Skip to main content

Excellent

#1032 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 11% in state

Ponderosa Elementary

Elementary School · Santa Clara Unified

804 Ponderosa Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Enrollment

513

Student-Teacher

22.3:1

Score

8.4

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#1,032 of 9,539

In Sunnyvale

#8 of 18

public schools

In district

#11 of 28

Santa Clara Unified

School environment

9.2 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Ponderosa 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.

Ponderosa Elementary

8.4/10

Elementary School in Sunnyvale · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Braly Elementary

8.4/10

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

Marian A. Peterson Middle

8.5/10

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

About Ponderosa Elementary

Ponderosa Elementary is a public elementary school in Sunnyvale, CA, part of Santa Clara Unified. Ponderosa Elementary serves approximately 513 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 22.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Ponderosa Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.4 out of 10 and ranks #1,032 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Ponderosa Elementary show 65% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.6 pts above district
  • This school 8.4 · Excellent
  • District avg 7.8
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Ponderosa Elementary runs 22.3:1 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 · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress8.4Excellent50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-0.64 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics7.8Very Good30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency58.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency59.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg+12.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+16.3 pts
Overall Proficiency59% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)59% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-0.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile67th
Resources & Environment9.2Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$27,283
Chronic Absenteeism16.6%

Ponderosa Elementary — Students at Ponderosa Elementary score 59% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 59%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

26.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 65.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
39.4% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 63.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
45.3% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 30 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
73%
ELA
67%
2010
Math
75%
ELA
64%
2011
Math
75%
ELA
66%
2012
Math
75%
ELA
71%
2014
Math
59%
ELA
56%
2015
Math
60%
ELA
59%
2016
Math
62%
ELA
60%
2017
Math
64%
ELA
67%
2018
Math
73%
ELA
70%
2019
Math
73%
ELA
70%
2022
Math
57%
ELA
60.4%
2024
Math
58%
ELA
59.1%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.4/10.

How Ponderosa Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
8.4/10
89th percentile in CA
Academic
7.8/10
Very Good
Growth
8.4/10
Excellent
Environment
9.2/10
Excellent

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
27%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
23 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
16.6%

Location

804 Ponderosa Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Ponderosa Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Laurelwood Elementary (rated 9.3/10, 1.4 miles away, in nearby Santa Clara), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Braly Elementary (rated 8.4/10, 0.6 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Briarwood Elementary (rated 8.3/10, 1.2 miles away, in nearby Santa Clara), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Sunnyvale, see our Sunnyvale schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Braly Elementary Sunnyvale 0.6 mi 8.4
Marian A. Peterson Middle Sunnyvale 0.9 mi 8.5
ST LAWRENCE ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL Santa Clara 0.7 mi 6.7
St. Lawrence School Santa Clara 0.8 mi
New Valley Continuation High Santa Clara 0.8 mi 7.2
Ellis Elementary Sunnyvale 1.0 mi 8.0
STRATFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL Sunnyvale 1.2 mi 6.1
SILICON VALLEY ACADEMY Sunnyvale 1.2 mi 7.4
SANTA CLARA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Santa Clara 1.0 mi 7.2
Helios School Sunnyvale 1.0 mi
Laurelwood Elementary Santa Clara 1.4 mi 9.3
Briarwood Elementary Santa Clara 1.2 mi 8.3
KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Sunnyvale 1.4 mi
Adrian Wilcox High Santa Clara 1.2 mi 7.8
THE KING'S ACADEMY Sunnyvale 1.7 mi 4.9
RAINBOW MONTESSORI Sunnyvale 1.7 mi 7.1
Rainbow Montessori Sunnyvale 1.7 mi
CHAMPION KINDER INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Sunnyvale 1.4 mi
Pomeroy Elementary Santa Clara 1.5 mi 5.2
Louis E. Stocklmeir Elementary Sunnyvale 1.6 mi 7.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 94086 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$180,217

Median Home Value

$1,784,200

Median Rent

$2,923/mo

Population

48,956

College Educated

70.2%

Homeownership

30.8%

Avg Commute

24 min

Poverty Rate

6.5%

Median Age

33.5

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Acacia Elementary Fullerton, CA 8.4
Ada Clegg Elementary Huntington Beach, CA 8.4
Anaheim Hills Elementary Anaheim, CA 8.4
Ashley Falls Elementary San Diego, CA 8.4
Bradley Elementary San Bernardino, CA 8.4
Braly Elementary Sunnyvale, CA 8.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Ponderosa Elementary

What grades does Ponderosa Elementary serve?

Ponderosa Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Ponderosa Elementary?

Ponderosa Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 513 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Ponderosa Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Ponderosa Elementary is 22.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Ponderosa Elementary rank in CA?

Ponderosa Elementary ranks #1,032 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Ponderosa Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Ponderosa Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.4 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 Ponderosa Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Ponderosa Elementary has 65% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Ponderosa Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Ponderosa Elementary a Title I school?

No, Ponderosa Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

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

26.7% of students at Ponderosa 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
54 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
41 Some Transit
Bike Score
74 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
513
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
23
Free/Reduced Lunch
26.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Santa Clara County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
16.6%

District

Santa Clara Unified
District Enrollment
14,236
Schools in District
30
Per-Pupil Spending
$27,283
District Rank
#11 of 28

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 rate

Related reading

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.