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Needs Improvement

#9111 of 9,539 schools in CA

Manuel Esqueda Elementary

Elementary School · Santa Ana Unified

2240 South Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92707

Enrollment

897

Student-Teacher

22.4:1

Score

3.4

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#9,111 of 9,539

In Santa Ana

#72 of 73

public schools

In district

#50 of 51

Santa Ana Unified

School environment

8.0 / 10

Excellent

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Manuel Esqueda Elementary

3.4/10

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

Cesar E. Chavez High

5.2/10

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

Thomas A. Edison Elementary

5.3/10

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

About Manuel Esqueda Elementary

Manuel Esqueda Elementary is a public elementary school in Santa Ana, CA, part of Santa Ana Unified. Manuel Esqueda Elementary serves approximately 897 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 22.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Manuel Esqueda Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 out of 10 and ranks #9,111 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Manuel Esqueda Elementary show 32% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 30% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.6 pts below district
  • This school 3.4 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 5.0
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Manuel Esqueda Elementary runs 22.4:1 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 metrics
Student Progress1.5Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-3.68 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.6Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency14.2% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency20.8% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-31.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-22 pts
Overall Proficiency17% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)27% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-9.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile17th
Resources & Environment8.0Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$22,309
Chronic Absenteeism24.9%

Manuel Esqueda Elementary — Students at Manuel Esqueda Elementary score 17% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 27%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

84.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 31.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
36.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 30.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
45.8% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 38 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
71%
ELA
39%
2010
Math
76%
ELA
51%
2011
Math
82%
ELA
49%
2012
Math
64%
ELA
43%
2013
Math
69.5%
ELA
90%
2014
Math
20%
ELA
20%
2015
Math
19%
ELA
21%
2016
Math
18%
ELA
19%
2017
Math
19%
ELA
22%
2018
Math
22%
ELA
27%
2019
Math
22%
ELA
27%
2022
Math
13.8%
ELA
22.6%
2024
Math
14.9%
ELA
20.7%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.5/10.

How Manuel Esqueda Elementary Compares

See how Manuel Esqueda Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.4/10
5th percentile in CA
Academic
3.6/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
1.5/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
8.0/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
84%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
40 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
24.9%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

2240 South Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92707

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Manuel Esqueda Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Jefferson Elementary (rated 6.0/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is John F. Kennedy Elementary (rated 5.6/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Martin Elementary (rated 5.4/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Santa Ana, see our Santa Ana schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Cesar E. Chavez High Santa Ana 0.2 mi 5.2
Thomas A. Edison Elementary Santa Ana 0.4 mi 5.3
Monroe Elementary Santa Ana 0.4 mi 4.0
Washington Elementary Santa Ana 0.4 mi 4.0
Saddleback High Santa Ana 0.8 mi 8.0
ST ANNE SCHOOL Santa Ana 0.9 mi 5.1
Douglas MacArthur Fundamental Intermediate Santa Ana 0.9 mi 6.0
Julia C. Lathrop Intermediate Santa Ana 1.1 mi 5.5
Mater Dei High School Santa Ana 1.1 mi
Martin Elementary Santa Ana 1.1 mi 5.4
Madison Elementary Santa Ana 1.1 mi 4.2
Franklin Elementary Santa Ana 1.3 mi 5.2
RICCA CHILDRENS LEARNING CENTER Santa Ana 1.1 mi
SOUTH COAST METRO CHILDREN'S VILLAGE Santa Ana 1.1 mi
Jefferson Elementary Santa Ana 1.2 mi 6.0
Taft Elementary Santa Ana 1.5 mi 3.4
John F. Kennedy Elementary Santa Ana 1.4 mi 5.6
Pio Pico Elementary Santa Ana 1.5 mi 4.7
Lowell Elementary Santa Ana 1.6 mi 4.1
Century High Santa Ana 1.5 mi 6.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 92707 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$99,491

Median Home Value

$635,600

Median Rent

$2,141/mo

Population

59,213

College Educated

16.8%

Homeownership

48.6%

Avg Commute

22.9 min

Poverty Rate

8.6%

Median Age

32.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Anza Elementary El Cajon, CA 3.4
Bautista Creek Elementary Hemet, CA 3.4
Desert View Elementary Lancaster, CA 3.4
Freedom Crest Elementary Menifee, CA 3.4
Harborside Elementary Chula Vista, CA 3.4
Irwin Academy of Performing Arts Victorville, CA 3.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Manuel Esqueda Elementary

What grades does Manuel Esqueda Elementary serve?

Manuel Esqueda Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

How many students attend Manuel Esqueda Elementary?

Manuel Esqueda Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 897 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Manuel Esqueda Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Manuel Esqueda Elementary is 22.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Manuel Esqueda Elementary rank in CA?

Manuel Esqueda Elementary ranks #9,111 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Manuel Esqueda Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Manuel Esqueda Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 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 Manuel Esqueda Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Manuel Esqueda Elementary has 32% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 30% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Manuel Esqueda Elementary a charter school?

No, Manuel Esqueda Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Manuel Esqueda Elementary a Title I school?

No, Manuel Esqueda Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Manuel Esqueda Elementary?

84.1% of students at Manuel Esqueda 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
77 Very Walkable
Transit Score
43 Some Transit
Bike Score
66 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
897
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
40
Free/Reduced Lunch
84.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Orange County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
24.9%

District

Santa Ana Unified
District Enrollment
38,031
Schools in District
52
Per-Pupil Spending
$22,309
District Rank
#50 of 51

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