Skip to main content

Average

#3657 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 38% in state

Harold Ambuehl Elementary

Elementary School · Capistrano Unified

28001 San Juan Creek Rd., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Enrollment

312

Student-Teacher

22.3:1

Score

6.9

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#3,657 of 9,539

In San Juan Capistrano

#4 of 12

public schools

In district

#46 of 57

Capistrano Unified

Equity

8.4 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Harold Ambuehl Elementary?

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.

Harold Ambuehl Elementary

6.9/10

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

St Margaret S Episcopal School

3.8/10

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

St. Margaret's Episcopal School

Nearby

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

About Harold Ambuehl Elementary

Harold Ambuehl Elementary is a public elementary school in San Juan Capistrano, CA, part of Capistrano Unified. Harold Ambuehl Elementary serves approximately 312 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 22.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Harold Ambuehl Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 out of 10 and ranks #3,657 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Harold Ambuehl Elementary show 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 57% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.6 pts below district
  • This school 6.9 · Average
  • District avg 7.5
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Harold Ambuehl Elementary runs 22.3:1 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 Progress6.6Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-1.28 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics8.2Excellent30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency55.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency56.5% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg+9.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+13.7 pts
Overall Proficiency56% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)51% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+5.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile73th
Resources & Environment5.6Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,860
Chronic Absenteeism27.2%

Harold Ambuehl Elementary — Students at Harold Ambuehl Elementary score 56% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 51%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

42.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 51.5% (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

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
58%
ELA
69%
2010
Math
66%
ELA
72%
2011
Math
65%
ELA
64%
2012
Math
64%
ELA
61%
2014
Math
40%
ELA
54%
2015
Math
44%
ELA
61%
2016
Math
39%
ELA
47%
2017
Math
47%
ELA
57%
2018
Math
41%
ELA
49%
2019
Math
41%
ELA
49%
2022
Math
45.5%
ELA
44.5%
2024
Math
55.4%
ELA
57.2%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.6/10.

How Harold Ambuehl Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
6.9/10
62th percentile in CA
Academic
8.2/10
Excellent
Growth
6.6/10
Average
Environment
5.6/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
42%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
14 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
27.2%

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

28001 San Juan Creek Rd., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Harold Ambuehl Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Capistrano Home/Virtual (rated 7.6/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is MISSION BASILICA SCHOOL (rated 6.4/10, 1.0 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, THE JOHNSON ACADEMY (rated 5.3/10, 0.7 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in San Juan Capistrano, see our San Juan Capistrano schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.0 mi
School Distance Rating
ST MARGARET S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL San Juan Capistrano 0.3 mi 3.8
St. Margaret's Episcopal School San Juan Capistrano 0.3 mi
THE JOHNSON ACADEMY San Juan Capistrano 0.7 mi 5.3
MARBELLA MONTESSORI San Juan Capistrano 0.8 mi
Opportunities for Learning - Capistrano Covina 0.9 mi 6.4
San Juan Elementary San Juan Capistrano 0.9 mi 4.0
FOUNDATIONS COGNITIVE SCHOOLS San Juan Capistrano 0.9 mi 5.1
Bridges Community Day San Juan Capistrano 1.0 mi
MISSION BASILICA SCHOOL San Juan Capistrano 1.0 mi 6.4
Mission Basilica School San Juan Capistrano 1.0 mi
OCASA College Prep San Juan Capistrano 1.0 mi 4.3
Capistrano Union High San Juan Capistrano 1.1 mi 6.3
San Juan Hills High San Juan Capistrano 1.2 mi 8.6
CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS San Juan Capistrano 1.6 mi 4.9
JSERRA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL San Juan Capistrano 1.8 mi 4.5
FAIRMONT PRIVATE SCHOOL San Juan Capistrano 1.7 mi 8.6
Fairmont Schools Inc. - San Juan Capistrano Campus San Juan Capistrano 1.7 mi
FAIRMONT SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO San Juan Capistrano 1.7 mi 7.1
JSerra Catholic High School San Juan Capistrano 1.8 mi
Capistrano Home/Virtual San Juan Capistrano 2.0 mi 7.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 92675 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$127,893

Median Home Value

$929,700

Median Rent

$2,500/mo

Population

34,998

College Educated

42.3%

Homeownership

78.5%

Avg Commute

27 min

Poverty Rate

7.3%

Median Age

44.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Adelante Dual Language Academy II San Jose, CA 6.9
BLUE OAK SCHOOL Napa, CA 6.9
Blue Oak Charter Chico, CA 6.9
Bonny View Elementary Redding, CA 6.9
Castle Park Elementary Chula Vista, CA 6.9
Conley Elementary Taft, CA 6.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Harold Ambuehl Elementary

What grades does Harold Ambuehl Elementary serve?

Harold Ambuehl Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Harold Ambuehl Elementary?

Harold Ambuehl Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 312 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Harold Ambuehl Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Harold Ambuehl Elementary is 22.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Harold Ambuehl Elementary rank in CA?

Harold Ambuehl Elementary ranks #3,657 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Harold Ambuehl Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Harold Ambuehl Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 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 Harold Ambuehl Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Harold Ambuehl Elementary has 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 57% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Harold Ambuehl Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Harold Ambuehl Elementary a Title I school?

No, Harold Ambuehl Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

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

42.3% of students at Harold Ambuehl 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
31 Car-Dependent

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
312
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
14
Free/Reduced Lunch
42.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Orange County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
27.2%

District

Capistrano Unified
District Enrollment
40,836
Schools in District
59
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,860
District Rank
#46 of 57

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.