Needs Improvement
#8897 of 9,539 schools in CA
Pauma Elementary
Elementary School · Valley Center-Pauma Unified
PO Box 409, Pauma Valley, CA 92061
Enrollment
260
Student-Teacher
21.7:1
Score
3.6
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
260
Student-Teacher
21.7:1
Score
3.6
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#8,897 of 9,539
In district
#4 of 8
Valley Center-Pauma Unified
Shortlisting around Pauma 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.
Pauma Elementary
Elementary School in Pauma Valley · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Oak Glen High
2.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Valley Center High
2.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Pauma Elementary
Pauma Elementary is a public elementary school in Pauma Valley, CA, part of Valley Center-Pauma Unified. Pauma Elementary serves approximately 260 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 21.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Pauma Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.6 out of 10 and ranks #8,897 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for Pauma Elementary show 16% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 28% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 3.6 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 3.3
- CA avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
Pauma Elementary runs 21.7:1 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.
Pauma Elementary 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.
54% of students at Pauma 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
Pauma Elementary — Students at Pauma Elementary score 12% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 31%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
76.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 40 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: 4.7/10.
How Pauma Elementary Compares
See how Pauma Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
PO Box 409, Pauma Valley, CA 92061
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Pauma Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. All Tribes Elementary Charter (rated 6.9/10, 3.7 miles away, in nearby Valley Center), which scores notably higher. Another option is Reidy Creek Elementary (rated 6.8/10, 11.2 miles away, in nearby Escondido), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Vivian Banks Charter (rated 6.4/10, 5.4 miles away, in nearby Pala), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Pauma Valley, see our Pauma Valley schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 10.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Oak Glen High Valley Center | 2.8 mi | 6.9 |
| Valley Center High Valley Center | 2.8 mi | 5.5 |
| All Tribes Elementary Charter Valley Center | 3.7 mi | 6.9 |
| All Tribes Charter Valley Center | 3.7 mi | 7.4 |
| Morning Star Ranch Training Program Valley Center | 3.8 mi | — |
| Ambleside Academy Valley Center | 4.9 mi | — |
| Valley Center Primary Valley Center | 5.3 mi | 3.4 |
| Valley Center Elementary Valley Center | 5.7 mi | 3.0 |
| Valley Center Prep Valley Center | 5.7 mi | 4.1 |
| Vivian Banks Charter Pala | 5.4 mi | 6.4 |
| Lilac Valley Center | 5.6 mi | 3.1 |
| Valley Center Middle Valley Center | 6.4 mi | 2.9 |
| Great Oak High Temecula | 10.8 mi | 7.6 |
| Tony Tobin Elementary Temecula | 11.3 mi | 6.3 |
| Valley High (Continuation) Escondido | 11.5 mi | 5.7 |
| Reidy Creek Elementary Escondido | 11.2 mi | 6.8 |
| Helen Hunt Jackson Elementary Temecula | 11.3 mi | 6.1 |
| Orange Glen Elementary Escondido | 11.9 mi | 5.2 |
| Norman L. Sullivan Middle Bonsall | 10.1 mi | 6.3 |
| Bonsall High Bonsall | 10.1 mi | 6.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 92061 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$92,500
Median Home Value
$785,100
Population
1,693
College Educated
42.9%
Homeownership
86.3%
Poverty Rate
9.3%
Median Age
55.6
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Arroyo Elementary Simi Valley, CA | 3.6 |
| Carl B. Munck Elementary Oakland, CA | 3.6 |
| Cordova Meadows Elementary Rancho Cordova, CA | 3.6 |
| Drew (Charles) College Preparatory Academy San Francisco, CA | 3.6 |
| Grayson Elementary Westley, CA | 3.6 |
| Manhattan Place Elementary Los Angeles, CA | 3.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pauma Elementary
What grades does Pauma Elementary serve?
Pauma Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
How many students attend Pauma Elementary?
Pauma Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 260 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Pauma Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Pauma Elementary is 21.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Pauma Elementary rank in CA?
Pauma Elementary ranks #8,897 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is Pauma Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Pauma Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.6 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 Pauma Elementary?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Pauma Elementary has 16% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 28% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Pauma Elementary a charter school?
No, Pauma Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Pauma Elementary a Title I school?
No, Pauma Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Pauma Elementary?
76.9% of students at Pauma 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.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 8th
- Enrollment
- 260
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 12
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 76.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- San Diego County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 53.8%
- Phone
- (760) 742-3741
Resources & Links
District
Valley Center-Pauma Unified- District Enrollment
- 3,711
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,832
- District Rank
- #4 of 8
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.