Excellent
#96 of 9,533 schools in CA
Top 1% in state
Hayfork Elementary
Elementary School · Mountain Valley Unified
PO Box 70, Hayfork, CA 96041
Enrollment
239
Student-Teacher
21.7:1
Score
9.2
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
239
Student-Teacher
21.7:1
Score
9.2
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Hayfork
#1 of 2
public schools
California elementary schools
#83 of 5,817
In district
#1 of 2
Mountain Valley Unified
Academic growth
9.9 / 10
Exceptional
About Hayfork Elementary
Hayfork Elementary serves 239 students across kindergarten through eighth grade in Hayfork, California. The school earns an Exceptional composite score of 9.2 out of 10, anchored by a near-perfect growth score of 9.9 — meaning students here are making gains that outpace the vast majority of their California peers. That momentum translates directly to statewide standing: Hayfork ranks #96 among 9,533 California public schools, placing it in the top 1% across the entire state.
Academic scores reinforce the growth story. The 9.2 academic rating reflects consistent, measurable performance across grade levels. With 239 students and a 21.7-to-1 student-teacher ratio, the school operates at a scale that supports instruction across a KG–8 grade span — a logistical range that many schools struggle to maintain at high quality.
Among California's 5,817 elementary schools, Hayfork ranks #83 — a standout result for a small-town public school far from the state's most-resourced districts. Parents comparing options locally will find no stronger performer: Hayfork holds the top spot of the two public schools in town. The data here tells a consistent story — strong academics, exceptional student growth, and performance that competes with the best schools in one of the largest and most competitive state systems in the country.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Hayfork Elementary is 21.7:1, 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, Hayfork 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
Data not available for this school
View breakdown
Hayfork Elementary — Students at Hayfork Elementary score 58% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 27%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
84.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 18 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.9/10.
How Hayfork Elementary Compares
See how Hayfork Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 42% (2019) to 59.71% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 42% (2019) to 56.12% (2024).
Location
PO Box 70, Hayfork, CA 96041
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Hayfork Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Burnt Ranch Elementary (rated 9.6/10, 23.4 miles away, in nearby Burnt Ranch), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Casterlin Elementary (rated 9.2/10, 31.5 miles away, in nearby Blocksburg), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Van Duzen Elementary (rated 8.6/10, 19.2 miles away, in nearby Mad River), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Hayfork, see our Hayfork schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 42.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Valley High Hayfork | 0.0 mi | — |
| Hayfork High Hayfork | 0.8 mi | 7.3 |
| Junction City Elementary Junction City | 14.1 mi | 5.9 |
| Douglas City Elementary Douglas City | 14.5 mi | 8.1 |
| Alps View High (Continuation) Weaverville | 17.9 mi | — |
| Trinity High Weaverville | 17.9 mi | 4.3 |
| Weaverville Elementary Weaverville | 18.1 mi | 6.6 |
| Kinder Kids Montessori Weaverville | 18.3 mi | — |
| Building blocks hard knocks Weaverville | 18.5 mi | — |
| Southern Trinity High Mad River | 19.2 mi | — |
| Mt. Lassic High (Continuation) Mad River | 19.2 mi | — |
| Van Duzen Elementary Mad River | 19.2 mi | 8.6 |
| Burnt Ranch Elementary Burnt Ranch | 23.4 mi | 9.6 |
| Lewiston Elementary Lewiston | 22.0 mi | 4.6 |
| Hoaglin-Zenia Elementary Mad River | 29.3 mi | — |
| Casterlin Elementary Blocksburg | 31.5 mi | 9.2 |
| Casterlin High Blocksburg | 31.5 mi | — |
| Trinity Valley Elementary Willow Creek | 36.2 mi | 4.6 |
| Trinity Center Elementary Trinity Center | 38.9 mi | — |
| Captain John Continuation High Hoopa | 42.8 mi | 6.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 96041 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$46,914
Median Home Value
$272,800
Median Rent
$808/mo
Population
3,413
College Educated
18.1%
Homeownership
64.7%
Poverty Rate
27.9%
Median Age
60
Community Profile
The community surrounding Hayfork Elementary has a median household income of $46,914. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $272,800, with a median rent of $808/month. The area has a poverty rate of 27.9%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Century Park Elementary Inglewood, CA | 9.2 |
| Garden Grove Elementary Reseda, CA | 9.2 |
| Gault Street Elementary Lake Balboa, CA | 9.2 |
| Harvard Elementary Los Angeles, CA | 9.2 |
| Oak Park Elementary Fontana, CA | 9.2 |
| PUC Milagro Charter Burbank, CA | 9.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Hayfork Elementary
What grades does Hayfork Elementary serve?
Hayfork Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
How many students attend Hayfork Elementary?
Hayfork Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 239 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Hayfork Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Hayfork Elementary is 21.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Hayfork Elementary rank in CA?
Hayfork Elementary is ranked #96 out of 9,533 schools in CA.
What is Hayfork Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Hayfork Elementary has a composite rating of 9.2 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 Hayfork Elementary?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Hayfork Elementary has 57.4% math proficiency and 53.9% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Hayfork Elementary a charter school?
No, Hayfork Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Hayfork Elementary a Title I school?
No, Hayfork Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Hayfork Elementary?
84.5% of students at Hayfork 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 8th
- Enrollment
- 239
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 11
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 84.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Trinity County
- Phone
- (530) 628-5294
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Mountain Valley Unified- District Enrollment
- 340
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $18,672
- District Rank
- #1 of 2
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
- Best Elementary Schools in America: 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Public Schools in California 2026: Top-Ranked Elementary, Middle & High Schoolsbest schools
- Best School Districts to Move To in 2026: A Data-Driven Guidebest schools
- Best Schools in Los Angeles, CA — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in San Diego, CA — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
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.