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Excellent

#1071 of 9,533 schools in CA

Top 11% in state

Montemalaga Elementary

Elementary School · Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified

1121 Via Nogales, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

Enrollment

436

Student-Teacher

24.2:1

Score

8.2

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Palos Verdes Estates

#3 of 4

public schools

California elementary schools

#776 of 5,817

In district

#7 of 17

Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified

Equity

9.8 / 10

Exceptional

About Montemalaga Elementary

Montemalaga Elementary is a public elementary school in Palos Verdes Estates, CA, part of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified. The school serves approximately 436 students in grades Kindergarten – 5th with a student-teacher ratio of 24.2:1. It holds a MySchoolScout rating of 8.2/10, placing it in the 88.8th percentile among CA schools — an above average rating overall.

Students demonstrate 84% proficiency in math, 44 points above the state average and 85% in reading/language arts, 40 points above the state average. The school scores particularly well in student growth (9.0/10). Located in a neighborhood with a median household income of $222,273, where 76% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

The school is situated in a large suburban setting.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at Montemalaga Elementary is 24.2:1, 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress9.0Exceptional50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change+0.62 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics9.5Exceptional30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency85.2%
Reading/ELA Proficiency85.1%
Math vs. State Avg+39.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+42.3 pts
Overall Proficiency85%
Expected (poverty-adj.)73%
vs. Expected+12.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile92th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment4.4Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio24.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,859

Montemalaga Elementary — Students at Montemalaga Elementary score 85% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 73%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

4.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 83.8%
School
State
39.4%
ELA Proficiency 85.1%
School
State
45.3%

Based on 10 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
78%
ELA
86%
2024
Math
85.3%
ELA
84.9%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.0/10.

How Montemalaga Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
8.2/10
89th percentile in CA
Academic
9.5/10
9.5/10
Growth
9.0/10
Above average
Environment
4.4/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
5%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
18 teachers

Location

1121 Via Nogales, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Montemalaga Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Lunada Bay Elementary (rated 8.6/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Soleado Elementary (rated 8.4/10, 1.9 miles away, in nearby Rancho Palos Verdes), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Cornerstone at Pedregal Elementary (rated 8.0/10, 0.7 miles away, in nearby Rancho Palos Verdes), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Palos Verdes Estates, see our Palos Verdes Estates schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Faith Christian School PSP Rancho Palos Verdes 0.8 mi
Cornerstone at Pedregal Elementary Rancho Palos Verdes 0.7 mi 8.0
Silver Spur Elementary Rancho Palos Verdes 1.1 mi 7.3
Vista Grande Elementary Rancho Palos Verdes 1.4 mi 7.4
Palos Verdes Intermediate Palos Verdes Estates 1.4 mi 7.8
RIVIERA HALL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Redondo Beach 1.7 mi 6.7
Palos Verdes Peninsula High Rolling Hills Estates 1.5 mi 8.6
Riviera Hall Lutheran School Redondo Beach 1.7 mi
Palos Verdes High Palos Verdes Estates 1.6 mi 8.7
Rolling Hill International School Rancho Palos Verdes 1.7 mi
Riviera Elementary Torrance 1.7 mi 8.0
Fusion Academy, Palos Verdes Rolling Hills 1.8 mi
FUSION PALOS VERDES Rolling Hills Estates 1.8 mi 7.9
Ridgecrest Intermediate Rancho Palos Verdes 1.9 mi 7.6
Lunada Bay Elementary Palos Verdes Estates 2.0 mi 8.6
Soleado Elementary Rancho Palos Verdes 1.9 mi 8.4
St. Lawrence Martyr Elementary Redondo Beach 2.1 mi
ST LAWRENCE MARTYR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Redondo Beach 2.1 mi 5.7
Edward J. Richardson Middle Torrance 2.1 mi 7.4
Tulita Elementary Redondo Beach 2.3 mi 7.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 90274 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$222,273

Median Home Value

$2,000,001

Median Rent

$3,501/mo

Population

24,988

College Educated

75.6%

Homeownership

88.5%

Avg Commute

30.4 min

Poverty Rate

3.1%

Median Age

50.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Montemalaga Elementary has a median household income of $222,273. It is a well-educated community where 76% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $2,000,001, with a median rent of $3,501/month. The local poverty rate of 3.1% is relatively low. 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
Alta Loma Elementary Los Angeles, CA 8.2
Andres and Maria Cardenas Elementary Van Nuys, CA 8.2
Arbolita Elementary La Habra, CA 8.2
Aspen Elementary Thousand Oaks, CA 8.2
Bellingham Elementary North Hollywood, CA 8.2
Bollinger Canyon Elementary San Ramon, CA 8.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Montemalaga Elementary

What grades does Montemalaga Elementary serve?

Montemalaga Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Montemalaga Elementary?

Montemalaga Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 436 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Montemalaga Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Montemalaga Elementary is 24.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Montemalaga Elementary rank in CA?

Montemalaga Elementary is ranked #1071 out of 9,533 schools in CA.

What is Montemalaga Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Montemalaga Elementary has a composite rating of 8.2 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 Montemalaga Elementary?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Montemalaga Elementary has 83.8% math proficiency and 85.1% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Montemalaga Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Montemalaga Elementary a Title I school?

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

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

4.6% of students at Montemalaga 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
8 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
7 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
Elevated (812/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Palos Verdes Estates). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
436
Student-Teacher Ratio
24.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
18
Free/Reduced Lunch
4.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Los Angeles County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified
District Enrollment
10,393
Schools in District
18
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,077
District Rank
#7 of 17

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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