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Excellent

#1126 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 12% in state

San Rafael Elementary

Elementary School · Pasadena Unified

1090 Nithsdale Rd., Pasadena, CA 91105

Enrollment

393

Student-Teacher

24.6:1

Score

8.3

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#1,126 of 9,539

In Pasadena

#2 of 21

public schools

In district

#4 of 23

Pasadena Unified

Academic growth

9.6 / 10

Excellent

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San Rafael Elementary

8.3/10

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

Fusion Academy - Pasadena

8.1/10

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

Fusion Academy Pasadena

Nearby

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

About San Rafael Elementary

San Rafael Elementary is a public elementary school in Pasadena, CA, part of Pasadena Unified. San Rafael Elementary serves approximately 393 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 24.6:1 student-teacher ratio. San Rafael Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.3 out of 10 and ranks #1,126 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for San Rafael Elementary show 51% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.9 pts above district
  • This school 8.3 · Excellent
  • District avg 6.4
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

San Rafael Elementary runs 24.6:1 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 metrics
Student Progress9.6Excellent50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change+0.33 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics7.1Very Good30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency50.8% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency47.5% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg+5.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+4.7 pts
Overall Proficiency49% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)53% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-3.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile58th
Resources & Environment7.1Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio24.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$21,565
Chronic Absenteeism18.8%

San Rafael Elementary — Students at San Rafael Elementary score 49% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 53%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

38.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 50.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
39.4% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 52.4% (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
47%
ELA
37%
2010
Math
47%
ELA
42%
2011
Math
52%
ELA
47%
2012
Math
67%
ELA
57%
2014
Math
42%
ELA
47%
2015
Math
52%
ELA
62%
2016
Math
50%
ELA
61%
2017
Math
58%
ELA
65%
2018
Math
51%
ELA
61%
2019
Math
51%
ELA
61%
2022
Math
40.3%
ELA
55.5%
2024
Math
50.8%
ELA
47.7%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.6/10.

How San Rafael Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
8.3/10
88th percentile in CA
Academic
7.1/10
Very Good
Growth
9.6/10
Excellent
Environment
7.1/10
Very Good
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
38%
Teaching Staff
25:1 student-teacher ratio
16 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
18.8%

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

1090 Nithsdale Rd., Pasadena, CA 91105

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering San Rafael Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Rockdale Visual & Performing Arts Magnet (rated 8.9/10, 1.2 miles away, in nearby Los Angeles), which scores slightly higher. Another option is San Pascual Elem Sci Tech Engr Arts And Math (STEAM) Magnet (rated 8.5/10, 1.2 miles away, in nearby Los Angeles), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Garvanza Elementary (rated 7.5/10, 1.4 miles away, in nearby Los Angeles), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Pasadena, see our Pasadena schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.2 mi
School Distance Rating
FUSION ACADEMY - PASADENA Los Angeles 0.7 mi 8.1
Fusion Academy Pasadena Los Angeles 0.7 mi
Mayfield Senior School Pasadena 0.8 mi
MAYFIELD SENIOR SCHOOL Pasadena 0.8 mi 7.3
HILLSIDES EDUCATION CENTER Pasadena 0.9 mi 5.4
PUC CALS Middle School and Early College High Burbank 0.8 mi 7.2
Annandale Elementary Los Angeles 0.9 mi 5.3
Maranatha High School Pasadena 1.0 mi
MARANATHA HIGH SCHOOL Pasadena 1.0 mi 7.0
San Pascual Elem Sci Tech Engr Arts And Math (STEAM) Magnet Los Angeles 1.2 mi 8.5
WESTRIDGE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Pasadena 1.1 mi 8.1
SEQUOYAH Pasadena 1.1 mi 7.0
SEQUOYAH SCHOOL (HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS) Grove 1.2 mi 7.5
Sequoyah School Pasadena 1.1 mi
Luther Burbank Middle Los Angeles 1.3 mi 8.8
Westridge School for Girls Pasadena 1.2 mi
Westmoreland Academy Pasadena 1.3 mi
Garvanza Elementary Los Angeles 1.4 mi 7.5
Rockdale Visual & Performing Arts Magnet Los Angeles 1.2 mi 8.9
THE WAVERLY SCHOOL Pasadena 1.2 mi 7.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 91105 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$156,835

Median Home Value

$1,615,700

Median Rent

$2,988/mo

Population

12,546

College Educated

73.3%

Homeownership

53.2%

Avg Commute

26.5 min

Poverty Rate

7.6%

Median Age

47.5

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Adams Elementary Santa Barbara, CA 8.3
Alvarado Elementary San Francisco, CA 8.3
Anthony G. Bacich Elementary Kentfield, CA 8.3
Arbolita Elementary La Habra, CA 8.3
Briarwood Elementary Santa Clara, CA 8.3
CHANDLER SCHOOL Pasadena, CA 8.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about San Rafael Elementary

What grades does San Rafael Elementary serve?

San Rafael Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend San Rafael Elementary?

San Rafael Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 393 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at San Rafael Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at San Rafael Elementary is 24.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does San Rafael Elementary rank in CA?

San Rafael Elementary ranks #1,126 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is San Rafael Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

San Rafael Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.3 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 San Rafael Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, San Rafael Elementary has 51% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is San Rafael Elementary a charter school?

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

Is San Rafael Elementary a Title I school?

No, San Rafael Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

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

38.4% of students at San Rafael 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
31 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
39 Some Transit
Bike Score
32 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
393
Student-Teacher Ratio
24.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
16
Free/Reduced Lunch
38.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Los Angeles County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
18.8%

District

Pasadena Unified
District Enrollment
13,978
Schools in District
23
Per-Pupil Spending
$21,565
District Rank
#4 of 23

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