Summary:
This analysis examines six elementary schools serving grades K-5 in Pleasant Hill, CA (zip code 94523), all within the Mt. Diablo Unified district, revealing significant performance differences linked to socioeconomic factors and attendance.
Sequoia Elementary stands out as the top performer, ranking in the 88th percentile statewide with the highest test scores and an exceptionally low chronic absenteeism rate of 2.7%, despite having the lowest per-student spending. In contrast, Fair Oaks Elementary faces the greatest challenges, ranking in the 5th percentile with the lowest proficiency rates and the highest chronic absenteeism (28.7%) and per-student spending. Gregory Gardens Elementary shows a notable recent decline in its state ranking.
The other schools—Valhalla Elementary, Pleasant Hill Elementary, and Strandwood Elementary—perform above the district and state averages, ranking between the 76th and 79th percentiles. A clear pattern emerges where schools with lower rates of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch generally achieve higher academic performance, and chronic absenteeism is strongly correlated with lower test scores across all schools.
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