Summary:
This analysis covers four elementary schools within the Tehachapi Unified district in zip code 93561, primarily serving grades K-5, revealing significant performance differences among them.
Cummings Valley Elementary is the clear standout, performing well above the others and exceeding state averages in math and science, while also having the best student attendance rate. In contrast, Golden Hills Elementary and Tompkins Elementary struggle with proficiency rates below district and state averages, alongside very high chronic absenteeism. The Tehachapi Independent Learning Academy, a K-8 school, shows inconsistent results and the lowest test scores despite having the highest per-student spending.
Key takeaways for parents are that chronic absenteeism is a major challenge district-wide, and performance gaps are not explained by funding differences. The district shows a relative strength in science instruction, but a specific weakness in 4th-grade math at the traditional elementary schools. Cummings Valley demonstrates that strong outcomes are achievable within the district, suggesting factors like school environment and teaching practices are critical.
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