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Below Average

#7532 of 9,539 schools in CA

Bonita Elementary

Elementary School · Santa Maria-Bonita

2715 West Main St., Santa Maria, CA 93458

Enrollment

545

Student-Teacher

20.2:1

Score

4.8

Grades

Kindergarten – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#7,532 of 9,539

In Santa Maria

#28 of 30

public schools

In district

#19 of 21

Santa Maria-Bonita

School environment

8.3 / 10

Excellent

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Bonita Elementary

4.8/10

Elementary School in Santa Maria · grades Kindergarten – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Eagles Christian Academy

Nearby

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

Lange (dorothea) Elementary

5.7/10

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

About Bonita Elementary

Bonita Elementary is a public elementary school in Santa Maria, CA, part of Santa Maria-Bonita. Bonita Elementary serves approximately 545 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-6th, and has a 20.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Bonita Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10 and ranks #7,532 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Bonita Elementary show 26% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 20% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.2 pts below district
  • This school 4.8 · Below Average
  • District avg 6.0
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Bonita Elementary runs 20.2:1 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.

Bonita 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 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
Academics3.7Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency13.6% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency15.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-32.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-27.7 pts
Overall Proficiency14% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)20% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-5.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile18th
Resources & Environment8.3Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,207
Chronic Absenteeism16.5%

Bonita Elementary — Students at Bonita Elementary score 14% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 20%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

96.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 26.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
38.4% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 20.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
45.4% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 32 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
45%
ELA
35%
2010
Math
55%
ELA
27%
2011
Math
60%
ELA
26%
2012
Math
61%
ELA
25%
2014
Math
15%
ELA
11%
2015
Math
19%
ELA
18%
2016
Math
21%
ELA
20%
2017
Math
19%
ELA
19%
2018
Math
23%
ELA
25%
2019
Math
23%
ELA
25%
2022
Math
10.9%
ELA
16.9%
2024
Math
13.2%
ELA
14.3%

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

How Bonita Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
4.8/10
21th percentile in CA
Academic
3.7/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
4.0/10
Below Average
Environment
8.3/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
96%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
27 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
16.5%

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

2715 West Main St., Santa Maria, CA 93458

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Bonita Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Jimenez Roberto and Dr. Francisco Elementary (rated 7.9/10, 4.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Arellanes (Don Juan Bautista) Elementary (rated 7.5/10, 4.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Sanchez (David J.) Elementary (rated 6.8/10, 3.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Santa Maria, see our Santa Maria schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Eagles Christian Academy Santa Maria 3.3 mi
Lange (Dorothea) Elementary Nipomo 4.0 mi 5.7
Oakley (Calvin C.) Elementary Santa Maria 3.3 mi 5.0
Mary Buren Elementary Guadalupe 3.4 mi 6.0
Liberty Elementary Santa Maria 3.7 mi 5.1
Fairlawn Elementary Santa Maria 3.5 mi 6.3
Sanchez (David J.) Elementary Santa Maria 3.8 mi 6.8
Ontiveros (Juan Pacifico) Elementary Santa Maria 3.8 mi 6.8
Bruce (Robert) Elementary Santa Maria 3.8 mi 5.2
Jimenez Roberto and Dr. Francisco Elementary Santa Maria 4.0 mi 7.9
Arellanes (Don Juan Bautista) Elementary Santa Maria 4.6 mi 7.5
Kunst (Tommie) Junior High Santa Maria 4.0 mi 5.6
Arellanes Junior High Santa Maria 4.6 mi 5.8
Kermit McKenzie Intermediate Guadalupe 3.9 mi 6.9
El Camino Junior High Santa Maria 4.0 mi 6.6
Adam (William Laird) Elementary Santa Maria 4.1 mi 6.0
Dana Elementary Nipomo 4.9 mi 5.3
AGAPE SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Santa Maria 4.1 mi
Santa Maria High Santa Maria 4.2 mi 6.8
Alvin Elementary Santa Maria 4.4 mi 5.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 93458 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$73,518

Median Home Value

$460,300

Median Rent

$1,825/mo

Population

59,126

College Educated

9.2%

Homeownership

43.5%

Avg Commute

21.9 min

Poverty Rate

17.9%

Median Age

27.1

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Addams Elementary Long Beach, CA 4.8
Ansgar Larsen Elementary Oxnard, CA 4.8
Aptitud Community Academy at Goss San Jose, CA 4.8
Barbara Webster Elementary Santa Paula, CA 4.8
Barton Elementary Long Beach, CA 4.8
Beardsley Elementary Bakersfield, CA 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Bonita Elementary

What grades does Bonita Elementary serve?

Bonita Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 6th.

How many students attend Bonita Elementary?

Bonita Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 545 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Bonita Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Bonita Elementary is 20.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Bonita Elementary rank in CA?

Bonita Elementary ranks #7,532 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Bonita Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Bonita Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 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 Bonita Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Bonita Elementary has 26% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 20% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Bonita Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Bonita Elementary a Title I school?

No, Bonita Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

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

96.3% of students at Bonita 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
3 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
27 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
545
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
27
Free/Reduced Lunch
96.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Santa Barbara County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
16.5%

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