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Below Average

#8861 of 9,533 schools in CA

Fairmead Elementary

Middle School · Chowchilla Elementary

PO Box 910, Chowchilla, CA 93610

Enrollment

473

Student-Teacher

26.3:1

Score

4.0

Grades

5th – 6th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Chowchilla

#8 of 9

public schools

California middle schools

#1,284 of 1,349

In district

#5 of 5

Chowchilla Elementary

About Fairmead Elementary

Fairmead Elementary, located in Chowchilla, California, is a middle school serving students in grades five and six. With an enrollment of 473 students, the school operates with a student-teacher ratio of 26.3:1 and has 18 full-time equivalent teachers on staff. Fairmead Elementary is situated in a rural setting where the community values education but faces challenges reflected in its academic performance.

The MySchoolScout rating for the school stands at 2.7 out of 10, placing it near the bottom among California schools with a state ranking of #8970 out of 9566. In terms of test scores, only 28% of students are proficient in ELA/Reading and just 17% in Math, indicating areas where academic growth is needed. Despite these challenges, Fairmead Elementary continues to focus on supporting its students' development through dedicated teaching staff who work hard to provide a nurturing learning environment.

The school’s setting in the heart of rural Madera County means it plays an essential role in providing education for local families.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at Fairmead Elementary is 26.3:1, 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.

Located in a rural area, Fairmead Elementary may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.2Below Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-1.88 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics4.6Below Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency15.8%
Reading/ELA Proficiency24.6%
Math vs. State Avg-19.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-22.8 pts
Overall Proficiency20%
Expected (poverty-adj.)23%
vs. Expected-2.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile27th
Resources & Environment2.7Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio26.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,144

Fairmead Elementary — Students at Fairmead Elementary score 20% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 23%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

91.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 17.3%
School
State
35.0%
ELA Proficiency 27.7%
School
State
46.8%

Based on 8 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2024
Math
15.7%
ELA
24.5%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.2/10.

How Fairmead Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
4.0/10
7th percentile in CA
Academic
4.6/10
4.6/10
Growth
4.2/10
Below average
Environment
2.7/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
91%
Teaching Staff
26:1 student-teacher ratio
18 teachers

Location

PO Box 910, Chowchilla, CA 93610

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Fairmead Elementary may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Jack G. Desmond Middle (rated 6.9/10, 9.5 miles away, in nearby Madera), which scores notably higher. Another option is Dairyland Elementary (rated 6.6/10, 7.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Wilson Middle (rated 6.4/10, 4.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Chowchilla, see our Chowchilla schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 9.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Dixieland Elementary Madera 4.4 mi 6.5
Ronald Reagan Elementary Chowchilla 4.2 mi 6.8
Chowchilla Union High Chowchilla 4.4 mi 4.8
Gateway High (Continuation) Chowchilla 4.4 mi 3.5
Wilson Middle Chowchilla 4.7 mi 6.4
Stephens Elementary Chowchilla 4.8 mi 4.7
Merle L. Fuller Elementary Chowchilla 4.9 mi 5.8
Chowchilla Adventist School Chowchilla 6.4 mi
CHOWCHILLA SDA SCHOOL Chowchilla 6.4 mi
Dairyland Elementary Chowchilla 7.7 mi 6.6
Howard Elementary Madera 9.2 mi 5.9
Berenda Elementary Madera 8.6 mi 5.7
Lincoln Elementary Madera 9.7 mi 5.7
Matilda Torres High Madera 9.2 mi 5.2
Nishimoto Elementary Madera 9.4 mi 6.8
Le Grand Elementary Le Grand 10.6 mi 7.2
Liberty Charter Madera 9.5 mi 5.3
Le Grand High Le Grand 10.6 mi 6.1
Granada High Le Grand 10.6 mi 6.9
Jack G. Desmond Middle Madera 9.5 mi 6.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 93610 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$66,567

Median Home Value

$342,000

Median Rent

$1,239/mo

Population

24,088

College Educated

16.1%

Homeownership

54.5%

Avg Commute

25.4 min

Poverty Rate

21.4%

Median Age

35.2

Community Profile

The community surrounding Fairmead Elementary has a median household income of $66,567. It is a community where 16% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $342,000, with a median rent of $1,239/month. The area has a poverty rate of 21.4%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 25 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
Aspire Benjamin Holt Middle Oakland, CA 4.0
Baechtel Grove Middle Willits, CA 4.0
Mesa Verde Middle Moorpark, CA 4.0
Washington Middle Bakersfield, CA 4.0
Price Intermediate Orland, CA 4.1
Vandenberg Middle Lompoc, CA 4.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Fairmead Elementary

What grades does Fairmead Elementary serve?

Fairmead Elementary serves students in grades 5th through 6th.

How many students attend Fairmead Elementary?

Fairmead Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 473 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Fairmead Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Fairmead Elementary is 26.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Fairmead Elementary rank in CA?

Fairmead Elementary is ranked #8861 out of 9,533 schools in CA.

What is Fairmead Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Fairmead Elementary has a composite rating of 4.0 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 Fairmead Elementary?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Fairmead Elementary has 17.3% math proficiency and 27.7% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Fairmead Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Fairmead Elementary a Title I school?

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

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

91.3% of students at Fairmead 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 (1,907/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
5th – 6th
Enrollment
473
Student-Teacher Ratio
26.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
18
Free/Reduced Lunch
91.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Madera County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Chowchilla Elementary
District Enrollment
2,171
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,031
District Rank
#5 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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