Below Average
#8278 of 9,533 schools in CA
Higher Learning Academy
School · Higher Learning Academy District
900 Grace Ave., Sacramento, CA 95838
Enrollment
539
Student-Teacher
25.7:1
Score
4.5
Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
539
Student-Teacher
25.7:1
Score
4.5
Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Sacramento
#162 of 196
public schools
California schools
#392 of 475
About Higher Learning Academy
Higher Learning Academy is a charter public school located in Sacramento, California. Serving students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, the school houses an enrollment of 539 students with a student-teacher ratio of 25.7:1 and 21 full-time equivalent teachers. The academic performance at Higher Learning Academy has room for improvement, as indicated by its MySchoolScout rating of 2.5 out of 10 and a state ranking of #9135 out of 9566 schools in California, placing it in the 4th percentile.
Students perform below average on standardized tests; only 22% are proficient or above in English language arts/reading, while just 10% achieve proficiency in math. Despite these challenges, Higher Learning Academy is situated in a vibrant city setting within Sacramento County, offering opportunities for students to engage with the diverse community around them.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Higher Learning Academy is 25.7:1, 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.
Higher Learning Academy is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Higher Learning Academy — Students at Higher Learning Academy score 15% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 26%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
86.3%
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
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 5.2/10.
How Higher Learning Academy Compares
See how Higher Learning Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 17% (2019) to 8.9% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 27% (2019) to 20.86% (2024).
Location
900 Grace Ave., Sacramento, CA 95838
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Higher Learning Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. Keema School for Independent Study (rated 6.5/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Paseo Grande Charter (rated 4.4/10, 0.8 miles away, in nearby Lancaster), with a very similar rating. Additionally, MORE LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (rated 3.3/10, 1.0 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Sacramento, see our Sacramento schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Futures High Sacramento | 0.0 mi | 3.2 |
| Taylor Street Elementary Sacramento | 0.4 mi | 7.7 |
| Robla Elementary Sacramento | 0.8 mi | 4.2 |
| 6900 WEST 4TH STREET Sacramento | 0.7 mi | 3.6 |
| Norwood Junior High Sacramento | 0.6 mi | 6.3 |
| Paseo Grande Charter Lancaster | 0.8 mi | 4.4 |
| Keema School for Independent Study Sacramento | 0.9 mi | 6.5 |
| Main Avenue Elementary Sacramento | 0.8 mi | 3.4 |
| MORE LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Sacramento | 1.0 mi | 3.3 |
| More Life Christian Academy Sacrament | 1.0 mi | — |
| Highlands Community Charter Sacramento | 1.1 mi | — |
| California Innovative Career Academy Sacramento | 1.1 mi | — |
| New Hope Charter Sacramento | 1.0 mi | 6.0 |
| Glenwood Elementary Sacramento | 1.0 mi | 5.4 |
| Del Paso Heights Elementary Sacramento | 1.2 mi | 5.8 |
| Grant Union High Sacramento | 1.2 mi | 5.6 |
| Bell Avenue Elementary Sacramento | 1.4 mi | 6.0 |
| Michael J. Castori Elementary Sacramento | 1.7 mi | 3.6 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Technology Academy Sacramento | 1.9 mi | 4.6 |
| North Area Community Sacramento | 1.6 mi | 6.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 95838 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$63,969
Median Home Value
$369,000
Median Rent
$1,605/mo
Population
40,295
College Educated
14.4%
Homeownership
55.5%
Avg Commute
26.2 min
Poverty Rate
20.1%
Median Age
32.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding Higher Learning Academy has a median household income of $63,969. It is a community where 14% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $369,000, with a median rent of $1,605/month. The area has a poverty rate of 20.1%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 26 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 |
|---|---|
| Academy of Innovation Norco, CA | 4.5 |
| California Virtual Academy at Kings Simi Valley, CA | 4.5 |
| Diego Valley East Public Charter El Cajon, CA | 4.5 |
| Moreno Valley Online Academy Moreno Valley, CA | 4.5 |
| iLead Agua Dulce Agua Dulce, CA | 4.5 |
| COASTAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Pismo Beach, CA | 4.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Higher Learning Academy
What grades does Higher Learning Academy serve?
Higher Learning Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.
How many students attend Higher Learning Academy?
Higher Learning Academy has an enrollment of approximately 539 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Higher Learning Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Higher Learning Academy is 25.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Higher Learning Academy rank in CA?
Higher Learning Academy is ranked #8278 out of 9,533 schools in CA.
What is Higher Learning Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Higher Learning Academy has a composite rating of 4.5 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 Higher Learning Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Higher Learning Academy has 9.5% math proficiency and 22.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Higher Learning Academy a charter school?
Yes, Higher Learning Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Higher Learning Academy a Title I school?
No, Higher Learning Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Higher Learning Academy?
86.3% of students at Higher Learning Academy 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
- City Safety
- High (3,332/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Sacramento). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 12th
- Enrollment
- 539
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 25.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 21
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 86.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Sacramento County
- Phone
- (916) 286-5183
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Higher Learning Academy District- District Enrollment
- 539
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,679
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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.
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