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Below Average

#8186 of 9,539 schools in CA

Bear Gulch Elementary

Elementary School · Central Elementary

8355 Bear Gulch Pl., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Enrollment

445

Student-Teacher

23.4:1

Score

4.3

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#8,186 of 9,539

In Rancho Cucamonga

#13 of 14

public schools

In district

#7 of 7

Central Elementary

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Bear Gulch Elementary

4.3/10

Elementary School in Rancho Cucamonga · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Fountain of Truth Christian Academy

Nearby

0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

San Antonio Christian School

6.5/10

0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Bear Gulch Elementary

Bear Gulch Elementary is a public elementary school in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, part of Central Elementary. Bear Gulch Elementary serves approximately 445 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 23.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Bear Gulch Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 out of 10 and ranks #8,186 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Bear Gulch Elementary show 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 42% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.3 pts below district
  • This school 4.3 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.6
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Bear Gulch Elementary runs 23.4:1 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.

34% of students at Bear Gulch 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 metrics
Student Progress4.0Below Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-2.03 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.4Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency19.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency30.7% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-26.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-12.1 pts
Overall Proficiency25% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)25% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+0.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile36th
Resources & Environment3.5Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio23.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,091
Chronic Absenteeism33.9%

Bear Gulch Elementary — Students at Bear Gulch Elementary score 25% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 25%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

87.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 34.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
39.4% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 41.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
45.3% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 30 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
60%
ELA
51%
2010
Math
60%
ELA
49%
2011
Math
57%
ELA
50%
2012
Math
58%
ELA
48%
2014
Math
26%
ELA
46%
2015
Math
33%
ELA
49%
2016
Math
32%
ELA
39%
2017
Math
30%
ELA
46%
2018
Math
33%
ELA
46%
2019
Math
33%
ELA
46%
2022
Math
21.3%
ELA
35%
2024
Math
19.5%
ELA
30.8%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.0/10.

How Bear Gulch Elementary Compares

See how Bear Gulch Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.3/10
14th percentile in CA
Academic
5.4/10
Average
Growth
4.0/10
Below Average
Environment
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
88%
Teaching Staff
23:1 student-teacher ratio
19 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
33.9%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

8355 Bear Gulch Pl., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Bear Gulch Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Vineyard Elementary (rated 8.0/10, 1.5 miles away, in nearby Ontario), which scores notably higher. Another option is Carnelian Elementary (rated 7.3/10, 1.7 miles away, in nearby Alta Loma), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Corona Elementary (rated 7.2/10, 1.6 miles away, in nearby Ontario), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Rancho Cucamonga, see our Rancho Cucamonga schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Fountain of Truth Christian Academy Rancho Cucamonga 0.4 mi
FOUNTAIN OF TRUTH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Rancho Cucamonga 0.4 mi 5.7
SAN ANTONIO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Ontario 0.9 mi 6.5
Fröhlich International Preparatory Academy Rancho Cucamonga 0.8 mi
Los Amigos Elementary Rancho Cucamonga 0.8 mi 4.5
Chaffey Community Day Ontario 1.0 mi
Cucamonga Middle Rancho Cucamonga 1.0 mi 6.7
Chaffey District Online High Ontario 1.1 mi 8.5
Valle Vista Elementary Rancho Cucamonga 1.0 mi 5.9
Cucamonga Elementary Rancho Cucamonga 1.0 mi 5.7
Arroyo Elementary Ontario 1.1 mi 5.8
Central Elementary Rancho Cucamonga 1.0 mi 4.9
MONTESSORI SCHOOL HOUSE Rancho Cucamonga 1.1 mi 7.1
Valley View High (Continuation) Ontario 1.2 mi 5.8
Ansaar Academy Rancho Cucamonga 1.4 mi
Alta Loma High Alta Loma 1.4 mi 7.5
Rancho Cucamonga Middle Rancho Cucamonga 1.3 mi 5.6
Vineyard Elementary Ontario 1.5 mi 8.0
Corona Elementary Ontario 1.6 mi 7.2
Carnelian Elementary Alta Loma 1.7 mi 7.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 91730 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$89,654

Median Home Value

$595,400

Median Rent

$2,240/mo

Population

71,692

College Educated

32.5%

Homeownership

48.4%

Avg Commute

31.8 min

Poverty Rate

10.1%

Median Age

34.8

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Avocado Elementary La Mesa, CA 4.3
Aynesworth Elementary Fresno, CA 4.3
B. Gale Wilson Middle Fairfield, CA 4.3
Barton (Clara) Elementary Anaheim, CA 4.3
Bidwell Elementary Red Bluff, CA 4.3
Brooks Elementary Windsor, CA 4.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Bear Gulch Elementary

What grades does Bear Gulch Elementary serve?

Bear Gulch Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Bear Gulch Elementary?

Bear Gulch Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 445 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Bear Gulch Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Bear Gulch Elementary is 23.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Bear Gulch Elementary rank in CA?

Bear Gulch Elementary ranks #8,186 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Bear Gulch Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Bear Gulch Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 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 Bear Gulch Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Bear Gulch Elementary has 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 42% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Bear Gulch Elementary a charter school?

No, Bear Gulch Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Bear Gulch Elementary a Title I school?

No, Bear Gulch Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Bear Gulch Elementary?

87.9% of students at Bear Gulch 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
46 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
35 Some Transit
Bike Score
47 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
445
Student-Teacher Ratio
23.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
19
Free/Reduced Lunch
87.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
San Bernardino County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
33.9%

District

Central Elementary
District Enrollment
4,327
Schools in District
7
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,091
District Rank
#7 of 7

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