Summary:
This analysis examines seven elementary schools within the San Rafael City Elementary district in zip code 94901, all serving grades K-5 except for the kindergarten-only Short Elementary, revealing significant performance differences closely tied to socioeconomic indicators.
Schools like Sun Valley Elementary (ranked in the 91st percentile statewide) and Glenwood Elementary (85th percentile) demonstrate strong academic results with lower rates of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch. In contrast, San Pedro Elementary (2nd percentile), Bahia Vista Elementary (10th percentile), and Laurel Dell Elementary (18th percentile) face substantial academic challenges while serving student populations where over 90% qualify for meal assistance.
Notably, Coleman Elementary stands out as a mid-performer (66th percentile) despite a majority low-income population, suggesting other supportive factors are at work. Per-student spending is relatively high and consistent across all schools, indicating that funding alone does not explain the performance gaps, while chronic absenteeism rates show no clear correlation with test scores. The data highlights a community with both high-achieving and high-need schools within the same district.
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