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#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

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

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.9Below Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.52 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.2Above Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency35.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency51.8%
Math vs. State Avg-10.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+9 pts
Overall Proficiency44%
Expected (poverty-adj.)55%
vs. Expected-10.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile46th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment4.7Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,721

Mcswain Elementary — Students at Mcswain Elementary score 44% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 55%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

36.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 36.1%
School
State
36.8%
ELA Proficiency 52.9%
School
State
45.8%

Based on 18 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
42%
ELA
61%
2021*
Math
34%
ELA
54%
2024
Math
35.5%
ELA
51.6%

* 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.

Overall Score
5.3/10
26th percentile in CA
Academic
6.2/10
6.2/10
Growth
4.9/10
Below average
Environment
4.7/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
36%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
42 teachers

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

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
Data Year
2023–2024

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.

Read our full methodology

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