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Below Average

#8363 of 9,539 schools in CA

Nicholas Elementary

Elementary School · Sacramento City Unified

5100 El Paraiso Ave., Sacramento, CA 95824

Enrollment

474

Student-Teacher

21.5:1

Score

4.2

Grades

Kindergarten – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#8,363 of 9,539

In Sacramento

#145 of 198

public schools

In district

#49 of 71

Sacramento City Unified

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Nicholas Elementary

4.2/10

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

Calvary Christian School

8.3/10

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

Ethel I. Baker Elementary

3.5/10

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

About Nicholas Elementary

Nicholas Elementary is a public elementary school in Sacramento, CA, part of Sacramento City Unified. Nicholas Elementary serves approximately 474 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-6th, and has a 21.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Nicholas Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #8,363 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Nicholas Elementary show 24% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 23% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.9 pts below district
  • This school 4.2 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.1
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Nicholas Elementary runs 21.5:1 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.

53% of students at Nicholas 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 metrics
Student Progress4.7Below Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-1.85 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.7Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency14.5% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency18.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-31.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-24.6 pts
Overall Proficiency16% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)24% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-7.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile18th
Resources & Environment3.7Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,892
Chronic Absenteeism53.4%

Nicholas Elementary — Students at Nicholas Elementary score 16% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 24%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

89.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 24.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
38.4% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 22.8% (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
51%
ELA
37%
2010
Math
51%
ELA
35%
2011
Math
47%
ELA
34%
2012
Math
38%
ELA
25%
2014
Math
15%
ELA
15%
2015
Math
17%
ELA
22%
2016
Math
17%
ELA
17%
2017
Math
21%
ELA
22%
2018
Math
18%
ELA
25%
2019
Math
18%
ELA
25%
2022
Math
18.4%
ELA
17.3%
2024
Math
14.6%
ELA
18.1%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.7/10.

How Nicholas Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
4.2/10
12th percentile in CA
Academic
3.7/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
4.7/10
Below Average
Environment
3.7/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
90%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
22 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
53.4%

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

5100 El Paraiso Ave., Sacramento, CA 95824

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Nicholas Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Camellia Elementary (rated 7.9/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is ST PATRICK ACADEMY (rated 6.7/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Mark Twain Elementary (rated 4.9/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Sacramento, see our Sacramento schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.5 mi
School Distance Rating
CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Sacramento 0.2 mi 8.3
Ethel I. Baker Elementary Sacramento 0.7 mi 3.5
Northern California Preparatory Sacramento 0.6 mi
Suy:u Elementary Sacramento 0.8 mi 3.5
Pacific Elementary Sacramento 0.7 mi 2.7
AL ARGAM ISLAMIC SCHOOL & COLLEGE PREPARATORY Sacramento 1.0 mi 7.4
Al-Arqam Islamic School & College Preparatory Sacramento 1.0 mi
Will C. Wood Middle Sacramento 0.9 mi 6.0
Fern Bacon Middle Sacramento 1.0 mi 6.4
West Campus Sacramento 1.2 mi 8.1
Bowling Green Elementary Sacramento 1.1 mi 4.1
Mark Twain Elementary Sacramento 1.2 mi 4.9
Fortune Sacramento 1.2 mi 5.6
Homeo-Balance Academy Sacramento 1.3 mi
St. Patrick SUCCEED Academy Sacramento 1.3 mi
ST PATRICK ACADEMY Sacramento 1.3 mi 6.7
Parkway Elementary Sacramento 1.6 mi 2.4
Christian Brothers High School Sacramento 1.7 mi
St. HOPE Public School 7 Sacramento 1.5 mi 2.4
Camellia Elementary Sacramento 1.5 mi 7.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 95824 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$53,938

Median Home Value

$322,400

Median Rent

$1,392/mo

Population

32,432

College Educated

12.2%

Homeownership

42.5%

Avg Commute

27.8 min

Poverty Rate

25.6%

Median Age

31.6

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Alice Birney Elementary Colton, CA 4.2
Allen at Steinbeck San Jose, CA 4.2
Alpine Elementary Littlerock, CA 4.2
Amy B. Seibert Elementary Bakersfield, CA 4.2
Bahia Vista Elementary San Rafael, CA 4.2
Bay View Academy Monterey, CA 4.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Nicholas Elementary

What grades does Nicholas Elementary serve?

Nicholas Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 6th.

How many students attend Nicholas Elementary?

Nicholas Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 474 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Nicholas Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Nicholas Elementary is 21.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Nicholas Elementary rank in CA?

Nicholas Elementary ranks #8,363 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Nicholas Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Nicholas Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 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 Nicholas Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Nicholas Elementary has 24% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 23% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Nicholas Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Nicholas Elementary a Title I school?

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

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

89.5% of students at Nicholas 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
52 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
61 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
474
Student-Teacher Ratio
21.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
22
Free/Reduced Lunch
89.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Sacramento County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
53.4%

District

Sacramento City Unified
District Enrollment
38,268
Schools in District
73
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,892
District Rank
#49 of 71

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