Summary:
This analysis examines seven elementary schools in Santa Cruz's 95062 zip code, serving grades K-5 or K-8 across the Live Oak Elementary and Santa Cruz City Elementary districts, revealing a mix of traditional and alternative programs with varying academic results and resources.
When comparing schools, Santa Cruz City Elementary Alternative Education-Monarch stands out as the top academic performer with the highest test scores, while Tierra Pacifica Charter operates most efficiently with lower spending and a better student-teacher ratio. Ocean Alternative Education Center excels in student attendance, and Gault Elementary shows consistent year-to-year performance. Schools in the Santa Cruz City district generally outperform those in the Live Oak district, though spending per student varies significantly between them.
Key insights for parents include a notable drop in 5th-grade math scores at several schools like Del Mar Elementary and Green Acres Elementary, suggesting potential curriculum challenges. The analysis also finds that high attendance doesn't always mean the highest test scores, and that lower-spending schools can still achieve solid results. The performance gap between the two districts may reflect differences in educational approaches or resources available to students.
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