Needs Improvement
#8755 of 9,539 schools in CA
Nell Dawson Elementary
Elementary School · Coalinga-Huron Unified
1303 Sunset Ave., Coalinga, CA 93210
Enrollment
440
Student-Teacher
21:1
Score
3.8
Grades
1st – 3rd
Enrollment
440
Student-Teacher
21:1
Score
3.8
Grades
1st – 3rd
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#8,755 of 9,539
In Coalinga
#7 of 8
public schools
In district
#9 of 10
Coalinga-Huron Unified
Shortlisting around Nell Dawson Elementary?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Nell Dawson Elementary
Elementary School in Coalinga · grades 1st – 3rd. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Sunset Elementary
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Henry F. Bishop Elementary
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Nell Dawson Elementary
Nell Dawson Elementary is a public elementary school in Coalinga, CA, part of Coalinga-Huron Unified. Nell Dawson Elementary serves approximately 440 students, and covers grades 1st-3rd, and has a 21:1 student-teacher ratio. Nell Dawson Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 out of 10 and ranks #8,755 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for Nell Dawson Elementary show 37% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 30% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 3.8 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 4.9
- CA avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
Nell Dawson Elementary runs 21:1 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.
36% of students at Nell Dawson Elementary were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Nell Dawson Elementary — Students at Nell Dawson Elementary score 19% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 26%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
86.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 26 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.6/10.
How Nell Dawson Elementary Compares
See how Nell Dawson Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
1303 Sunset Ave., Coalinga, CA 93210
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Nell Dawson Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Annie E. Cheney Kindergarten (rated 6.8/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Cantua Elementary (rated 5.8/10, 24.6 miles away, in nearby San Joaquin), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Henry F. Bishop Elementary (rated 5.6/10, 0.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Coalinga, see our Coalinga schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 24.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Sunset Elementary Coalinga | 0.1 mi | 3.8 |
| Henry F. Bishop Elementary Coalinga | 0.2 mi | 5.6 |
| Miles W. Culwell Community Day Coalinga | 0.2 mi | — |
| Coalinga High Coalinga | 0.2 mi | 5.8 |
| Cambridge High Coalinga | 0.2 mi | 5.6 |
| Coalinga Middle Coalinga | 0.3 mi | 5.2 |
| Annie E. Cheney Kindergarten Coalinga | 0.4 mi | 6.8 |
| FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Coalinga | 0.9 mi | 4.6 |
| Parkfield Elementary San Miguel | 17.6 mi | — |
| Reef Sunset Middle Avenal | 15.7 mi | 6.1 |
| Avenal Elementary Avenal | 16.0 mi | 4.9 |
| Huron Middle Huron | 15.1 mi | 4.5 |
| Avenal High Avenal | 16.2 mi | 5.4 |
| Huron Elementary Huron | 15.4 mi | 4.7 |
| Chesnut High (Continuation) Coalinga | 15.4 mi | 3.3 |
| Sunrise High (Continuation) Avenal | 16.4 mi | — |
| Reef-Sunset Secondary Community Day Avenal | 16.5 mi | — |
| Tamarack Elementary Avenal | 16.9 mi | 4.8 |
| Westside Elementary Five Points | 21.4 mi | 5.1 |
| Cantua Elementary San Joaquin | 24.6 mi | 5.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 93210 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$77,850
Median Home Value
$258,300
Median Rent
$1,034/mo
Population
18,975
College Educated
12.4%
Homeownership
52.8%
Avg Commute
21 min
Poverty Rate
21.7%
Median Age
36.1
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Anna M. Glazier Elementary Norwalk, CA | 3.8 |
| April Lane Elementary Yuba City, CA | 3.8 |
| August Schilling Elementary Newark, CA | 3.8 |
| Barton Elementary San Bernardino, CA | 3.8 |
| Bella Vista Elementary Oakland, CA | 3.8 |
| Bradley Elementary Watsonville, CA | 3.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Nell Dawson Elementary
What grades does Nell Dawson Elementary serve?
Nell Dawson Elementary serves students in grades 1st through 3rd.
How many students attend Nell Dawson Elementary?
Nell Dawson Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 440 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Nell Dawson Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Nell Dawson Elementary is 21:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Nell Dawson Elementary rank in CA?
Nell Dawson Elementary ranks #8,755 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is Nell Dawson Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Nell Dawson Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 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 Nell Dawson Elementary?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Nell Dawson Elementary has 37% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 30% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Nell Dawson Elementary a charter school?
No, Nell Dawson Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Nell Dawson Elementary a Title I school?
No, Nell Dawson Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Nell Dawson Elementary?
86.1% of students at Nell Dawson 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 1st – 3rd
- Enrollment
- 440
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 21
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 86.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Town
- County
- Fresno County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 35.5%
- Phone
- (559) 935-7580
Resources & Links
District
Coalinga-Huron Unified- District Enrollment
- 4,382
- Schools in District
- 11
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $18,638
- District Rank
- #9 of 10
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
- Best Elementary Schools in America: 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Public Schools in California 2026: Top-Ranked Elementary, Middle & High Schoolsbest schools
- Best School Districts to Move To in 2026: A Data-Driven Guidebest schools
- Best Schools in Los Angeles, CA — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in San Diego, CA — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.