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Below Average

#8200 of 9,539 schools in CA

Rucker Elementary

Elementary School · Gilroy Unified

325 Santa Clara Ave., Gilroy, CA 95020

Enrollment

508

Student-Teacher

28.2:1

Score

4.3

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#8,200 of 9,539

In Gilroy

#10 of 14

public schools

In district

#10 of 14

Gilroy Unified

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Rucker Elementary

4.3/10

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

Christopher High

6.2/10

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

Rod Kelley Elementary

5.6/10

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

About Rucker Elementary

Rucker Elementary is a public elementary school in Gilroy, CA, part of Gilroy Unified. Rucker Elementary serves approximately 508 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 28.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Rucker Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 out of 10 and ranks #8,200 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Rucker Elementary show 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 43% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 4.3 · Below Average
  • District avg 4.4
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Rucker Elementary runs 28.2:1 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.

35% of students at Rucker 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 Progress4.3Below Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-1.96 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.8Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency32.8% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency31.7% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-12.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-11.1 pts
Overall Proficiency32% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)36% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-3.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile41th
Resources & Environment2.1Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio28.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,984
Chronic Absenteeism34.8%

Rucker Elementary — Students at Rucker Elementary score 32% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

68.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 45.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
39.4% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 42.9% (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
63%
ELA
56%
2010
Math
69%
ELA
58%
2011
Math
62%
ELA
56%
2012
Math
61%
ELA
56%
2014
Math
43%
ELA
38%
2015
Math
37%
ELA
40%
2016
Math
37%
ELA
38%
2017
Math
47%
ELA
51%
2018
Math
48%
ELA
45%
2019
Math
48%
ELA
45%
2022
Math
30.6%
ELA
35.7%
2024
Math
32.6%
ELA
31.3%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.3/10.

How Rucker Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
4.3/10
14th percentile in CA
Academic
5.8/10
Average
Growth
4.3/10
Below Average
Environment
2.1/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
68%
Teaching Staff
28:1 student-teacher ratio
18 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
34.8%

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

325 Santa Clara Ave., Gilroy, CA 95020

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Rucker Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Las Animas Elementary (rated 6.9/10, 4.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Paradise Valley Engineering Academy (rated 6.5/10, 4.9 miles away, in nearby Morgan Hill), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ST MARY SCHOOL (rated 6.3/10, 2.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Gilroy, see our Gilroy schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 5.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Christopher High Gilroy 1.4 mi 6.2
Rod Kelley Elementary Gilroy 2.3 mi 5.6
Luigi Aprea Elementary Gilroy 2.2 mi 4.0
Mt. Madonna High Gilroy 2.4 mi 3.6
San Martin Gwinn Environmental Science Academy San Martin 2.7 mi 3.4
ST MARY SCHOOL Gilroy 2.8 mi 6.3
St. Mary, Gilroy Gilroy 2.9 mi
South Valley Middle Gilroy 2.8 mi 5.6
Gilroy Prep (a Navigator School) Hollister 2.9 mi 3.8
Brownell Middle Gilroy 3.0 mi 7.1
El Roble Elementary Gilroy 3.2 mi 4.4
Eliot Elementary Gilroy 3.6 mi 2.9
Solorsano Middle Gilroy 3.7 mi 5.5
Glen View Elementary Gilroy 3.8 mi 3.0
Gilroy High Gilroy 4.1 mi 6.0
Las Animas Elementary Gilroy 4.5 mi 6.9
Paradise Valley Engineering Academy Morgan Hill 4.9 mi 6.5
SPRING ACADEMY Gilroy 4.7 mi
Barrett Elementary Morgan Hill 5.3 mi 4.5
Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy Gilroy 5.7 mi 7.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 95020 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$134,242

Median Home Value

$1,005,600

Median Rent

$2,256/mo

Population

67,945

College Educated

27.9%

Homeownership

64.2%

Avg Commute

34.4 min

Poverty Rate

7.4%

Median Age

36.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Avocado Elementary La Mesa, CA 4.3
Aynesworth Elementary Fresno, CA 4.3
B. Gale Wilson Middle Fairfield, CA 4.3
Barton (Clara) Elementary Anaheim, CA 4.3
Bear Gulch Elementary Rancho Cucamonga, CA 4.3
Bidwell Elementary Red Bluff, CA 4.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Rucker Elementary

What grades does Rucker Elementary serve?

Rucker Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Rucker Elementary?

Rucker Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 508 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Rucker Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Rucker Elementary is 28.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Rucker Elementary rank in CA?

Rucker Elementary ranks #8,200 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Rucker Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Rucker Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 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 Rucker Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Rucker Elementary has 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 43% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Rucker Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Rucker Elementary a Title I school?

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

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

68.1% of students at Rucker 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
15 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
30 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
508
Student-Teacher Ratio
28.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
18
Free/Reduced Lunch
68.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize Suburb
County
Santa Clara County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
34.8%

District

Gilroy Unified
District Enrollment
10,244
Schools in District
15
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,984
District Rank
#10 of 14

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