74.4%	★★★★☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	67.2	1635 of 5597	70.8%	★★★★☆
2024	68.1	1569 of 5612	72.0%	★★★★☆
2023	81.2	1050 of 5609	81.3%	★★★★☆
2022	74.7	1328 of 5635	76.4%	★★★★☆
2019	69.1	1541 of 5492	71.9%	★★★★☆
2018	89.2	603 of 5413	88.9%	★★★★☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	79.0	818 of 5460	85.0%	★★★★☆
2024	84.8	636 of 5517	88.5%	★★★★☆
2023	95.9	157 of 5363	97.1%	★★★★★
2022	98.2	79 of 5264	98.5%	★★★★★
2018	94.2	151 of 5084	97.0%	★★★★★

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	66.1	1701 of 5628	69.8%	★★★☆☆
2024	80.2	1070 of 5643	81.0%	★★★★☆
2023	79.6	1110 of 5638	80.3%	★★★★☆
2022	63.1	1822 of 5663	67.8%	★★★☆☆
2019	81.3	1005 of 5510	81.8%	★★★★☆
2018	80.5	1036 of 5431	80.9%	★★★★☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	41.3	1650 of 2598	36.5%	★★☆☆☆
2024	51.0	1377 of 2651	48.1%	★★☆☆☆
2023	65.8	941 of 2661	64.6%	★★★☆☆
2022	46.9	1561 of 2726	42.7%	★★☆☆☆
2019	57.9	1282 of 2834	54.8%	★★★☆☆
2018	63.1	1070 of 2737	60.9%	★★★☆☆

Middle school ranking

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	59.1	925 of 2761	66.5%	★★★☆☆
2024	81.7	444 of 2783	84.0%	★★★★☆
2023	69.0	693 of 2781	75.1%	★★★★☆
2022	69.6	692 of 2740	74.7%	★★★★☆
2021	77.3	160 of 894	82.1%	★★★★☆
2019	77.4	543 of 2715	80.0%	★★★★☆
2018	74.7	552 of 2480	77.7%	★★★★☆
2017	78.7	497 of 2508	80.2%	★★★★☆
2016	68.7	683 of 2497	72.6%	★★★★☆
2015	53.1	1031 of 2477	58.4%	★★★☆☆
2009	55.5	845 of 2063	59.0%	★★★☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	59.7	848 of 2533	66.5%	★★★☆☆
2024	82.0	407 of 2551	84.0%	★★★★☆
2023	80.7	421 of 2531	83.4%	★★★★☆
2022	70.9	592 of 2509	76.4%	★★★★☆
2021	79.3	123 of 738	83.3%	★★★★☆
2019	84.5	333 of 2380	86.0%	★★★★☆
2018	90.6	207 of 2262	90.8%	★★★★★

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	58.3	830 of 2542	67.3%	★★★☆☆
2022	94.7	81 of 2458	96.7%	★★★★★
2019	70.5	480 of 2369	79.7%	★★★★☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	57.1	903 of 2534	64.4%	★★★☆☆
2024	78.7	459 of 2552	82.0%	★★★★☆
2023	57.9	861 of 2538	66.1%	★★★☆☆
2022	62.5	762 of 2527	69.8%	★★★☆☆
2021	67.1	213 of 763	72.1%	★★★★☆
2019	66.7	669 of 2407	72.2%	★★★★☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	California percentile	Rating
2025	40.3	906 of 1520	40.4%	★★☆☆☆
2024	62.0	551 of 1537	64.2%	★★★☆☆
2023	55.6	646 of 1543	58.1%	★★★☆☆
2022	50.6	756 of 1555	51.4%	★★★☆☆
2019	58.7	648 of 1602	59.6%	★★★☆☆
2018	65.3	515 of 1496	65.6%	★★★☆☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

Elementary school

Low Socio Economic Status (2025)85th percentile+14 vs school

Female (2025)71st percentile~ school

Male (2025)70th percentile~ school

White (2025)36th percentile-35 vs school

Middle school

Low Socio Economic Status (2025)67th percentile~ school

Female (2025)67th percentile~ school

Male (2025)64th percentile~ school

White (2025)40th percentile-26 vs school

By subject vs California (2024-2025) ?

