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Average

#7315 of 9,539 schools in CA

Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary

Elementary School · San Diego Unified

3510 Newton Ave., San Diego, CA 92113

Enrollment

419

Student-Teacher

20.9:1

Score

5.0

Grades

Kindergarten – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#7,315 of 9,539

In San Diego

#233 of 288

public schools

In district

#149 of 174

San Diego Unified

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Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary

5.0/10

Elementary School in San Diego · grades Kindergarten – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Mountain View

8.4/10

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

Cristo Rey San Diego High School

Nearby

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

About Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary

Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary is a public elementary school in San Diego, CA, part of San Diego Unified. Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary serves approximately 419 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-6th, and has a 20.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 out of 10 and ranks #7,315 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary show 28% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 29% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.9 pts below district
  • This school 5.0 · Average
  • District avg 6.9
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary runs 20.9:1 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.

57% of students at Ralph Waldo Emerson 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 metrics
Student Progress5.5Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-1.6 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics4.4Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency15.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency21.2% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-30.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-21.6 pts
Overall Proficiency18% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)20% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-2.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile25th
Resources & Environment4.8Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$20,828
Chronic Absenteeism57%

Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary — Students at Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary score 18% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 20%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

95.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 28.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
39.4% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 28.8% (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

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
43%
ELA
31%
2010
Math
47%
ELA
40%
2011
Math
47%
ELA
39%
2012
Math
55%
ELA
42%
2014
Math
17%
ELA
19%
2015
Math
24%
ELA
32%
2016
Math
27%
ELA
24%
2017
Math
30%
ELA
31%
2018
Math
29%
ELA
32%
2019
Math
29%
ELA
32%
2022
Math
15.4%
ELA
25.5%
2024
Math
14.6%
ELA
21%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.5/10.

How Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary Compares

See how Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.0/10
23th percentile in CA
Academic
4.4/10
Below Average
Growth
5.5/10
Average
Environment
4.8/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
96%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
20 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
57.0%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

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

Location

3510 Newton Ave., San Diego, CA 92113

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Mountain View (rated 8.4/10, 0.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is King-Chavez Academy of Excellence (rated 7.9/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Golden Hill K-8 (rated 7.4/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in San Diego, see our San Diego schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Mountain View San Diego 0.2 mi 8.4
Cristo Rey San Diego High School San Diego 0.3 mi
CRISTO REY SAN DIEGO HIGH SCHOOL San Diego 0.3 mi 6.5
Rodriguez Elementary San Diego 0.6 mi 5.1
Chavez Elementary San Diego 0.6 mi 5.7
Baker Elementary San Diego 0.6 mi 4.9
Balboa Elementary San Diego 0.8 mi 6.3
Logan Memorial Educational Campus San Diego 1.0 mi 3.6
King-Chavez Primary Academy San Diego 1.1 mi 3.1
King-Chavez Arts and Athletics Academy San Diego 1.1 mi 4.7
King-Chavez Academy of Excellence San Diego 1.1 mi 7.9
Kimbrough Elementary San Diego 1.3 mi 4.1
King-Chavez Preparatory Academy San Diego 1.3 mi 6.5
Burbank Elementary San Diego 1.3 mi 4.3
Integrity Charter National City 1.5 mi 3.1
Golden Hill K-8 San Diego 1.6 mi 7.4
MT ERIE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY San Diego 1.4 mi 5.5
Mt. Erie Christian Academy San Diego 1.4 mi
Chollas/Mead Elementary San Diego 1.6 mi 5.7
Central Elementary National City 1.6 mi 4.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 92113 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$59,177

Median Home Value

$559,100

Median Rent

$1,608/mo

Population

49,047

College Educated

11%

Homeownership

28.7%

Avg Commute

26.4 min

Poverty Rate

21.5%

Median Age

32

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Ambassador School-Global Education Los Angeles, CA 5.0
Baldwin Lane Elementary Big Bear Lake, CA 5.0
Ballico-Cressey Community Charter Ballico, CA 5.0
Blythe Street Elementary Reseda, CA 5.0
Burton Elementary Porterville, CA 5.0
Canoga Park Elementary Canoga Park, CA 5.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary

What grades does Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary serve?

Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 6th.

How many students attend Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary?

Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 419 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary is 20.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary rank in CA?

Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary ranks #7,315 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 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 Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary has 28% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 29% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary a Title I school?

No, Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary?

95.7% of students at Ralph Waldo Emerson 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
71 Very Walkable
Transit Score
52 Good Transit
Bike Score
62 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
419
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
20
Free/Reduced Lunch
95.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
San Diego County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
57.0%

District

San Diego Unified
District Enrollment
95,492
Schools in District
175
Per-Pupil Spending
$20,828
District Rank
#149 of 174

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