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Average

#5751 of 9,539 schools in CA

Merlinda Elementary

Elementary School · West Covina Unified

1120 South Valinda Ave., West Covina, CA 91790

Enrollment

464

Student-Teacher

24.4:1

Score

5.9

Grades

Kindergarten – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#5,751 of 9,539

In West Covina

#19 of 25

public schools

In district

#12 of 15

West Covina Unified

Equity

7.9 / 10

Very Good

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Merlinda Elementary

5.9/10

Elementary School in West Covina · grades Kindergarten – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Montessori Academy of West Covina

Nearby

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

Walnut Grove Intermediate

7.8/10

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

About Merlinda Elementary

Merlinda Elementary is a public elementary school in West Covina, CA, part of West Covina Unified. Merlinda Elementary serves approximately 464 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-6th, and has a 24.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Merlinda Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10 and ranks #5,751 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Merlinda Elementary show 51% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 53% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.4 pts below district
  • This school 5.9 · Average
  • District avg 6.3
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Merlinda Elementary runs 24.4:1 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 Progress4.8Below Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-1.82 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics7.8Very Good30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency40.2% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency43.9% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-5.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+1.1 pts
Overall Proficiency42% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)32% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+10.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile68th
Resources & Environment5.7Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio24.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,655
Chronic Absenteeism22.6%

Merlinda Elementary — Students at Merlinda Elementary score 42% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 32%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

75.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 50.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
38.4% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 53.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
45.4% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 32 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
56%
2010
Math
76%
ELA
65%
2011
Math
78%
ELA
66%
2012
Math
79%
ELA
68%
2014
Math
40%
ELA
51%
2015
Math
41%
ELA
47%
2016
Math
38%
ELA
53%
2017
Math
48%
ELA
62%
2018
Math
47%
ELA
55%
2019
Math
47%
ELA
55%
2022
Math
45.7%
ELA
51.7%
2024
Math
40.2%
ELA
44%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.8/10.

How Merlinda Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
5.9/10
40th percentile in CA
Academic
7.8/10
Very Good
Growth
4.8/10
Below Average
Environment
5.7/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
75%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
19 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
22.6%

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

1120 South Valinda Ave., West Covina, CA 91790

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Merlinda Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Merced Elementary (rated 8.1/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Wescove Elementary (rated 7.3/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Rowland Avenue Elementary (rated 7.3/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in West Covina, see our West Covina schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.5 mi
School Distance Rating
MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF WEST COVINA West Covina 0.1 mi
Walnut Grove Intermediate West Covina 0.5 mi 7.8
Cameron Elementary West Covina 0.5 mi 4.2
St. Christopher Parish School West Covina 0.8 mi
ST CHRISTOPHER PARISH SCHOOL West Covina 0.8 mi 5.9
Merced Elementary West Covina 0.7 mi 8.1
Coronado High (Continuation) West Covina 0.7 mi 7.2
West Covina High West Covina 0.8 mi 7.0
SOUTH HILLS ACADEMY West Covina 0.8 mi 8.7
Wescove Elementary West Covina 1.0 mi 7.3
Valinda School of Academics Valinda 1.3 mi 5.4
Baldwin Academy La Puente 1.1 mi 5.4
Vine Elementary West Covina 1.2 mi 6.3
California Elementary West Covina 1.3 mi 6.2
Hollencrest Middle West Covina 1.4 mi 7.1
Rowland Avenue Elementary West Covina 1.7 mi 7.3
Grandview College Preparatory Academy Valinda 1.8 mi 5.8
Fairgrove Academy La Puente 1.6 mi 4.9
Edgewood Middle West Covina 1.5 mi 5.8
Edgewood High West Covina 1.5 mi 6.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 91790 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$100,142

Median Home Value

$695,700

Median Rent

$2,253/mo

Population

44,791

College Educated

23.4%

Homeownership

61%

Avg Commute

31.8 min

Poverty Rate

9.1%

Median Age

37.6

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Alta Heights Elementary Napa, CA 5.9
Alta Mesa Elementary Redding, CA 5.9
Anna A. Borba Fundamental Elementary Chino, CA 5.9
Antelope Elementary Red Bluff, CA 5.9
Aspire Inskeep Academy Charter Oakland, CA 5.9
Badillo Elementary Covina, CA 5.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Merlinda Elementary

What grades does Merlinda Elementary serve?

Merlinda Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 6th.

How many students attend Merlinda Elementary?

Merlinda Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 464 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Merlinda Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Merlinda Elementary is 24.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Merlinda Elementary rank in CA?

Merlinda Elementary ranks #5,751 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Merlinda Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Merlinda Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 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 Merlinda Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Merlinda Elementary has 51% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 53% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Merlinda Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Merlinda Elementary a Title I school?

No, Merlinda Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

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

75.2% of students at Merlinda 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
42 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
36 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
464
Student-Teacher Ratio
24.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
19
Free/Reduced Lunch
75.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Los Angeles County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
22.6%

District

West Covina Unified
District Enrollment
7,794
Schools in District
15
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,655
District Rank
#12 of 15

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