Skip to main content

Average

#5035 of 9,539 schools in CA

Blue Lake Union Elementary

Elementary School · Blue Lake Union Elementary

PO Box 268, Blue Lake, CA 95525

Enrollment

160

Student-Teacher

14.5:1

Score

6.2

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#5,035 of 9,539

School environment

9.7 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Blue Lake Union Elementary?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Blue Lake Union Elementary

6.2/10

Elementary School in Blue Lake · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Sunny Brae Middle

6.0/10

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

Fieldbrook Elementary

6.0/10

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

About Blue Lake Union Elementary

Blue Lake Union Elementary is a public elementary school in Blue Lake, CA, part of Blue Lake Union Elementary. Blue Lake Union Elementary serves approximately 160 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 14.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Blue Lake Union Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 out of 10 and ranks #5,035 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Blue Lake Union Elementary show 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 38% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with CA schools
  • This school 6.2 · Average
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

At 160 students, Blue Lake Union Elementary is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Blue Lake Union Elementary sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.6Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-1.57 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics4.7Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency23.8% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency31.7% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-21.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-11.1 pts
Overall Proficiency28% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)39% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-11.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile28th
Resources & Environment9.7Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,285
Chronic Absenteeism20%

Blue Lake Union Elementary — Students at Blue Lake Union Elementary score 28% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

62.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 29.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
37.7% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 37.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
45.8% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 38 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
57%
ELA
52%
2010
Math
47%
ELA
47%
2011
Math
47%
ELA
52%
2012
Math
37%
ELA
47%
2014
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2015
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2016
Math
22%
ELA
32%
2017
Math
27%
ELA
37%
2018
Math
32%
ELA
42%
2019
Math
32%
ELA
42%
2020*
Math
22%
ELA
42%
2021*
Math
22%
ELA
42%
2022
Math
21.9%
ELA
29.7%
2024
Math
24.3%
ELA
30%

* 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: 5.6/10.

How Blue Lake Union Elementary Compares

See how Blue Lake Union Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.2/10
47th percentile in CA
Academic
4.7/10
Below Average
Growth
5.6/10
Average
Environment
9.7/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
63%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
11 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
20.0%

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

PO Box 268, Blue Lake, CA 95525

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Blue Lake Union Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Union Street Charter (rated 9.8/10, 4.7 miles away, in nearby Arcata), which scores notably higher. Another option is Coastal Grove Charter (rated 8.8/10, 5.7 miles away, in nearby Arcata), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Jacoby Creek (rated 7.9/10, 4.8 miles away, in nearby Bayside), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Blue Lake, see our Blue Lake schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 7.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Sunny Brae Middle Arcata 4.5 mi 6.0
Fieldbrook Elementary Mckinleyville 5.4 mi 6.0
MISTWOOD EDUCATIONAL CENTER Bayside 4.8 mi
Mistwood Educational Center Bayside 4.8 mi
ARCATA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Arcata 4.5 mi 4.3
Jacoby Creek Bayside 4.8 mi 7.9
Union Street Charter Arcata 4.7 mi 9.8
SIX RIVERS MONTESSORI Arcata 4.7 mi
Laurel Tree Charter Arcata 4.9 mi 7.5
Arcata Elementary Arcata 4.9 mi 6.3
Arcata High Arcata 5.1 mi 6.6
Pacific Coast High (Continuation) Arcata 5.1 mi 6.2
Six Rivers Charter High Arcata 5.1 mi 5.7
HUMBOLDT BAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Bayside 5.8 mi
Pacific Union Elementary Arcata 5.3 mi 7.2
Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy Arcata 5.6 mi 7.4
Coastal Grove Charter Arcata 5.7 mi 8.8
MAD RIVER MONTESSORI Arcata 5.7 mi
Fuente Nueva Charter Arcata 5.7 mi 4.7
McKinleyville Middle Mckinleyville 7.0 mi 3.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 95525 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$65,250

Median Home Value

$489,600

Median Rent

$1,221/mo

Population

1,443

College Educated

36.6%

Homeownership

53.9%

Poverty Rate

21.9%

Median Age

56.7

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Allensworth Elementary Allensworth, CA 6.2
BETHANY BAPTIST ELEMENTARY Long Beach, CA 6.2
CITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Ventura, CA 6.2
COURTYARD SCHOOL Sacramento, CA 6.2
California Elementary West Covina, CA 6.2
Carver Elementary San Diego, CA 6.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Blue Lake Union Elementary

What grades does Blue Lake Union Elementary serve?

Blue Lake Union Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

How many students attend Blue Lake Union Elementary?

Blue Lake Union Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 160 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Blue Lake Union Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Blue Lake Union Elementary is 14.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Blue Lake Union Elementary rank in CA?

Blue Lake Union Elementary ranks #5,035 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Blue Lake Union Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Blue Lake Union Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 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 Blue Lake Union Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Blue Lake Union Elementary has 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 38% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Blue Lake Union Elementary a charter school?

No, Blue Lake Union Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Blue Lake Union Elementary a Title I school?

No, Blue Lake Union Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Blue Lake Union Elementary?

62.5% of students at Blue Lake Union 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
38 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
21 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
160
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
11
Free/Reduced Lunch
62.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Humboldt County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
20.0%

District

Blue Lake Union Elementary
District Enrollment
160
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,285
District Rank
#1 of 1

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.