Skip to main content

Needs Improvement

#8928 of 9,539 schools in CA

Discovery

Elementary School · Lancaster Elementary

44910 17th St. East, Lancaster, CA 93535

Enrollment

699

Student-Teacher

25.9:1

Score

3.6

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#8,928 of 9,539

In Lancaster

#35 of 47

public schools

In district

#16 of 22

Lancaster Elementary

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Discovery?

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.

Discovery

3.6/10

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

Lincoln Elementary

4.6/10

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

Tierra Bonita Elementary

5.3/10

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

About Discovery

Discovery is a public elementary school in Lancaster, CA, part of Lancaster Elementary. Discovery serves approximately 699 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 25.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Discovery has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.6 out of 10 and ranks #8,928 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Discovery show 24% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2024) and 37% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2024).

How it compares0.7 pts below district
  • This school 3.6 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 4.3
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Discovery runs 25.9:1 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.

43% of students at Discovery 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 Progress3.3Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data10
Annual Change-2.26 pts/yr
Data Period2011–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.0Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency16.5% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency29.4% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-29.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-13.4 pts
Overall Proficiency23% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)24% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-1.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile32th
Resources & Environment2.4Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio25.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,710
Chronic Absenteeism42.9%

Discovery — Students at Discovery score 23% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 24%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

89.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 24.0% (multi-year average, 2011-2024)
School
State
39.4% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 37.2% (multi-year average, 2011-2024)
School
State
45.3% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 26 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2011
Math
44%
ELA
51%
2012
Math
52%
ELA
53%
2014
Math
24%
ELA
46%
2015
Math
32%
ELA
53%
2016
Math
21%
ELA
32%
2017
Math
20%
ELA
33%
2018
Math
18%
ELA
36%
2019
Math
18%
ELA
36%
2022
Math
17%
ELA
27%
2024
Math
16.4%
ELA
29.2%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.3/10.

How Discovery Compares

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

Overall Score
3.6/10
6th percentile in CA
Academic
5.0/10
Average
Growth
3.3/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
2.4/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
89%
Teaching Staff
26:1 student-teacher ratio
27 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
42.9%

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

44910 17th St. East, Lancaster, CA 93535

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Discovery may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Promise Academy (rated 6.0/10, 1.2 miles away, in nearby Lancster), which scores notably higher. Another option is Tierra Bonita Elementary (rated 5.3/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Linda Verde Elementary (rated 4.8/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Lancaster, see our Lancaster schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Lincoln Elementary Lancaster 1.2 mi 4.6
Tierra Bonita Elementary Lancaster 1.0 mi 5.3
Promise Academy Lancster 1.2 mi 6.0
EMPOWERED CHURCH INTERNATIONAL/ LEARNING ACADEMY Lancaster 1.2 mi
Columbia Elementary Lancaster 1.3 mi 4.1
Linda Verde Elementary Lancaster 1.3 mi 4.8
Eastside Academy/Transitional Learning Center Lancaster 1.3 mi
Gifford C. Cole Middle Lancaster 1.4 mi 4.9
Desert Winds Continuation High Lancaster 1.4 mi 3.7
W T Reynolds Academy Lancaster 1.7 mi
Piute Middle Lancaster 1.5 mi 4.8
El Dorado Elementary Lancaster 1.6 mi 3.5
Fulton and Alsbury Academy of Arts and Engineering Lancaster 2.0 mi 4.5
Jack Northrop Elementary Lancaster 2.1 mi 3.9
Antelope Valley High Lancaster 1.8 mi 5.1
New Vista Middle Lancaster 2.0 mi 3.7
Phoenix High Community Day Lancaster 1.9 mi 6.5
ELM/KWA PRIVATE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Lancaster 2.1 mi
Eastside High Lancaster 2.1 mi 4.2
Joshua Elementary Lancaster 2.1 mi 2.9

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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Anaverde Hills Palmdale, CA 3.6
Bernard L. Hughes Elementary Modesto, CA 3.6
Buena Vista Elementary Palmdale, CA 3.6
Cerra Vista Elementary Hollister, CA 3.6
Dool Elementary Calexico, CA 3.6
Elihu Beard Elementary Modesto, CA 3.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Discovery

What grades does Discovery serve?

Discovery serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Discovery?

Discovery has an enrollment of approximately 699 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Discovery?

The student-teacher ratio at Discovery is 25.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Discovery rank in CA?

Discovery ranks #8,928 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Discovery's MySchoolScout rating?

Discovery has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.6 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 Discovery?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Discovery has 24% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2024) and 37% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2024).

Is Discovery a charter school?

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

Is Discovery a Title I school?

No, Discovery is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Discovery?

89.3% of students at Discovery 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
22 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
36 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
699
Student-Teacher Ratio
25.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
27
Free/Reduced Lunch
89.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Los Angeles County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
42.9%

District

Lancaster Elementary
District Enrollment
13,832
Schools in District
24
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,710
District Rank
#16 of 22

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.