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Excellent

#344 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 4% in state

Innovations Academy

Elementary School · Innovations Academy District

5454 Ruffin Rd., San Diego, CA 92123

Charter

Enrollment

434

Student-Teacher

16.7:1

Score

8.9

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#344 of 9,539

In San Diego

#19 of 288

public schools

Academic growth

10.0 / 10

Excellent

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Innovations Academy

8.9/10

Elementary School in San Diego · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

San Diego Mission Academy

3.6/10

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

Heritage Christian School of San Diego

Nearby

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

About Innovations Academy

Innovations Academy is a public elementary school in San Diego, CA, part of Innovations Academy District. Innovations Academy serves approximately 434 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 16.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Innovations Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.9 out of 10 and ranks #344 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Innovations Academy show 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

What's said publicly about Innovations Academy

Sources: School's website

Synthesized from public, attributable sources. Updated May 2026. Reviewed for accuracy.

Innovations Academy is a tuition-free public charter school located in San Diego, serving students in grades K-8 1 . The school emphasizes an inquiry-based, project learning approach with high academic standards that meet California learning requirements 1 . Its educational philosophy focuses on nurturing curiosity, character development, and social-emotional learning (SEL) to support the whole child 1 . The institution maintains a small school environment where every student receives individual support, utilizing a positive discipline approach that encourages respect and independent problem-solving 1 . Arts education is considered integral to the curriculum, including performing arts, fine arts, ceramics, and graphic design 1 . Innovations Academy operates with a no-homework policy and values family involvement in student education 1 . The school features modern indoor and outdoor spaces 1 .
Sources (1)
  1. innovationsacademy.org
Generated by AI from public sources. Every claim is grounded in a cited source. Report inaccuracy
How it compares2.7 pts above CA schools
  • This school 8.9 · Excellent
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Innovations Academy is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress10.0Excellent50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data6
Annual Change+3.05 pts/yr
Data Period2018–2024
TrendImproving
Academics7.2Very Good30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency45% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency61.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-0.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+18.3 pts
Overall Proficiency53% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)58% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-4.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile59th
Resources & Environment8.8Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,013
Chronic Absenteeism13.6%

Innovations Academy — Students at Innovations Academy score 53% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 58%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

29.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 45.8% (multi-year average, 2018-2024)
School
State
36.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 57.8% (multi-year average, 2018-2024)
School
State
45.8% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 24 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2018
Math
36%
ELA
43%
2019
Math
36%
ELA
43%
2020*
Math
53%
ELA
56%
2021*
Math
53%
ELA
56%
2022
Math
54.6%
ELA
67.7%
2024
Math
45.3%
ELA
61.1%

* 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: 10.0/10.

How Innovations Academy Compares

See how Innovations Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
8.9/10
96th percentile in CA
Academic
7.2/10
Very Good
Growth
10.0/10
Excellent
Environment
8.8/10
Excellent

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
30%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
26 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
13.6%

Location

5454 Ruffin Rd., San Diego, CA 92123

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Innovations Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Tierrasanta Elementary (rated 8.1/10, 1.8 miles away), with a comparable rating. Another option is Miller Elementary (rated 8.0/10, 1.7 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, SOILLE SAN DIEGO HEBREW BAY SCHOOL (rated 7.9/10, 2.0 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in San Diego, see our San Diego schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.3 mi
School Distance Rating
San Diego Mission Academy San Diego 0.2 mi 3.6
Heritage Christian School of San Diego San Diego 0.5 mi
Vista Grande Elementary San Diego 1.1 mi 7.7
Canyon Hills High San Diego 1.4 mi 6.7
Miller Elementary San Diego 1.7 mi 8.0
Kreuger Academy San Diego 1.8 mi
Farb Middle San Diego 1.8 mi 8.2
Wegeforth Elementary San Diego 2.1 mi 6.4
St. Columba Catholic School San Diego 2.1 mi
Tierrasanta Elementary San Diego 1.8 mi 8.1
ST COLUMBA SCHOOL San Diego 2.1 mi 6.2
SOILLE SAN DIEGO HEBREW BAY SCHOOL San Diego 2.0 mi 7.9
Soille San Diego Hebrew Day San Diego 2.1 mi
Le Lycée Français de San Diego San Diego 2.1 mi
LE LYCEE FRANCAIS DE SAN DIEGO San Diego 2.1 mi 6.0
Taft Middle San Diego 2.3 mi 6.7
Cubberley Elementary San Diego 2.3 mi 7.5
Hancock Elementary San Diego 2.2 mi 7.6
Angier Elementary San Diego 2.3 mi 6.1
School for Entrepreneurship and Technology San Diego 2.3 mi 8.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 92123 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$121,856

Median Home Value

$799,600

Median Rent

$2,798/mo

Population

32,999

College Educated

47.6%

Homeownership

43.9%

Avg Commute

20.5 min

Poverty Rate

8.1%

Median Age

36.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Adams Elementary Costa Mesa, CA 8.9
Allesandro Elementary Los Angeles, CA 8.9
Aurelia Pennekamp Elementary Manhattan Beach, CA 8.9
Bella Vista Elementary Monterey Park, CA 8.9
Birney Elementary Redondo Beach, CA 8.9
Birney Elementary San Diego, CA 8.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Innovations Academy

What grades does Innovations Academy serve?

Innovations Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

How many students attend Innovations Academy?

Innovations Academy has an enrollment of approximately 434 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Innovations Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Innovations Academy is 16.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Innovations Academy rank in CA?

Innovations Academy ranks #344 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Innovations Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Innovations Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.9 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 Innovations Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Innovations Academy has 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

Is Innovations Academy a charter school?

Yes, Innovations Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Innovations Academy a Title I school?

No, Innovations Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Innovations Academy?

29.7% of students at Innovations 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
43 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
49 Some Transit
Bike Score
41 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
434
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
26
Free/Reduced Lunch
29.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
San Diego County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
13.6%

District

Innovations Academy District
District Enrollment
434
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,013
District Rank
#1 of 1

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