Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 96161

This analysis covers four elementary schools in zip code 96161, serving the Truckee, CA area, which include three traditional K-5 schools in the Tahoe-Truckee Unified district and one K-8 charter school, Sierra Expeditionary Learning.

Parents will find a notable range in school size and performance. Truckee Elementary is the largest school with over 500 students, while Donner Trail Elementary is the smallest with just 55 students and is the top academic performer, with over 90% of students proficient in math. Glenshire Elementary also shows strong, consistent results, ranking in the 92nd percentile statewide. The charter school, Sierra Expeditionary Learning, stands out for its exceptionally low chronic absenteeism rate of less than 1% and solid academic outcomes achieved with lower per-student spending.

Overall, schools in this area outperform state averages in both academics and student attendance. Key takeaways include the high achievement seen in the smaller schools, Donner Trail and Glenshire, and the efficiency of the charter model. While Truckee Elementary faces challenges with a higher-need student population, all local schools maintain chronic absenteeism rates well below the concerning state average of 19.4%.