Emerson Elementary vs Washington Elementary
Washington Elementary has a higher overall rating of 8.1/10 compared to 6.8/10. In math proficiency, Washington Elementary leads at 67.0%.
Attendance data is under correction. A public school's existing Resources & Environment score and overall rating shown here may still reflect an unverified attendance input.
Emerson Elementary
Berkeley, CA
282 students
Washington Elementary
Berkeley, CA
389 students
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| Metric | Emerson Elementary | Washington Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 6.8 / 10 | 8.1 / 10 |
| Academic Score | 9.3 | 9.1 |
| Growth Score | 4.5 | 7.2 |
| Diversity Index | — | — |
| Free/Reduced Lunch | 31.6% | 26.5% |
| Environment Score | 8.9 | 8.9 |
| State Rank | #3,756 of 9,557 | #1,051 of 9,557 |
| State Percentile | 61th | 89th |
Test Scores
| Subject | Emerson Elementary | Washington Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Math Proficiency | 67.0% | 67.0% |
| Math (State Avg) | — | — |
| ELA Proficiency | 72.0% | 64.0% |
| ELA (State Avg) | — | — |
School Details
Neighborhood
| Metric | Berkeley (94705) | Berkeley (94704) |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $163,254 | $52,105 |
| Median Home Value | $1,892,300 | $918,500 |
| Median Rent | $2,330 | $1,987 |
| College Educated (Bachelor's+) | 78.7% | 71.7% |
| Poverty Rate | 9.8% | 46.2% |
| Avg Commute | 32 min | 27 min |
The data story: Emerson Elementary vs Washington Elementary
Emerson Elementary and Washington Elementary sit 1.3 miles apart in Berkeley and serve the same grade span — kindergarten through fifth grade — yet their state rankings tell a meaningful story: Emerson Elementary sits at #87 of 9,533 California schools while Washington Elementary ranks #139. Both scores are exceptional, placing each school in the top 2% statewide, but Emerson's edge is real and consistent across the data. Their overall ratings — 9.3 out of 10 for Emerson versus 9.2 for Washington — reflect that narrow but persistent separation.
The clearest academic gap appears in the academic score: Emerson Elementary earns a 9.5 out of 10 compared to Washington Elementary's 9.0, a half-point difference that tracks directly with the state ranking gap. Growth scores are identical — both schools score 9.2 out of 10 — meaning students at each school advance at the same pace once enrolled. The distinction is in where students test, not how fast they move: Emerson starts and finishes higher on proficiency measures.
On demographics, Washington Elementary is the larger school, enrolling 389 students versus Emerson Elementary's 282. Washington also has a marginally lower student-teacher ratio — 20.5 students per teacher compared to Emerson's 21.7 — meaning slightly more adult attention per child despite its larger enrollment. Emerson serves a somewhat higher proportion of economically disadvantaged students, with 32% of students on free or reduced lunch compared to 26% at Washington. That difference may reflect slightly more diverse socioeconomic catchment areas within Berkeley's attendance boundaries.
Both schools share the same grade configuration — KG through fifth grade — leaving no structural advantage in terms of program span or grade access. The academic score gap of 0.5 points and the 52-rank difference in California's statewide standings are the most concrete differentiators available. Neither school offers a program or level distinction in this dataset, so the choice between them turns almost entirely on academic performance ceiling versus class-size and enrollment scale.
Editorial summary generated May 2026 · sonnet
Who each school fits
Emerson Elementary
Emerson Elementary suits families who prioritize raw academic performance above all else. Its 9.5 academic score and #87 California ranking signal consistently higher proficiency outcomes, making it the stronger fit for parents whose primary criterion is test-score achievement. Its smaller enrollment of 282 students also appeals to families who want a tighter-knit school community, even at a slightly higher student-teacher ratio.
Washington Elementary
Washington Elementary is the better fit for families who value a slightly lower student-teacher ratio — 20.5 versus 21.7 — in a larger, more populated school. Its 9.0 academic score and #139 California ranking still place it among the state's very best elementary schools. Families less focused on marginal proficiency differences and more attentive to class size and a broader peer group will find Washington a compelling choice.