Average
#5936 of 9,539 schools in CA
Ponderosa Elementary
Elementary School · South San Francisco Unified
295 Ponderosa Rd., South San Francisco, CA 94080
Enrollment
370
Student-Teacher
20.6:1
Score
5.8
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
370
Student-Teacher
20.6:1
Score
5.8
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#5,936 of 9,539
In South San Francisco
#6 of 12
public schools
In district
#9 of 15
South San Francisco Unified
School environment
8.5 / 10
Excellent
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Ponderosa Elementary
Elementary School in South San Francisco · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
St. Veronica Catholic School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
St Veronica Catholic School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Ponderosa Elementary
Ponderosa Elementary is a public elementary school in South San Francisco, CA, part of South San Francisco Unified. Ponderosa Elementary serves approximately 370 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 20.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Ponderosa Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.8 out of 10 and ranks #5,936 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for Ponderosa Elementary show 56% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 54% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 5.8 · Average
- District avg 5.7
- CA avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
Ponderosa Elementary runs 20.6:1 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Ponderosa Elementary — Students at Ponderosa Elementary score 50% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 56%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
32.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 36 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: 4.0/10.
How Ponderosa Elementary Compares
See how Ponderosa Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
295 Ponderosa Rd., South San Francisco, CA 94080
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Ponderosa Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Monte Verde Elementary (rated 9.0/10, 1.2 miles away, in nearby San Bruno), which scores notably higher. Another option is Buri Buri Elementary (rated 6.8/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, HILLSIDE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (rated 6.7/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in South San Francisco, see our South San Francisco schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| St. Veronica Catholic School South San Francisco | 0.2 mi | — |
| ST VERONICA CATHOLIC SCHOOL South San Francisco | 0.2 mi | 6.0 |
| Baden High (Continuation) South San Francisco | 0.3 mi | 5.6 |
| South San Francisco High South San Francisco | 0.4 mi | 6.9 |
| Los Cerritos Elementary South San Francisco | 0.5 mi | 3.5 |
| Buri Buri Elementary South San Francisco | 1.0 mi | 6.8 |
| Parkway Heights Middle South San Francisco | 1.2 mi | 5.5 |
| Building Kidz South San Francisco | 1.1 mi | — |
| Wings Learning Center San Bruno | 1.2 mi | — |
| Sunshine Gardens Elementary South San Francisco | 1.4 mi | 4.7 |
| SHILOH UNITED SCHOOL South San Francisco | 1.2 mi | 5.1 |
| Monte Verde Elementary San Bruno | 1.2 mi | 9.0 |
| ALL SOULS CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL South San Francisco | 1.2 mi | 5.8 |
| STRATFORD SCHOOL San Bruno | 1.5 mi | 6.2 |
| Spruce Elementary South San Francisco | 1.3 mi | 3.5 |
| El Camino High South San Francisco | 1.4 mi | 8.1 |
| Stratford School - San Bruno Crestmoor Canyon San Bruno | 1.5 mi | — |
| Alta Loma Middle South San Francisco | 1.4 mi | 6.8 |
| HILLSIDE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY South San Francisco | 1.6 mi | 6.7 |
| MILLS MONTESSORI South San Francisco | 1.7 mi | 6.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 94080 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$135,966
Median Home Value
$1,159,500
Median Rent
$2,840/mo
Population
65,036
College Educated
40.1%
Homeownership
60.8%
Avg Commute
27.1 min
Poverty Rate
7%
Median Age
42.3
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ALL SOULS CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL South San Francisco, CA | 5.8 |
| Albany Park Elementary Delano, CA | 5.8 |
| Arroyo Elementary Ontario, CA | 5.8 |
| BAIS CHAYA MUSHKA Los Angeles, CA | 5.8 |
| Bay Elementary San Lorenzo, CA | 5.8 |
| C. W. Dillard Elementary Wilton, CA | 5.8 |
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 370 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Ponderosa Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Ponderosa Elementary is 20.6:1. 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 #5,936 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is Ponderosa Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Ponderosa Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.8 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 56% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 54% 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?
32.7% 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.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 370
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 20.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 18
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 32.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- San Mateo County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 20.3%
- Phone
- (650) 877-8825
Resources & Links
District
South San Francisco Unified- District Enrollment
- 7,770
- Schools in District
- 17
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $18,850
- District Rank
- #9 of 15
Other Schools in This District
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