English Language Arts/Literacy53%+4 vs state

Mathematics49%+11 vs state

Science44%+12 vs state

5.0

1 rating · 1 written review

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What people are saying

by a parent
Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Junction School is more than just great test scores. Our school is a home away from home for students. Great teachers, involved community, strong leadership and tons of extras! Robotics, competitive sports, music/choir instruction, electives for all grade levels, small class sizes and safe environment. Your missing out if your student doesn't attend Junction School! Close Quote

Schools Near Junction Elementary

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Immunizations Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2025)				Ranking (2024)				CAST Science (2025)			Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts/Literacy (2025)							Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics (2025)							% Completely Immunized (2022)	% Polio (2022)	% Varicella (2022)	% DTP (2022)	% MMR (2022)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2024)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	SchoolDigger Rating (2025)	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	Rank Change from Previous Year	CAST Science 5th Grade	CAST Science 8th Grade	CAST Science All Grades	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts/Literacy 3rd Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts/Literacy 4th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts/Literacy 5th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts/Literacy 6th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts/Literacy 7th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts/Literacy 8th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts/Literacy All Grades	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics 3rd Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics 4th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics 5th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics 6th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics 7th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics 8th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics All Grades	% Completely Immunized KG	% Polio KG	% Varicella KG	% DTP KG	% MMR KG	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Junction Elementary	Public	K-8	9087 Deschutes Rd.	Palo Cedro	96073	Shasta County	Junction Elementary	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(530) 547-3274	416	23	18.3	34.9%	334 (80.3%)	7 (1.7%)	40 (9.6%)	13 (3.1%)	8 (1.9%)	0 (0.0%)	14 (3.4%)	68.4	1669^th of 5857 public elementary schools	71.5%		77.3	1277^th of 5869 public elementary schools	78.2%	392	37.5	54.8	44.3	65.9	64.1	55.1	47.6	38.6	45.2	53.0	75.0	46.2	42.9	35.7	40.9	51.6	48.6						$7,100	$338	$6,762
Chrysalis Charter	Public, Charter	K-8	21945 Old Forty-Four Dr.	Palo Cedro	96073	Shasta County	Chrysalis Charter District	Yes	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(530) 547-9726	226	11	20.5	38.9%	166 (73.5%)	0 (0.0%)	31 (13.7%)	1 (0.4%)	2 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	26 (11.5%)	53.7	2384^th of 5857 public elementary schools	59.3%		61.8	1989^th of 5869 public elementary schools	66.1%	395	25.0	46.7	36.2	59.1	48.2	32.1	53.6	40.9	56.7	48.4	68.2	48.2	14.3	46.4	31.8	36.7	40.1	90.5	90.5	90.5	90.5	90.5	$12,514	$1,110	$11,404
North Cow Creek Elementary	Public	K-8	10619 Swede Creek Rd.	Palo Cedro	96073	Shasta County	North Cow Creek Elementary	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(530) 549-4488	270	12	21.8	27.0%	210 (77.8%)	1 (0.4%)	20 (7.4%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (3.3%)	0 (0.0%)	30 (11.1%)	62.1	1959^th of 5857 public elementary schools	66.6%		61.6	1999^th of 5869 public elementary schools	65.9%	40	39.4	52.9	46.3	25.9	48.0	78.8	58.3	70.6	67.7	59.9	51.9	48.0	45.5	33.3	34.3	44.1	42.7	81.3	87.5	93.8	87.5	93.8	$2,966	$625	$2,341
