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Average

#7140 of 9,539 schools in CA

Rancho Elementary

Elementary School · Novato Unified

1430 Johnson St., Novato, CA 94947

Enrollment

349

Student-Teacher

23.3:1

Score

5.1

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#7,140 of 9,539

In Novato

#12 of 15

public schools

In district

#11 of 14

Novato Unified

Equity

8.8 / 10

Excellent

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Rancho Elementary

5.1/10

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

Novato High

6.7/10

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

Marin Oaks High

6.3/10

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

About Rancho Elementary

Rancho Elementary is a public elementary school in Novato, CA, part of Novato Unified. Rancho Elementary serves approximately 349 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 23.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Rancho Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10 and ranks #7,140 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Rancho Elementary show 65% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.3 pts below district
  • This school 5.1 · Average
  • District avg 5.4
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Rancho Elementary runs 23.3:1 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 Progress2.4Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-2.68 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics8.6Excellent30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency60% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency61.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg+14.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+18.3 pts
Overall Proficiency61% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)52% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+8.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile79th
Resources & Environment6.5Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio23.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,083
Chronic Absenteeism14.9%

Rancho Elementary — Students at Rancho Elementary score 61% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 52%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

39.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 65.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
39.4% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 67.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
45.3% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 34 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
93%
ELA
85%
2010
Math
93%
ELA
89%
2011
Math
92%
ELA
90%
2012
Math
86%
ELA
84%
2014
Math
68%
ELA
67%
2015
Math
63%
ELA
67%
2016
Math
58%
ELA
59%
2017
Math
57%
ELA
57%
2018
Math
52%
ELA
62%
2019
Math
52%
ELA
62%
2020*
Math
52%
ELA
57%
2021*
Math
52%
ELA
57%
2022
Math
51.9%
ELA
62.1%
2024
Math
59.9%
ELA
62%

* 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: 2.4/10.

How Rancho Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
5.1/10
25th percentile in CA
Academic
8.6/10
Excellent
Growth
2.4/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
6.5/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
39%
Teaching Staff
23:1 student-teacher ratio
15 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
14.9%

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

1430 Johnson St., Novato, CA 94947

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Rancho Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Olive Elementary (rated 7.0/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Lucas Valley Elementary (rated 7.0/10, 4.6 miles away, in nearby San Rafael), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Novato Charter (rated 6.9/10, 3.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Novato, see our Novato schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Novato High Novato 0.4 mi 6.7
Marin Oaks High Novato 0.4 mi 6.3
Nova Education Center Novato 0.4 mi 6.5
NORTH BAY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Novato 0.4 mi
Marin Christian Academy North Campus Novato 0.4 mi
Marin Christian Academy Main Campus Novato 0.7 mi
Lynwood Elementary Novato 0.7 mi 3.8
Lu Sutton Elementary Novato 1.1 mi 4.3
San Jose Middle Novato 1.3 mi 6.7
GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN SCHOOL Novato 1.2 mi 5.7
Olive Elementary Novato 1.2 mi 7.0
Sinaloa Middle Novato 1.6 mi 6.9
Loma Verde Elementary Novato 2.5 mi 5.8
San Ramon Elementary Novato 2.5 mi 6.8
Pleasant Valley Elementary Novato 2.5 mi 6.7
San Marin High Novato 2.7 mi 7.9
Hamilton TK-8 Novato 3.6 mi 3.9
Novato Charter Novato 3.7 mi 6.9
Mary E. Silveira Elementary San Rafael 4.2 mi 5.8
Lucas Valley Elementary San Rafael 4.6 mi 7.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 94947 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$126,690

Median Home Value

$995,000

Median Rent

$2,526/mo

Population

24,360

College Educated

47.5%

Homeownership

69.6%

Avg Commute

26.1 min

Poverty Rate

9.5%

Median Age

47.5

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Albert Baxter Elementary Bellflower, CA 5.1
Allan Orrenmaa Elementary Riverside, CA 5.1
Alta Sierra Elementary Grass Valley, CA 5.1
Arovista Elementary Brea, CA 5.1
Ayers Elementary Concord, CA 5.1
Booker T. Washington Elementary El Centro, CA 5.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Rancho Elementary

What grades does Rancho Elementary serve?

Rancho Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Rancho Elementary?

Rancho Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 349 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Rancho Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Rancho Elementary is 23.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Rancho Elementary rank in CA?

Rancho Elementary ranks #7,140 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Rancho Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Rancho Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 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 Rancho Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Rancho Elementary has 65% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Rancho Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Rancho Elementary a Title I school?

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

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

39.3% of students at Rancho 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
29 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
38 Some Transit
Bike Score
46 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
349
Student-Teacher Ratio
23.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
15
Free/Reduced Lunch
39.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Marin County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
14.9%

District

Novato Unified
District Enrollment
7,209
Schools in District
15
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,083
District Rank
#11 of 14

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