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Below Average

#8354 of 9,539 schools in CA

Plainsburg Union Elementary

Elementary School · Plainsburg Union Elementary

3708 South Plainsburg Rd., Merced, CA 95341

Enrollment

107

Student-Teacher

26.8:1

Score

4.2

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#8,354 of 9,539

In Merced

#30 of 37

public schools

Academic performance

7.0 / 10

Very Good

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Plainsburg Union Elementary

4.2/10

Elementary School in Merced · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Cesar E. Chavez Middle

8.1/10

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

Planada Elementary

5.7/10

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

About Plainsburg Union Elementary

Plainsburg Union Elementary is a public elementary school in Merced, CA, part of Plainsburg Union Elementary. Plainsburg Union Elementary serves approximately 107 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 26.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Plainsburg Union Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #8,354 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Plainsburg Union Elementary show 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares2.0 pts below CA schools
  • This school 4.2 · Below Average
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

At 107 students, Plainsburg Union Elementary 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.

Plainsburg Union Elementary runs 26.8:1 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.

Plainsburg Union 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.0Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-2.39 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics7.0Very Good30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency33.8% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency52.7% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-11.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+9.9 pts
Overall Proficiency43% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)44% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-1.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile56th
Resources & Environment3.2Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio26.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,111
Chronic Absenteeism16.8%

Plainsburg Union Elementary — Students at Plainsburg Union Elementary score 43% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

53.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 35.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
37.2% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 51.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
45.8% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 38 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
67%
ELA
67%
2010
Math
62%
ELA
67%
2011
Math
67%
ELA
67%
2012
Math
62%
ELA
62%
2014
Math
27%
ELA
52%
2015
Math
22%
ELA
47%
2016
Math
22%
ELA
42%
2017
Math
22%
ELA
42%
2018
Math
22%
ELA
42%
2019
Math
22%
ELA
42%
2020*
Math
27%
ELA
47%
2021*
Math
27%
ELA
47%
2022
Math
25%
ELA
41.7%
2024
Math
33%
ELA
51.6%

* 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: 3.0/10.

How Plainsburg Union Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
4.2/10
12th percentile in CA
Academic
7.0/10
Very Good
Growth
3.0/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
3.2/10
Needs Improvement

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
53%
Teaching Staff
27:1 student-teacher ratio
4 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
16.8%

Location

3708 South Plainsburg Rd., Merced, CA 95341

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Plainsburg Union Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Le Grand Elementary (rated 6.8/10, 4.0 miles away, in nearby Le Grand), which scores notably higher. Another option is ST PAUL SCHOOL (rated 5.8/10, 8.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Planada Elementary (rated 5.7/10, 3.9 miles away, in nearby Planada), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Merced, see our Merced schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 9.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Cesar E. Chavez Middle Planada 3.6 mi 8.1
Planada Elementary Planada 3.9 mi 5.7
Le Grand High Le Grand 3.9 mi 7.8
Granada High Le Grand 3.9 mi 7.7
Le Grand Elementary Le Grand 4.0 mi 6.8
Pioneer Elementary Merced 6.9 mi 5.6
Weaver Middle Merced 7.1 mi 5.1
Stephens Elementary Chowchilla 8.3 mi 5.2
Merle L. Fuller Elementary Chowchilla 8.4 mi 5.6
Wilson Middle Chowchilla 8.7 mi 6.4
Ronald Reagan Elementary Chowchilla 8.4 mi 5.6
Chowchilla Union High Chowchilla 8.9 mi 5.0
Gateway High (Continuation) Chowchilla 8.9 mi 2.9
Golden Valley High Merced 7.9 mi 6.0
St. Paul Lutheran School Merced 8.5 mi
ST PAUL SCHOOL Merced 8.5 mi 5.8
Ada Givens Elementary Merced 8.7 mi 5.1
Our Lady of Mercy Merced 8.8 mi
Charles Wright Elementary Merced 8.8 mi 4.1
Donn B. Chenoweth Elementary Merced 9.2 mi 4.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 95341 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$55,516

Median Home Value

$295,300

Median Rent

$1,172/mo

Population

34,956

College Educated

7.8%

Homeownership

39.3%

Avg Commute

29.7 min

Poverty Rate

27.3%

Median Age

27.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
ANTELOPE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Antelope, CA 4.2
Alta-Dutch Flat Elementary Alta, CA 4.2
CARLSBAD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Carlsbad, CA 4.2
ESCUELA PLUS ELEMENTARY Los Angeles, CA 4.2
KERMAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Kerman, CA 4.2
Mt. Baldy Joint Elementary Mt. Baldy, CA 4.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Plainsburg Union Elementary

What grades does Plainsburg Union Elementary serve?

Plainsburg Union Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

How many students attend Plainsburg Union Elementary?

Plainsburg Union Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 107 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Plainsburg Union Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Plainsburg Union Elementary is 26.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Plainsburg Union Elementary rank in CA?

Plainsburg Union Elementary ranks #8,354 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Plainsburg Union Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Plainsburg Union 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 Plainsburg Union Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Plainsburg Union Elementary has 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Plainsburg Union Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Plainsburg Union Elementary a Title I school?

No, Plainsburg Union Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

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

53.3% of students at Plainsburg Union 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
3 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
30 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
107
Student-Teacher Ratio
26.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
4
Free/Reduced Lunch
53.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Merced County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
16.8%

District

Plainsburg Union Elementary
District Enrollment
107
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,111
District Rank
#1 of 1

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