Sherman Thomas Stem Academy

Sherman Thomas STEM Academy serves 76 middle school students in grades 6-8 as a charter school in Madera, California. With just 2 full-time equivalent teachers, the school operates with a student-teacher ratio of 38:1, creating a unique educational environment focused on STEM learning. The academy demonstrates strong academic performance, earning an impressive 8.1 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating and ranking in the 89th percentile among California schools at #1011 out of 9566 statewide.

Students show solid achievement across core subjects, with 81% reaching proficiency or above in English Language Arts and 73% meeting or exceeding standards in mathematics. These academic results are particularly noteworthy given the school's community context in ZIP code 93638, where the median household income is $58,200 and nearly 30% of residents live below the poverty line. Only 8% of area residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, making the school's strong performance especially meaningful for families seeking quality STEM education.

The median home value of $277,800 reflects the area's affordability compared to much of California. Sherman Thomas STEM Academy is situated in Madera's small suburban setting, providing a focused learning environment where students can develop strong foundations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while serving a diverse community of over 51,000 residents.

With an enrollment of 76 students, Sherman Thomas Stem Academy is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

The student-teacher ratio at Sherman Thomas Stem Academy is 38:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Sherman Thomas Stem Academy is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.