Skip to main content

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

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 metrics
Student Progress9.9Exceptional50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+3.27 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendImproving
Academics9.2Exceptional30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency59.7%
Reading/ELA Proficiency56.1%
Math vs. State Avg+14 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+13.3 pts
Overall Proficiency58%
Expected (poverty-adj.)27%
vs. Expected+31.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile88th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment7.6Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,582

Hayfork Elementary — Students at Hayfork Elementary score 58% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 27%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

84.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 57.4%
School
State
36.8%
ELA Proficiency 53.9%
School
State
45.8%

Based on 18 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2019
Math
42%
ELA
42%
2021*
Math
52%
ELA
47%
2024
Math
60.4%
ELA
56.5%

* 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.

Overall Score
9.2/10
99th percentile in CA
Academic
9.2/10
9.2/10
Growth
9.9/10
Above average
Environment
7.6/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
85%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
11 teachers

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
36 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
24 Somewhat Bikeable
County Safety
Elevated (1,448/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

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
Data Year
2023–2024

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 methodology

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.