Average
#4616 of 9,539 schools in CA
Top 48% in state
Heron
Elementary School · Natomas Unified
5151 Banfield Dr., Sacramento, CA 95835
Enrollment
1,045
Student-Teacher
23.8:1
Score
6.4
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
1,045
Student-Teacher
23.8:1
Score
6.4
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#4,616 of 9,539
In Sacramento
#55 of 198
public schools
In district
#9 of 19
Natomas Unified
Equity
7.0 / 10
Very Good
Shortlisting around Heron?
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Heron
Elementary School in Sacramento · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Inderkum High
0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Natomas Park Elementary
0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Heron
Heron is a public elementary school in Sacramento, CA, part of Natomas Unified. Heron serves approximately 1,045 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 23.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Heron has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 out of 10 and ranks #4,616 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for Heron show 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 6.4 · Average
- District avg 5.1
- CA avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
Heron runs 23.8:1 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Heron — Students at Heron score 51% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 58%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
28.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 42 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 6.6/10.
How Heron Compares
See how Heron performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
5151 Banfield Dr., Sacramento, CA 95835
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Heron may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Elementary (rated 9.2/10, 2.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Regency Park Elementary (rated 7.1/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, JIE PING ACADEMY (rated 5.1/10, 1.5 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Sacramento, see our Sacramento schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Inderkum High Sacramento | 0.7 mi | 7.2 |
| Natomas Park Elementary Sacramento | 0.7 mi | 4.0 |
| Westlake Charter Sacramento | 1.0 mi | 4.4 |
| Regency Park Elementary Sacramento | 1.1 mi | 7.1 |
| Natomas Charter Sacramento | 1.2 mi | 6.7 |
| Natomas Middle Sacramento | 1.1 mi | 4.9 |
| H. Allen Hight Elementary Sacramento | 1.1 mi | 3.7 |
| JIE PING ACADEMY Sacramento | 1.5 mi | 5.1 |
| SAVA - Sacramento Academic and Vocational Academy Sacramento | 1.9 mi | 4.9 |
| Shawna Huston Sacramento | 2.3 mi | — |
| Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Sacramento | 2.1 mi | 8.3 |
| Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Middle Sacramento | 2.1 mi | 8.5 |
| Witter Ranch Elementary Sacramento | 2.4 mi | 4.5 |
| Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Elementary Sacramento | 2.1 mi | 9.2 |
| Discovery High Sacramento | 2.6 mi | 7.5 |
| 21st Century STEM Academy Sacramento | 2.3 mi | — |
| Paso Verde Sacramento | 2.2 mi | 4.2 |
| DAR-UL-MADINAH Sacramento | 2.4 mi | 4.8 |
| Dar-ul-Madinah Sacramento | 2.4 mi | — |
| Natomas High Sacramento | 2.9 mi | 6.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 95835 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$114,413
Median Home Value
$588,300
Median Rent
$2,177/mo
Population
41,678
College Educated
50.6%
Homeownership
68.8%
Avg Commute
27.9 min
Poverty Rate
5%
Median Age
38.7
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Berlyn Elementary Ontario, CA | 6.4 |
| Cadence Park Irvine, CA | 6.4 |
| Caliber: Beta Academy Richmond, CA | 6.4 |
| Chaparral Elementary Claremont, CA | 6.4 |
| Clovis Elementary Clovis, CA | 6.4 |
| Crossroads Elementary Riverbank, CA | 6.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Heron
What grades does Heron serve?
Heron serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
How many students attend Heron?
Heron has an enrollment of approximately 1,045 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Heron?
The student-teacher ratio at Heron is 23.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Heron rank in CA?
Heron ranks #4,616 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is Heron's MySchoolScout rating?
Heron has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 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 Heron?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Heron has 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Heron a charter school?
No, Heron is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Heron a Title I school?
No, Heron is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Heron?
28.9% of students at Heron qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 8th
- Enrollment
- 1,045
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 23.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 44
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 28.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Sacramento County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 19.3%
- Phone
- (916) 567-5680
Resources & Links
District
Natomas Unified- District Enrollment
- 14,950
- Schools in District
- 20
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,964
- District Rank
- #9 of 19
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.
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