Average
#7149 of 9,539 schools in CA
Alta Sierra Elementary
Elementary School · Pleasant Ridge Union Elementary
16607 Annie Dr., Grass Valley, CA 95949
Enrollment
331
Student-Teacher
22.1:1
Score
5.1
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
331
Student-Teacher
22.1:1
Score
5.1
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#7,149 of 9,539
In Grass Valley
#19 of 21
public schools
In district
#3 of 4
Pleasant Ridge Union Elementary
Equity
7.6 / 10
Very Good
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Alta Sierra Elementary
Elementary School in Grass Valley · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Christian Encounter High School
3.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Chicago Park Elementary
3.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Alta Sierra Elementary
Alta Sierra Elementary is a public elementary school in Grass Valley, CA, part of Pleasant Ridge Union Elementary. Alta Sierra Elementary serves approximately 331 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 22.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Alta Sierra Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10 and ranks #7,149 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for Alta Sierra Elementary show 56% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 5.1 · Average
- District avg 5.7
- CA avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
Alta Sierra Elementary runs 22.1:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
36% of students at Alta Sierra Elementary were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Alta Sierra Elementary — Students at Alta Sierra Elementary score 52% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 54%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
36.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 34 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.3/10.
How Alta Sierra Elementary Compares
See how Alta Sierra Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
16607 Annie Dr., Grass Valley, CA 95949
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Alta Sierra Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Chicago Park Community Charter (rated 8.8/10, 3.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Bell Hill Academy (rated 8.7/10, 6.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Arete Charter Academy (rated 7.7/10, 4.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Grass Valley, see our Grass Valley schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 6.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Christian Encounter High School Grass Valley | 3.2 mi | — |
| CHRISTIAN ENCOUNTER HIGH SCHOOL Grass Valley | 3.2 mi | — |
| Chicago Park Elementary Grass Valley | 3.9 mi | 6.8 |
| Chicago Park Community Charter Grass Valley | 3.9 mi | 8.8 |
| Magnolia Intermediate Grass Valley | 4.9 mi | 5.2 |
| Cottage Hill Elementary Grass Valley | 4.9 mi | 4.4 |
| Colfax High Colfax | 4.2 mi | 7.1 |
| Bear River High Grass Valley | 5.3 mi | 6.9 |
| Colfax Elementary Colfax | 4.4 mi | 3.7 |
| Wolf Mountain Christian School Grass Valley | 4.6 mi | — |
| Arete Charter Academy Grass Valley | 4.9 mi | 7.7 |
| Union Hill Elementary Grass Valley | 6.0 mi | 5.5 |
| Union Hill Middle Grass Valley | 6.0 mi | 8.2 |
| Silver Springs High (Continuation) Grass Valley | 6.5 mi | 6.3 |
| John Muir Charter Grass Valley | 6.5 mi | 5.3 |
| Weimar Hills Weimar | 6.1 mi | 5.5 |
| Forest Lake Christian School Auburn | 6.7 mi | — |
| Grass Valley Charter Grass Valley | 6.8 mi | 5.3 |
| Mount St. Mary Academy Grass Valley | 6.8 mi | — |
| Bell Hill Academy Grass Valley | 6.8 mi | 8.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 95949 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$90,309
Median Home Value
$551,700
Median Rent
$1,827/mo
Population
20,709
College Educated
32.3%
Homeownership
86.2%
Avg Commute
28.9 min
Poverty Rate
9.3%
Median Age
54.4
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Albert Baxter Elementary Bellflower, CA | 5.1 |
| Arovista Elementary Brea, CA | 5.1 |
| Ayers Elementary Concord, CA | 5.1 |
| Booker T. Washington Elementary El Centro, CA | 5.1 |
| Cabazon Elementary Cabazon, CA | 5.1 |
| Cahuilla Elementary Palm Springs, CA | 5.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Alta Sierra Elementary
What grades does Alta Sierra Elementary serve?
Alta Sierra Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.
How many students attend Alta Sierra Elementary?
Alta Sierra Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 331 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Alta Sierra Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Alta Sierra Elementary is 22.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Alta Sierra Elementary rank in CA?
Alta Sierra Elementary ranks #7,149 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is Alta Sierra Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Alta Sierra Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Alta Sierra Elementary?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Alta Sierra Elementary has 56% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Alta Sierra Elementary a charter school?
No, Alta Sierra Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Alta Sierra Elementary a Title I school?
No, Alta Sierra Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Alta Sierra Elementary?
36.3% of students at Alta Sierra Elementary qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 331
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 15
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 36.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Nevada County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 36.0%
- Phone
- (530) 272-2319
Resources & Links
District
Pleasant Ridge Union Elementary- District Enrollment
- 1,428
- Schools in District
- 5
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,572
- District Rank
- #3 of 4
Other Schools in This District
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