Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 96022

This analysis covers three elementary schools in the Cottonwood, CA area (zip code 96022), serving grades K-4 through K-8 with enrollments from 294 to 541 students, revealing significant performance differences among them.

Cottonwood Creek Charter stands out as the top performer, with state test scores well above average (69% in Math, 68% in ELA) and a very low chronic absenteeism rate of 6.4%. It consistently ranks in the state's top 15% and achieves this despite having the lowest per-student spending in the group. Evergreen Elementary also performs strongly, particularly in ELA (62% proficient), and has shown recent improvement in its state ranking, even while serving a student population with a high rate of economic need. In contrast, North Cottonwood faces challenges, with test scores below the state average and the highest chronic absenteeism rate at 19.4%, alongside a noticeable three-year decline in its state ranking.

The schools show a clear link between low absenteeism and high academic performance. Interestingly, the school with the highest spending per student does not have the best outcomes, suggesting factors beyond funding, such as school culture and instructional practices, play a critical role. For parents, this area offers a high-performing charter school option and a traditional public school in Evergreen Union that is improving, alongside another school that may require more support to address its declining trajectory.