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Below Average

#7505 of 9,539 schools in CA

Sierra Expeditionary Learning

Elementary School · Sierra Expeditionary Learning District

11603 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee, CA 96161

Charter

Enrollment

215

Student-Teacher

23.9:1

Score

4.8

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#7,505 of 9,539

In Truckee

#6 of 6

public schools

Equity

8.0 / 10

Excellent

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Sierra Expeditionary Learning

4.8/10

Elementary School in Truckee · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Cold Stream Alternative

Nearby

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

Sierra High (continuation)

5.6/10

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

About Sierra Expeditionary Learning

Sierra Expeditionary Learning is a public elementary school in Truckee, CA, part of Sierra Expeditionary Learning District. Sierra Expeditionary Learning serves approximately 215 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 23.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Sierra Expeditionary Learning has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10 and ranks #7,505 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Sierra Expeditionary Learning show 59% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 65% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

How it compares1.4 pts below CA schools
  • This school 4.8 · Below Average
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Sierra Expeditionary Learning runs 23.9:1 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.

Sierra Expeditionary Learning is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.8Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data6
Annual Change-2.48 pts/yr
Data Period2018–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics7.7Very Good30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency55.6% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency61.8% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg+9.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+19 pts
Overall Proficiency59% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)61% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-2.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile65th
Resources & Environment5.3Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio23.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,033
Chronic Absenteeism4.7%

Sierra Expeditionary Learning — Students at Sierra Expeditionary Learning score 59% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 61%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

23.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 59.3% (multi-year average, 2018-2024)
School
State
36.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 64.7% (multi-year average, 2018-2024)
School
State
45.8% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 24 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2018
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2019
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2020*
Math
62%
ELA
67%
2021*
Math
62%
ELA
67%
2022
Math
55.9%
ELA
65.5%
2024
Math
55.5%
ELA
61.8%

* 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: 2.8/10.

How Sierra Expeditionary Learning Compares

See how Sierra Expeditionary Learning performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.8/10
21th percentile in CA
Academic
7.7/10
Very Good
Growth
2.8/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
5.3/10
Average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
23%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
9 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
4.7%

Location

11603 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee, CA 96161

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Sierra Expeditionary Learning may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Donner Trail Elementary (rated 9.8/10, 13.2 miles away, in nearby Soda Springs), which scores notably higher. Another option is Glenshire Elementary (rated 9.1/10, 6.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Tahoe Lake Elementary (rated 7.8/10, 11.0 miles away, in nearby Tahoe City), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Truckee, see our Truckee schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 13.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Cold Stream Alternative Truckee 0.2 mi
Sierra High (Continuation) Truckee 0.2 mi 5.6
Tahoe Truckee High Truckee 0.4 mi 7.4
Truckee Elementary Truckee 0.6 mi 6.3
Wild River - Coldstream Campus Truckee 1.0 mi
Alder Creek Middle Truckee 2.2 mi 8.6
Tahoe Expedition Academy Truckee 2.8 mi
TAHOE EXPEDITION ACADEMY Truckee 3.0 mi 5.9
Wild River - Haskatasun Truckee 5.2 mi
Glenshire Elementary Truckee 6.4 mi 9.1
Lake Tahoe Preparatory School Olympic Valley 8.2 mi
LAKE TAHOE PREPATORY SCHOOL Olympic Valley 8.3 mi 7.8
SUGAR BOWL ACADEMY Norden 6.9 mi 6.9
Creekside Charter Olympic Valley 8.8 mi 7.7
North Tahoe High Tahoe City 10.1 mi 7.8
North Tahoe Middle Tahoe City 10.1 mi 8.2
Tahoe Lake Elementary Tahoe City 11.0 mi 7.8
ISchool Kings Beach 10.4 mi
Kings Beach Elementary King Beach 11.3 mi 7.3
Donner Trail Elementary Soda Springs 13.2 mi 9.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 96161 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$128,535

Median Home Value

$922,000

Median Rent

$2,104/mo

Population

19,231

College Educated

60.4%

Homeownership

78.6%

Avg Commute

21.9 min

Poverty Rate

6.9%

Median Age

43.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Antioch Charter Academy Antioch, CA 4.8
Horace Mann Elementary San Jose, CA 4.8
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL Los Angeles, CA 4.8
LODI CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Acampo, CA 4.8
Loyalton Elementary Loyalton, CA 4.8
Lucerne Elementary Lucerne, CA 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Sierra Expeditionary Learning

What grades does Sierra Expeditionary Learning serve?

Sierra Expeditionary Learning serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

How many students attend Sierra Expeditionary Learning?

Sierra Expeditionary Learning has an enrollment of approximately 215 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Sierra Expeditionary Learning?

The student-teacher ratio at Sierra Expeditionary Learning is 23.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Sierra Expeditionary Learning rank in CA?

Sierra Expeditionary Learning ranks #7,505 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Sierra Expeditionary Learning's MySchoolScout rating?

Sierra Expeditionary Learning has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 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 Sierra Expeditionary Learning?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Sierra Expeditionary Learning has 59% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 65% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

Is Sierra Expeditionary Learning a charter school?

Yes, Sierra Expeditionary Learning is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Sierra Expeditionary Learning a Title I school?

No, Sierra Expeditionary Learning is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Sierra Expeditionary Learning?

23.3% of students at Sierra Expeditionary Learning 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
63 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
83 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
215
Student-Teacher Ratio
23.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
9
Free/Reduced Lunch
23.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Town
County
Nevada County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
4.7%

District

Sierra Expeditionary Learning District
District Enrollment
215
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,033
District Rank
#1 of 1

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