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#5981 of 9,533 schools in CA

Columbia Elementary

Elementary School · Eastside Union Elementary

2640 East Avenue J-4, Lancaster, CA 93535

Enrollment

678

Student-Teacher

24.2:1

Score

5.8

Grades

Kindergarten – 6th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Lancaster

#18 of 47

public schools

California elementary schools

#3,584 of 5,817

In district

#3 of 5

Eastside Union Elementary

Academic growth

7.0 / 10

Strong

About Columbia Elementary

Columbia Elementary is a regular public elementary school in Lancaster, California, serving students from kindergarten through sixth grade. With an enrollment of 678 students and a student-teacher ratio of 24.2:1, the school aims to provide personalized attention within its large suburban setting. The faculty comprises 28 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to nurturing young minds.

According to MySchoolScout ratings, Columbia Elementary ranks in the 15th percentile among California schools with a rating of 3.3 out of 10 and an academic score of 2.0 out of 10. The school's proficiency rates show that 17% of students are proficient or above in English Language Arts/Reading, while 16% achieve the same level in Math. These scores indicate areas where the school is focusing on student development to improve academic outcomes.

Columbia Elementary sits in a bustling suburban area, providing a vibrant community environment for its students and families.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Columbia Elementary are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

The student-teacher ratio at Columbia Elementary is 24.2:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.0Very Good50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-0.57 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics4.0Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency16.8%
Reading/ELA Proficiency15.4%
Math vs. State Avg-28.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-27.4 pts
Overall Proficiency16%
Expected (poverty-adj.)21%
vs. Expected-4.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile21th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment5.5Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio24.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,312

Columbia Elementary — Students at Columbia Elementary score 16% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 21%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

95%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 16.3%
School
State
38.4%
ELA Proficiency 17.0%
School
State
45.4%

Based on 12 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
14%
ELA
24%
2024
Math
16.8%
ELA
15.5%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.0/10.

How Columbia Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
5.8/10
37th percentile in CA
Academic
4.0/10
4.0/10
Growth
7.0/10
Above average
Environment
5.5/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
95%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
28 teachers

Location

2640 East Avenue J-4, Lancaster, CA 93535

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Columbia Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Promise Academy (rated 8.0/10, 1.4 miles away, in nearby Lancster), which scores notably higher. Another option is Lincoln Elementary (rated 7.1/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Linda Verde Elementary (rated 6.0/10, 2.4 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Lancaster, see our Lancaster schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.6 mi
School Distance Rating
W T Reynolds Academy Lancaster 0.7 mi
Tierra Bonita Elementary Lancaster 0.8 mi 4.2
Eastside High Lancaster 0.8 mi 6.3
Eastside Academy/Transitional Learning Center Lancaster 1.1 mi
Gifford C. Cole Middle Lancaster 1.2 mi 6.8
Enterprise Elementary Lancaster 1.1 mi 3.6
Discovery Lancaster 1.3 mi 5.5
Lincoln Elementary Lancaster 1.3 mi 7.1
Promise Academy Lancster 1.4 mi 8.0
Lancaster Baptist School Lancaster 1.5 mi
LANCASTER BAPTIST SCHOOL Lancaster 1.6 mi 6.3
Fulton and Alsbury Academy of Arts and Engineering Lancaster 2.0 mi 4.2
Jack Northrop Elementary Lancaster 2.0 mi 3.3
EMPOWERED CHURCH INTERNATIONAL/ LEARNING ACADEMY Lancaster 2.0 mi
New Vista Middle Lancaster 2.1 mi 5.1
ELM/KWA PRIVATE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Lancaster 2.3 mi
Linda Verde Elementary Lancaster 2.4 mi 6.0
El Dorado Elementary Lancaster 2.4 mi 3.6
Desert Winds Continuation High Lancaster 2.6 mi 5.1
Joshua Elementary Lancaster 2.6 mi 5.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 93535 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$65,989

Median Home Value

$336,200

Median Rent

$1,650/mo

Population

80,478

College Educated

14.2%

Homeownership

65%

Avg Commute

33.5 min

Poverty Rate

15.6%

Median Age

31.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Columbia Elementary has a median household income of $65,989. It is a community where 14% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $336,200, with a median rent of $1,650/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.6%. The average commute for residents is 34 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Abraham Lincoln Elementary Colton, CA 5.8
Alisal Elementary Pleasanton, CA 5.8
Alpine Elementary Littlerock, CA 5.8
Antelope Creek Elementary Rocklin, CA 5.8
Belshaw Elementary Antioch, CA 5.8
Birch Lane Elementary Davis, CA 5.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Columbia Elementary

What grades does Columbia Elementary serve?

Columbia Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 6th.

How many students attend Columbia Elementary?

Columbia Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 678 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Columbia Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Columbia Elementary is 24.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Columbia Elementary rank in CA?

Columbia Elementary is ranked #5981 out of 9,533 schools in CA.

What is Columbia Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Columbia Elementary has a composite rating of 5.8 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Columbia Elementary?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Columbia Elementary has 16.3% math proficiency and 17.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Columbia Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Columbia Elementary a Title I school?

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

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

95.0% of students at Columbia 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

City Safety
High (2,788/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Lancaster). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
678
Student-Teacher Ratio
24.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
28
Free/Reduced Lunch
95.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Los Angeles County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Eastside Union Elementary
District Enrollment
3,114
Schools in District
6
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,598
District Rank
#3 of 5

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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