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
Enrollment
473
Student-Teacher
26.3:1
Score
4.0
Grades
5th – 6th
Updated
2022-23
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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Fairmead Elementary — Students at Fairmead Elementary score 20% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 23%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
91.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 8 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
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.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 22% (2019) to 15.78% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 37% (2019) to 24.57% (2024).
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.
Explore More Schools
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
- Phone
- (559) 665-8040
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Chowchilla Elementary- District Enrollment
- 2,171
- Schools in District
- 5
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,031
- District Rank
- #5 of 5
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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