Below Average
#8370 of 9,539 schools in CA
James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary
Elementary School · San Juan Unified
3350 Becerra Way, Sacramento, CA 95821
Enrollment
406
Student-Teacher
25.4:1
Score
4.2
Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
406
Student-Teacher
25.4:1
Score
4.2
Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#8,370 of 9,539
In Sacramento
#147 of 198
public schools
In district
#38 of 65
San Juan Unified
Equity
7.1 / 10
Very Good
Shortlisting around James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary
Elementary School in Sacramento · grades Kindergarten – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary School
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Presentation of the Blessed Mary School
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary
James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary is a public elementary school in Sacramento, CA, part of San Juan Unified. James R.
Cowan Fundamental Elementary serves approximately 406 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-6th, and has a 25.4:1 student-teacher ratio. James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #8,370 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary show 58% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 65% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 4.2 · Below Average
- District avg 4.5
- CA avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary runs 25.4:1 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
James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary — Students at James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary score 48% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 51%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
40.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 32 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.4/10.
How James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary Compares
See how James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
3350 Becerra Way, Sacramento, CA 95821
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED MARY SCHOOL (rated 5.8/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Del Paso Manor Elementary (rated 4.2/10, 0.9 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Whitney Avenue Elementary (rated 3.9/10, 0.4 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Sacramento, see our Sacramento schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.1 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 95821 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$58,331
Median Home Value
$470,900
Median Rent
$1,342/mo
Population
38,372
College Educated
28.4%
Homeownership
48.3%
Avg Commute
28.7 min
Poverty Rate
19.5%
Median Age
38.1
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Allen at Steinbeck San Jose, CA | 4.2 |
| Alpine Elementary Littlerock, CA | 4.2 |
| Bahia Vista Elementary San Rafael, CA | 4.2 |
| Bay View Academy Monterey, CA | 4.2 |
| Bayside STEAM Academy Imperial Beach, CA | 4.2 |
| Bayview Elementary San Pablo, CA | 4.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary
What grades does James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary serve?
James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 6th.
How many students attend James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary?
James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 406 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary is 25.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary rank in CA?
James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary ranks #8,370 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 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 James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary?
Based on loaded state assessment records, James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary has 58% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 65% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary a charter school?
No, James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary a Title I school?
No, James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary?
40.9% of students at James R. Cowan Fundamental 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.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 6th
- Enrollment
- 406
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 25.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 16
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 40.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Sacramento County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 18.0%
- Phone
- (916) 979-8240
Resources & Links
District
San Juan Unified- District Enrollment
- 38,488
- Schools in District
- 68
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,374
- District Rank
- #38 of 65
Other Schools in This District
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.
See how we rateRelated reading
- Best Public Schools in California 2026: Top-Ranked Elementary, Middle & High Schoolsbest schools
- Best Elementary Schools in America: 2026 Rankingsbest 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.