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Average

#5401 of 9,539 schools in CA

Dona Merced Elementary

Elementary School · Central Elementary

10333 Palo Alto, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Enrollment

549

Student-Teacher

23.9:1

Score

6.0

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#5,401 of 9,539

In Rancho Cucamonga

#7 of 14

public schools

In district

#4 of 7

Central Elementary

Academic performance

8.1 / 10

Excellent

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Dona Merced Elementary

6.0/10

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

Montessori Academy of Ed Inc- Dba Montessori Acad

Nearby

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

Ruth Musser Middle

6.2/10

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

About Dona Merced Elementary

Dona Merced Elementary is a public elementary school in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, part of Central Elementary. Dona Merced Elementary serves approximately 549 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 23.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Dona Merced Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 out of 10 and ranks #5,401 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Dona Merced Elementary show 54% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 57% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.4 pts above district
  • This school 6.0 · Average
  • District avg 5.6
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Dona Merced Elementary runs 23.9:1 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.3Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-1.67 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics8.1Excellent30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency42.2% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency49% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-3.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+6.2 pts
Overall Proficiency46% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)35% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+10.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile71th
Resources & Environment4.6Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio23.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,091
Chronic Absenteeism22.4%

Dona Merced Elementary — Students at Dona Merced Elementary score 46% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

70.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 54.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
39.4% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 57.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
45.3% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 30 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
69%
ELA
63%
2010
Math
75%
ELA
66%
2011
Math
78%
ELA
72%
2012
Math
76%
ELA
63%
2014
Math
49%
ELA
56%
2015
Math
45%
ELA
50%
2016
Math
49%
ELA
59%
2017
Math
54%
ELA
57%
2018
Math
55%
ELA
60%
2019
Math
55%
ELA
60%
2022
Math
40.1%
ELA
55.5%
2024
Math
42.2%
ELA
48.9%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.3/10.

How Dona Merced Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
6.0/10
43th percentile in CA
Academic
8.1/10
Excellent
Growth
5.3/10
Average
Environment
4.6/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
70%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
23 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
22.4%

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

10333 Palo Alto, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Dona Merced Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Terra Vista Elementary (rated 8.1/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Banyan Elementary (rated 7.9/10, 1.9 miles away, in nearby Alta Loma), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Victoria Groves Elementary (rated 7.7/10, 1.2 miles away, in nearby Alta Loma), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Rancho Cucamonga, see our Rancho Cucamonga schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.9 mi
School Distance Rating
MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF ED INC- DBA MONTESSORI ACAD Rancho Cucamonga 0.6 mi
Ruth Musser Middle Rancho Cucamonga 0.6 mi 6.2
Deer Canyon Elementary Alta Loma 1.0 mi 6.8
Central Elementary Rancho Cucamonga 0.9 mi 4.9
Coyote Canyon Elementary Rancho Cucamonga 1.1 mi 7.1
Victoria Groves Elementary Alta Loma 1.2 mi 7.7
United Christian Academy Rancho Cucamonga 1.2 mi
UNITED CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Rancho Cucamonga 1.3 mi 6.5
Alta Loma Elementary Alta Loma 1.2 mi 5.2
Vineyard Junior High Alta Loma 1.4 mi 7.4
Cucamonga Middle Rancho Cucamonga 1.2 mi 6.7
HIGHLAND AVENUE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Rancho Cucamonga 1.5 mi 4.8
Rancho Cucamonga Middle Rancho Cucamonga 1.6 mi 5.6
Cucamonga Elementary Rancho Cucamonga 1.6 mi 5.7
Ansaar Academy Rancho Cucamonga 1.5 mi
Fröhlich International Preparatory Academy Rancho Cucamonga 1.7 mi
Terra Vista Elementary Rancho Cucamonga 1.6 mi 8.1
Banyan Elementary Alta Loma 1.9 mi 7.9
FOUNTAIN OF TRUTH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Rancho Cucamonga 1.9 mi 5.7
Fountain of Truth Christian Academy Rancho Cucamonga 1.9 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 91730 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$89,654

Median Home Value

$595,400

Median Rent

$2,240/mo

Population

71,692

College Educated

32.5%

Homeownership

48.4%

Avg Commute

31.8 min

Poverty Rate

10.1%

Median Age

34.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Alpha Elementary Madera, CA 6.0
Art Freiler Tracy, CA 6.0
Bon View Elementary Ontario, CA 6.0
Bryn Mawr Elementary Loma Linda, CA 6.0
Cabrillo Elementary Pacifica, CA 6.0
Camino Nuevo Charter Academy Los Angeles, CA 6.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Dona Merced Elementary

What grades does Dona Merced Elementary serve?

Dona Merced Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Dona Merced Elementary?

Dona Merced Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 549 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Dona Merced Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Dona Merced Elementary is 23.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Dona Merced Elementary rank in CA?

Dona Merced Elementary ranks #5,401 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Dona Merced Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Dona Merced Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 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 Dona Merced Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Dona Merced Elementary has 54% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 57% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Dona Merced Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Dona Merced Elementary a Title I school?

No, Dona Merced Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

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

70.1% of students at Dona Merced 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
46 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
29 Some Transit
Bike Score
60 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
549
Student-Teacher Ratio
23.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
23
Free/Reduced Lunch
70.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
San Bernardino County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
22.4%

District

Central Elementary
District Enrollment
4,327
Schools in District
7
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,091
District Rank
#4 of 7

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