Average
#7035 of 9,533 schools in CA
Mcswain Elementary
Elementary School · McSwain Union Elementary
922 Scott Rd., Merced, CA 95341
Enrollment
939
Student-Teacher
22.4:1
Score
5.3
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
939
Student-Teacher
22.4:1
Score
5.3
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Merced
#19 of 37
public schools
California elementary schools
#4,164 of 5,817
About Mcswain Elementary
McSwain Elementary serves 939 students in grades kindergarten through eighth in Merced, California. With 42 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 22.4 to 1, providing a structured learning environment for its sizeable student body. Academically, McSwain Elementary earns a 6.1 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranks in the 58th percentile among California elementary schools.
The school shows stronger performance in English Language Arts, where 52% of students achieve proficiency or above, compared to 36% in mathematics. These results reflect opportunities for continued academic growth, particularly in math instruction and support. The school serves a diverse community where the median household income is $54,448 and nearly 30% of families face economic challenges.
With only 7% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, McSwain Elementary plays a vital role in providing educational opportunities for families in the area. The median home value of $265,600 reflects the working-class character of this neighborhood. McSwain Elementary sits on Scott Road in a rural setting near the town of Merced, offering students a quieter educational environment while remaining connected to the broader Central Valley community.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Mcswain Elementary is 22.4:1, 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.
Located in a rural area, Mcswain Elementary may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Mcswain Elementary — Students at Mcswain Elementary score 44% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 55%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
36.4%
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: 4.9/10.
How Mcswain Elementary Compares
See how Mcswain Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 42% (2019) to 35.52% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 61% (2019) to 51.76% (2024).
Location
922 Scott Rd., Merced, CA 95341
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Mcswain Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Franklin Elementary (rated 7.8/10, 2.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Thomas Olaeta Elementary (rated 7.4/10, 4.1 miles away, in nearby Atwater), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Aileen Colburn Elementary (rated 7.3/10, 4.6 miles away, in nearby Atwater), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Merced, see our Merced schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin Elementary Merced | 2.4 mi | 7.8 |
| Joe Stefani Merced | 2.6 mi | 5.6 |
| Stone Ridge Christian Elementary School Merced | 2.7 mi | — |
| Buhach Colony High Atwater | 3.3 mi | 5.3 |
| Gospel Defenders Christian Academy Merced | 3.0 mi | — |
| Shaffer Elementary Atwater | 3.6 mi | 5.7 |
| Merced Scholars Charter Merced | 3.2 mi | 6.7 |
| Valley Merced Community Merced | 3.2 mi | 6.3 |
| Leontine Gracey Elementary Merced | 3.3 mi | 6.9 |
| Bellevue Senior Elementary Atwater | 4.2 mi | 7.0 |
| Bellevue Elementary Atwater | 4.2 mi | 6.9 |
| Thomas Olaeta Elementary Atwater | 4.1 mi | 7.4 |
| Valley Atwater Community Merced | 3.9 mi | 6.2 |
| Margaret Sheehy Elementary Merced | 3.6 mi | 4.8 |
| Mitchell Intermediate Atwater | 4.3 mi | 6.1 |
| Mitchell Elementary Atwater | 4.3 mi | 6.9 |
| Atwater Senior Academy Atwater | 4.5 mi | — |
| Elmer Wood Elementary Atwater | 4.7 mi | 5.9 |
| Alicia Reyes Elementary Merced | 4.0 mi | 5.1 |
| Aileen Colburn Elementary Atwater | 4.6 mi | 7.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 95341 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$55,516
Median Home Value
$295,300
Median Rent
$1,172/mo
Population
34,956
College Educated
7.8%
Homeownership
39.3%
Avg Commute
29.7 min
Poverty Rate
27.3%
Median Age
27.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Mcswain Elementary has a median household income of $55,516. It is a community where 8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $295,300, with a median rent of $1,172/month. The area has a poverty rate of 27.3%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 30 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 |
|---|---|
| Alamo Elementary Vacaville, CA | 5.3 |
| Andros Karperos Yuba City, CA | 5.3 |
| Belvedere Elementary Highland, CA | 5.3 |
| Benjamin Franklin Elementary La Quinta, CA | 5.3 |
| Bowling Green Elementary Sacramento, CA | 5.3 |
| Caliber: ChangeMakers Academy Richmond, CA | 5.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Mcswain Elementary
What grades does Mcswain Elementary serve?
Mcswain Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
How many students attend Mcswain Elementary?
Mcswain Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 939 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Mcswain Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Mcswain 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 Mcswain Elementary rank in CA?
Mcswain Elementary is ranked #7035 out of 9,533 schools in CA.
What is Mcswain Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Mcswain Elementary has a composite rating of 5.3 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 Mcswain Elementary?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Mcswain Elementary has 36.1% math proficiency and 52.9% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Mcswain Elementary a charter school?
No, Mcswain Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Mcswain Elementary a Title I school?
No, Mcswain Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Mcswain Elementary?
36.4% of students at Mcswain 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (3,653/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Merced). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 8th
- Enrollment
- 939
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 42
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 36.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Merced County
- Phone
- (209) 354-2700
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
McSwain Union Elementary- District Enrollment
- 939
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,945
- 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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