Millville Elementary	Public	K-8	8570 Brookdale Rd.	Millville	96062	Shasta County	Millville Elementary	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(530) 547-4471	208	11	19.6	45.7%	162 (77.9%)	3 (1.4%)	15 (7.2%)	2 (1.0%)	9 (4.3%)	2 (1.0%)	15 (7.2%)	69.9	1604^th of 5857 public elementary schools	72.6%		83.2	1030^th of 5869 public elementary schools	82.5%	574	39.1	36.7	37.7	47.4	53.3	50.0	58.6	57.9	56.7	54.5	47.4	73.3	47.8	58.6	40.0	53.3	52.9	73.9	82.6	87.0	87.0	87.0	$17,515	$1,499	$16,016
Columbia Elementary	Public	K-4	10142 Old Oregon Trail	Redding	96003	Shasta County	Columbia Elementary	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(530) 223-4070	430	23	18.6	40.0%	295 (68.6%)	1 (0.2%)	68 (15.8%)	16 (3.7%)	12 (2.8%)	2 (0.5%)	36 (8.4%)	62.8	1929^th of 5857 public elementary schools	67.1%		58.8	2114^th of 5869 public elementary schools	64.0%	185				51.8	47.4					49.7	60.0	42.3					51.5	90.3	92.5	91.4	92.5	91.4	$12,829	$1,623	$11,206
Alta Mesa Elementary	Public	K-8	2301 Saturn Skyway	Redding	96002	Shasta County	Enterprise Elementary	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(530) 224-4130	319	15	21.2	74.6%	180 (56.4%)	7 (2.2%)	56 (17.6%)	27 (8.5%)	8 (2.5%)	0 (0.0%)	41 (12.9%)	51.2	2543^rd of 5857 public elementary schools	56.6%		38.4	3275^th of 5869 public elementary schools	44.2%	732	38.8		38.8	50.0	42.9	53.1				49.3	46.0	42.9	16.3				34.3	97.2	97.2	97.2		97.2	$20,805	$2,869	$17,936
Shasta Meadows Elementary	Public	K-5	2825 Yana Ave.	Redding	96002	Shasta County	Enterprise Elementary	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(530) 224-4180	320	13	24.6	80.3%	157 (49.1%)	10 (3.1%)	89 (27.8%)	18 (5.6%)	10 (3.1%)	0 (0.0%)	36 (11.3%)	47.8	2714^th of 5857 public elementary schools	53.7%		32.4	3745^th of 5869 public elementary schools	36.2%	1031	32.8		32.8	50.0	44.4	41.4				44.9	52.2	41.8	20.7				37.1	92.1	96.8		92.1		$17,576	$1,695	$15,881
Prairie Elementary	Public	K-3	20981 Dersch Rd.	Anderson	96007	Shasta County	Pacheco Union Elementary	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(530) 365-1801	332	16	20.7	57.8%	216 (65.1%)	2 (0.6%)	59 (17.8%)	7 (2.1%)	6 (1.8%)	0 (0.0%)	42 (12.7%)								(n/a)				50.0						50.0	48.7						48.7	97.3			98.2	98.2	$7,994	$1,530	$6,464
Columbia-East Valley K-6 Community Day	Public	K-8	675 Shasta View Dr.	Redding	96003	Shasta County	Columbia Elementary	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(530) 221-5224	2	1	1.9		2 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)																							$31,623	$15	$31,608
Bella Vista Elementary	Public	K-8	22661 Old Alturas Rd.	Bella Vista	96008	Shasta County	Bella Vista Elementary	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(530) 549-4415	343	19	17.9	63.6%	235 (68.5%)	0 (0.0%)	61 (17.8%)	3 (0.9%)	8 (2.3%)	0 (0.0%)	36 (10.5%)	48.2	2687^th of 5857 public elementary schools	54.1%		52.3	2436^th of 5869 public elementary schools	58.5%	251	37.1	35.9	36.5	21.9	61.3	60.0	41.9	53.1	64.1	51.0	28.1	45.2	28.6	32.3	41.9	46.2	37.2						$17,074	$1,802	$15,272

Frequently Asked Questions about Junction Elementary

What is the racial makeup of Junction Elementary?

Students at Junction Elementary are 80% White, 10% Hispanic, 3% Two or more races, 3% Asian, 2% American Indian, 2% African American.

How many students attend Junction Elementary?

In the 2024-25 school year, 416 students attended Junction Elementary.

Is Junction Elementary a good school?

Junction Elementary ranks 1669^th of 5857 California elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

What district is Junction Elementary in?

Junction Elementary

What schools do graduates of Junction Elementary attend?

Students who attend Junction Elementary usually go on to attend:

High : Foothill High

Rate Junction Elementary!

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the California Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.