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Average

#4027 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 42% in state

Cottonwood Elementary

Elementary School · Westside Union Elementary

2740 West Ave. P-8, Palmdale, CA 93551

Enrollment

615

Student-Teacher

28:1

Score

6.8

Grades

Kindergarten – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#4,027 of 9,539

In Palmdale

#4 of 43

public schools

In district

#1 of 12

Westside Union Elementary

Equity

8.6 / 10

Excellent

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Cottonwood Elementary

6.8/10

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

Highland High

3.9/10

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

David G. Millen Law and Government Magnet Academy

5.4/10

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

About Cottonwood Elementary

Cottonwood Elementary is a public elementary school in Palmdale, CA, part of Westside Union Elementary. Cottonwood Elementary serves approximately 615 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-6th, and has a 28:1 student-teacher ratio. Cottonwood Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 out of 10 and ranks #4,027 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Cottonwood Elementary show 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares2.8 pts above district
  • This school 6.8 · Average
  • District avg 4.0
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Cottonwood Elementary runs 28:1 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.7Very Good50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-0.93 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics8.5Excellent30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency46.8% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency60.5% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg+1.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+17.7 pts
Overall Proficiency54% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)42% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+11.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile78th
Resources & Environment2.2Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio28:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,325
Chronic Absenteeism22%

Cottonwood Elementary — Students at Cottonwood Elementary score 54% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

57.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 43.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
38.4% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 52.0% (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

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
53%
ELA
51%
2010
Math
67%
ELA
59%
2011
Math
69%
ELA
59%
2012
Math
60%
ELA
58%
2014
Math
25%
ELA
35%
2015
Math
24%
ELA
42%
2016
Math
25%
ELA
36%
2017
Math
30%
ELA
36%
2018
Math
32%
ELA
51%
2019
Math
32%
ELA
51%
2022
Math
38.5%
ELA
51.1%
2024
Math
46.9%
ELA
60.4%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.7/10.

How Cottonwood Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
6.8/10
58th percentile in CA
Academic
8.5/10
Excellent
Growth
7.7/10
Very Good
Environment
2.2/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
57%
Teaching Staff
28:1 student-teacher ratio
22 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
22.0%

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

2740 West Ave. P-8, Palmdale, CA 93551

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Cottonwood Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Palmdale Discovery Center (rated 7.9/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Dos Caminos Dual Immersion (rated 6.4/10, 1.5 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Palmdale Learning Plaza (rated 5.6/10, 3.2 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Palmdale, see our Palmdale schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Highland High Palmdale 0.3 mi 3.9
David G. Millen Law and Government Magnet Academy Palmdale 0.6 mi 5.4
Stewart Family Homestead Palmdale 1.2 mi
Summerwind Elementary Palmdale 1.3 mi 3.1
Palmdale Discovery Center Palmdale 1.5 mi 7.9
Dos Caminos Dual Immersion Palmdale 1.5 mi 6.4
Ocotillo Elementary Palmdale 1.6 mi 3.7
Anaverde Hills Palmdale 2.0 mi 3.6
Esperanza Elementary Palmdale 1.9 mi 3.3
PALMDALE UNITED METHODIST PRESCHOOL-KINDERGARTEN Palmdale 1.8 mi
Hillview Middle Palmdale 2.5 mi 5.2
Rancho Vista Elementary Palmdale 2.5 mi 4.2
CROSSWIND COMM CHURCH-ADVENTURELAND PRESCHOOL Palmdale 3.4 mi
Gregg Anderson Academy Palmdale 3.3 mi 4.7
Palmdale Learning Plaza Palmdale 3.2 mi 5.6
Yucca Elementary Palmdale 3.1 mi 4.7
Paraclete High School Lancaster 3.8 mi
PARACLETE HIGH SCHOOL Lancaster 3.8 mi 5.7
Valley View Elementary Lancaster 4.1 mi 3.6
Palm Tree Elementary Palmdale 3.5 mi 4.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 93551 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$110,850

Median Home Value

$548,800

Median Rent

$2,263/mo

Population

54,956

College Educated

30.1%

Homeownership

77.2%

Avg Commute

36 min

Poverty Rate

6.6%

Median Age

37.9

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Abby Reinke Elementary Temecula, CA 6.8
Adelante Dual Language Academy San Jose, CA 6.8
Andasol Avenue Elementary Northridge, CA 6.8
Arthur Hapgood Elementary Lompoc, CA 6.8
Barranca Elementary Covina, CA 6.8
Bijou Community South Lake Tahoe, CA 6.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Cottonwood Elementary

What grades does Cottonwood Elementary serve?

Cottonwood Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 6th.

How many students attend Cottonwood Elementary?

Cottonwood Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 615 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Cottonwood Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Cottonwood Elementary is 28:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Cottonwood Elementary rank in CA?

Cottonwood Elementary ranks #4,027 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Cottonwood Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Cottonwood Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 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 Cottonwood Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Cottonwood Elementary has 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Cottonwood Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Cottonwood Elementary a Title I school?

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

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

57.1% of students at Cottonwood 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
16 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
25 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
615
Student-Teacher Ratio
28:1
Teachers (FTE)
22
Free/Reduced Lunch
57.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Los Angeles County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
22.0%

District

Westside Union Elementary
District Enrollment
9,138
Schools in District
12
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,325
District Rank
#1 of 12

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