Average
#3670 of 9,539 schools in CA
Top 39% in state
North Cottonwood
Elementary School · Cottonwood Union Elementary
20512 West First St., Cottonwood, CA 96022
Enrollment
515
Student-Teacher
22.4:1
Score
6.9
Grades
Kindergarten – 4th
Enrollment
515
Student-Teacher
22.4:1
Score
6.9
Grades
Kindergarten – 4th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#3,670 of 9,539
In Cottonwood
#4 of 8
public schools
In district
#2 of 2
Cottonwood Union Elementary
Academic growth
7.4 / 10
Very Good
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North Cottonwood
Elementary School in Cottonwood · grades Kindergarten – 4th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
West Cottonwood Junior High
1.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Evergreen Elementary
2.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About North Cottonwood
North Cottonwood is a public elementary school in Cottonwood, CA, part of Cottonwood Union Elementary. North Cottonwood serves approximately 515 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-4th, and has a 22.4:1 student-teacher ratio. North Cottonwood has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 out of 10 and ranks #3,670 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for North Cottonwood show 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 6.9 · Average
- CA avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
North Cottonwood runs 22.4:1 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.
North Cottonwood sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
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 32 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 7.4/10.
How North Cottonwood Compares
See how North Cottonwood performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
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. Cottonwood Creek Charter (rated 8.3/10, 1.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Tree of Life International Charter (rated 7.6/10, 5.3 miles away, in nearby Anderson), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Meadow Lane Elementary (rated 6.8/10, 4.7 miles away, in nearby Anderson), with a very similar rating. 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 | 8.0 |
| Evergreen Elementary Cottonwood | 2.4 mi | 5.4 |
| Evergreen Middle Cottonwood | 2.4 mi | 6.7 |
| 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 | 7.8 |
| Cottonwood Creek Charter Cottonwood | 1.9 mi | 8.3 |
| Anderson Community Day Anderson | 3.4 mi | — |
| North Valley High Anderson | 3.5 mi | 4.6 |
| Anderson Heights Elementary Anderson | 3.4 mi | 5.6 |
| Oakview High (Alternative) Anderson | 3.5 mi | 5.9 |
| North State Aspire Academy Anderson | 3.4 mi | — |
| Anderson High Anderson | 3.7 mi | 7.2 |
| Anderson Middle Anderson | 3.9 mi | 5.6 |
| INDEPENDENT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS Anderson | 3.9 mi | 5.2 |
| Anderson New Technology High Anderson | 4.3 mi | 7.0 |
| Northern Summit Academy Shasta Anderson | 4.3 mi | 8.1 |
| Meadow Lane Elementary Anderson | 4.7 mi | 6.8 |
| Tree of Life International Charter Anderson | 5.3 mi | 7.6 |
| West Valley Early College High Cottonwood | 4.7 mi | 5.2 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ASCEND Oakland, CA | 6.9 |
| Adelante Dual Language Academy II San Jose, CA | 6.9 |
| Audubon K-8 San Diego, CA | 6.9 |
| Bonny View Elementary Redding, CA | 6.9 |
| Brookside Elementary Beaumont, CA | 6.9 |
| Castle Park Elementary Chula Vista, CA | 6.9 |
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 ranks #3,670 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is North Cottonwood's MySchoolScout rating?
North Cottonwood has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 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 North Cottonwood?
Based on loaded state assessment records, North Cottonwood has 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
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 
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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 26.8%
- Phone
- (530) 347-1698
Resources & Links
District
Cottonwood Union Elementary- District Enrollment
- 910
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,516
- District Rank
- #2 of 2
Other Schools in This District
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