Summary:
Zip code 96117 in Litchfield, California, contains one public school, Shaffer Elementary, a K-8 school serving 246 students in the Shaffer Union Elementary District.
Shaffer Elementary serves a community with high economic need, with over 60% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. The school spends more per student than the state average, but academic performance is below state averages in English, math, and science. There are notable strengths in some grades, like 4th grade English, but performance varies widely, with middle school math and science being particular challenge areas. A significant concern is the chronic absenteeism rate of 26.7%, which is higher than the state average and can greatly impact learning.
The school's statewide ranking has declined in recent years, and it faces the unique challenges common to rural schools, such as being the only educational option in its area. For parents, this means their child will experience a continuous K-8 environment in a small setting, but the school is grappling with improving consistent academic outcomes across all grades and addressing attendance. The higher-than-average spending suggests resources are available, and the pockets of strong grade-level performance indicate potential for broader improvement with targeted support.
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