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Average

#4643 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 49% in state

North Star Academy

School · Amador County Unified

217 Rex Ave., Jackson, CA 95642

Enrollment

44

Student-Teacher

22:1

Score

6.4

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#4,643 of 9,539

In Jackson

#2 of 10

public schools

In district

#2 of 12

Amador County Unified

Academic growth

9.6 / 10

Excellent

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North Star Academy

6.4/10

School in Jackson · grades Kindergarten – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Independence High (continuation)

5.8/10

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

County Community

Nearby

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

About North Star Academy

North Star Academy is a public school in Jackson, CA, part of Amador County Unified. North Star Academy serves approximately 44 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-12th, and has a 22:1 student-teacher ratio. North Star Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 out of 10 and ranks #4,643 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for North Star Academy show 20% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 23% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.5 pts above district
  • This school 6.4 · Average
  • District avg 4.9
  • CA avg 6.3

What Parents Should Know

At 44 students, North Star Academy is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Test scores at North Star Academy sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

North Star Academy runs 22:1 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.6Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change+0.36 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics3.5Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency9.5% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency38.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-18.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-17.8 pts
Overall Proficiency24% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)51% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-27.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile16th
College Readiness9.7Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.3Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,551
Chronic Absenteeism100%

North Star Academy — Students at North Star Academy score 24% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 51%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

40.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 19.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 23.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
51.5% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 26 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
15%
ELA
15%
2010
Math
10%
ELA
30%
2011
Math
15%
ELA
34.5%
2015
Math
24.5%
ELA
10%
2016
Math
24.5%
ELA
10%
2017
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2018
Math
24.5%
ELA
10%
2019
Math
25%
ELA
10%
2020*
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
25%
2022
Math
25%
ELA
25%
2024
Math
7.9%
ELA
40.9%

* 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: 9.6/10.

How North Star Academy Compares

See how North Star Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.4/10
51th percentile in CA
Academic
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
9.6/10
Excellent
Environment
1.3/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
1/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
41%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
2 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
100.0%

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses1 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

217 Rex Ave., Jackson, CA 95642

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering North Star Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. Argonaut High (rated 6.7/10, 1.7 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Amador High (rated 6.1/10, 1.4 miles away, in nearby Sutter Creek), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Independence High (Continuation) (rated 5.8/10), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Jackson, see our Jackson schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 14.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Independence High (Continuation) Jackson 0.0 mi 5.8
County Community Jackson 0.0 mi
Amador High Sutter Creek 1.4 mi 6.1
Sutter Creek Elementary Jackson 1.5 mi 5.0
Argonaut High Jackson 1.7 mi 6.7
Chrystian school of Education Jackson 1.6 mi
Jackson Junior High Jackson 2.4 mi 4.4
Amador County Special Education Jackson 2.4 mi
Jackson Elementary Jackson 2.7 mi 5.4
MONARCH MONTESSORI Plymouth 7.4 mi
Plymouth Elementary Jackson 7.4 mi 3.9
Ione Elementary Ione 6.9 mi 3.4
Ione Junior High Jackson 7.1 mi 3.6
COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Pine Grove 7.4 mi 5.4
Mokelumne Hill Elementary Mokelumne Hill 8.1 mi 4.6
Pine Grove Elementary STEM Magnet Jackson 8.8 mi 3.7
Toyon Middle Valley Springs 11.7 mi 2.5
Valley Springs Elementary Valley Springs 13.0 mi 3.0
Oakendell Community San Andreas 12.9 mi
Heritage Oaks Academy El Dorado 14.6 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 95642 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$85,000

Median Home Value

$470,700

Median Rent

$1,384/mo

Population

7,350

College Educated

22.7%

Homeownership

68.7%

Poverty Rate

7.8%

Median Age

51.7

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
EVERGREEN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Anaheim, CA 6.4
ALLAIS SCHOOL Walnut, CA 6.5
ANOVA CENTER FOR EDUCATION Concord, CA 6.5
BALBOA SCHOOL Escondido, CA 6.5
GREENACRE HOMES Sebastopol, CA 6.5
Wellington M. Smith Jr. Salinas, CA 6.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about North Star Academy

What grades does North Star Academy serve?

North Star Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend North Star Academy?

North Star Academy has an enrollment of approximately 44 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at North Star Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at North Star Academy is 22:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does North Star Academy rank in CA?

North Star Academy ranks #4,643 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is North Star Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

North Star Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 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 Star Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, North Star Academy has 20% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 23% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is North Star Academy a charter school?

No, North Star Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is North Star Academy a Title I school?

No, North Star Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for North Star Academy?

40.9% of students at North Star Academy 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
30 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
25 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
44
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
Teachers (FTE)
2
Free/Reduced Lunch
40.9%
Type
alternative
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Amador County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
100.0%
4-Year Graduation
90%+

District

Amador County Unified
District Enrollment
4,075
Schools in District
12
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,551
District Rank
#2 of 12

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.

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