Very Good
#2031 of 9,533 schools in CA
Top 21% in state
North Cottonwood
Elementary School · Cottonwood Union Elementary
20512 West First St., Cottonwood, CA 96022
Enrollment
515
Student-Teacher
22.4:1
Score
7.6
Grades
Kindergarten – 4th
Enrollment
515
Student-Teacher
22.4:1
Score
7.6
Grades
Kindergarten – 4th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Cottonwood
#3 of 8
public schools
California elementary schools
#1,416 of 5,817
In district
#1 of 2
Cottonwood Union Elementary
Academic growth
9.0 / 10
Exceptional
About North Cottonwood
North Cottonwood is an elementary school located in the rural area near Cottonwood, California. Situated at 20512 West First Street, it serves kindergarten through fourth grade students with a total enrollment of 515 pupils. The student-to-teacher ratio stands at 22.4:1, ensuring that each child receives individual attention.
North Cottonwood’s academic performance is rated at 6.3 out of 10 by MySchoolScout, placing it in the 64th percentile among California schools. In English Language Arts and Reading, 43% of students are proficient or above, while 40% demonstrate proficiency in Math. These scores indicate there's room for academic growth but also highlight the school’s commitment to student development.
The school is part of a close-knit community where teachers work diligently to provide quality education within a rural setting. North Cottonwood thrives in its picturesque surroundings, offering students a unique blend of small-town charm and educational opportunities.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at North Cottonwood 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, North Cottonwood 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 metricsView breakdown
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North Cottonwood — Students at North Cottonwood score 42% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
51.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 10 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 9.0/10.
How North Cottonwood Compares
See how North Cottonwood performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 37% (2019) to 40% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 42% (2019) to 44.88% (2024).
Location
20512 West First St., Cottonwood, CA 96022
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering North Cottonwood may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Meadow Lane Elementary (rated 8.1/10, 4.7 miles away, in nearby Anderson), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Cottonwood Creek Charter (rated 7.8/10, 1.9 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Tree of Life International Charter (rated 6.3/10, 5.3 miles away, in nearby Anderson), a more accessible option. For more schools in Cottonwood, see our Cottonwood schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| West Cottonwood Junior High Cottonwood | 1.3 mi | 7.1 |
| Evergreen Elementary Cottonwood | 2.4 mi | 6.1 |
| Evergreen Middle Cottonwood | 2.4 mi | 8.3 |
| Evergreen Community Day School (5-8) Cottonwood | 2.4 mi | — |
| Evergreen Community Day School (K-5) Cottonwood | 2.4 mi | — |
| Evergreen Institute of Excellence Cottonwood | 2.4 mi | 6.9 |
| Cottonwood Creek Charter Cottonwood | 1.9 mi | 7.8 |
| Anderson Community Day Anderson | 3.4 mi | — |
| North Valley High Anderson | 3.5 mi | 5.0 |
| Anderson Heights Elementary Anderson | 3.4 mi | 4.6 |
| Oakview High (Alternative) Anderson | 3.5 mi | 3.9 |
| North State Aspire Academy Anderson | 3.4 mi | — |
| Anderson High Anderson | 3.7 mi | 5.6 |
| Anderson Middle Anderson | 3.9 mi | 7.6 |
| INDEPENDENT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS Anderson | 3.9 mi | 5.2 |
| Anderson New Technology High Anderson | 4.3 mi | 5.5 |
| Northern Summit Academy Shasta Anderson | 4.3 mi | 6.8 |
| Meadow Lane Elementary Anderson | 4.7 mi | 8.1 |
| Tree of Life International Charter Anderson | 5.3 mi | 6.3 |
| West Valley Early College High Cottonwood | 4.7 mi | 6.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 96022 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$87,220
Median Home Value
$355,300
Median Rent
$1,409/mo
Population
16,497
College Educated
22.1%
Homeownership
77.7%
Avg Commute
26.6 min
Poverty Rate
9.6%
Median Age
42.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding North Cottonwood has a median household income of $87,220. It is a community where 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $355,300, with a median rent of $1,409/month. The local poverty rate of 9.6% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 27 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 |
|---|---|
| A. M. Winn Waldorf-Inspired Sacramento, CA | 7.6 |
| Ada S. Nelson Elementary Whittier, CA | 7.6 |
| Allan Orrenmaa Elementary Riverside, CA | 7.6 |
| Arlington Elementary Torrance, CA | 7.6 |
| Ashley Falls Elementary San Diego, CA | 7.6 |
| Baldy View Elementary Upland, CA | 7.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about North Cottonwood
What grades does North Cottonwood serve?
North Cottonwood serves students in grades Kindergarten through 4th.
How many students attend North Cottonwood?
North Cottonwood has an enrollment of approximately 515 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at North Cottonwood?
The student-teacher ratio at North Cottonwood 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 North Cottonwood rank in CA?
North Cottonwood is ranked #2031 out of 9,533 schools in CA.
What is North Cottonwood's MySchoolScout rating?
North Cottonwood has a composite rating of 7.6 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 North Cottonwood?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, North Cottonwood has 39.8% math proficiency and 42.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is North Cottonwood a charter school?
No, North Cottonwood is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is North Cottonwood a Title I school?
No, North Cottonwood is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for North Cottonwood?
51.1% of students at North Cottonwood 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 
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 4th
- Enrollment
- 515
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 23
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 51.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Shasta County
- Phone
- (530) 347-1698
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Cottonwood Union Elementary- District Enrollment
- 910
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,516
- District Rank
- #1 of 2
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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