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Below Average

#7613 of 9,539 schools in CA

Sierra Preparatory Academy

Elementary School · Santa Ana Unified

2021 North Grand Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705

Enrollment

776

Student-Teacher

18.5:1

Score

4.8

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#7,613 of 9,539

In Santa Ana

#56 of 73

public schools

In district

#38 of 51

Santa Ana Unified

School environment

9.1 / 10

Excellent

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Sierra Preparatory Academy

4.8/10

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

Citrus Springs Charter

4.2/10

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

Ednovate - Legacy College Prep.

7.5/10

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

About Sierra Preparatory Academy

Sierra Preparatory Academy is a public elementary school in Santa Ana, CA, part of Santa Ana Unified. Sierra Preparatory Academy serves approximately 776 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 18.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Sierra Preparatory Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10 and ranks #7,613 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Sierra Preparatory Academy show 18% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 24% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 4.8 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.0
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

30% of students at Sierra Preparatory Academy 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 Data13
Annual Change-1.97 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics2.9Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency9.3% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency17% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-36.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-25.8 pts
Overall Proficiency13% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)26% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-13.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile11th
Resources & Environment9.1Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$22,309
Chronic Absenteeism30.3%

Sierra Preparatory Academy — Students at Sierra Preparatory Academy score 13% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 26%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

85.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 17.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
36.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 23.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
45.8% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 38 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
30%
ELA
27%
2010
Math
35%
ELA
31%
2011
Math
31%
ELA
31%
2012
Math
33%
ELA
36%
2013
Math
64.5%
ELA
74.5%
2014
Math
13%
ELA
18%
2015
Math
11%
ELA
19%
2016
Math
9%
ELA
19%
2017
Math
11%
ELA
15%
2018
Math
9%
ELA
19%
2019
Math
9%
ELA
19%
2022
Math
6%
ELA
17.3%
2024
Math
11%
ELA
17.2%

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

How Sierra Preparatory Academy Compares

See how Sierra Preparatory Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.8/10
20th percentile in CA
Academic
2.9/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
4.3/10
Below Average
Environment
9.1/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
85%
Teaching Staff
19:1 student-teacher ratio
42 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
30.3%

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

2021 North Grand Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Sierra Preparatory Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. John Muir Fundamental Elementary (rated 7.1/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Wallace R. Davis Elementary (rated 6.6/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 6.6/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Santa Ana, see our Santa Ana schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Citrus Springs Charter Temecula 0.2 mi 4.2
Ednovate - Legacy College Prep. Santa Ana 0.3 mi 7.5
IRVINE HEBREW DAY SCHOOL Santa Ana 0.3 mi 6.0
IRVINE HEBREW DAY SCHOOL Santa Ana 0.3 mi 5.9
John Muir Fundamental Elementary Santa Ana 0.4 mi 7.1
CALIFORNIA KIDS CENTERS Santa Ana 0.5 mi
Fairhaven Elementary Santa Ana 0.8 mi 3.9
Advanced Learning Academy Santa Ana 0.8 mi 7.1
REACH Academy Santa Ana 0.9 mi 6.7
Wallace R. Davis Elementary Santa Ana 0.8 mi 6.6
Bloomington Pre-University Education Orange 0.8 mi
ST JOSEPH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Santa Ana 0.9 mi 3.5
Adelphia Classical Christian Academy Orange 1.0 mi
Garfield Elementary Santa Ana 1.0 mi 6.4
CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Santa Ana 1.1 mi 6.6
HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC SCHOOL Orange 1.2 mi 6.6
THE OPEN SCHOOL Santa Ana 1.1 mi 4.6
The Open School Santa Ana 1.1 mi
Raymond A. Villa Fundamental Intermediate Santa Ana 1.3 mi 5.4
OCSA Santa Ana 1.1 mi 8.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 92705 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$125,928

Median Home Value

$1,135,600

Median Rent

$2,250/mo

Population

48,680

College Educated

46.5%

Homeownership

61.5%

Avg Commute

24.3 min

Poverty Rate

9.4%

Median Age

39.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Addams Elementary Long Beach, CA 4.8
Ansgar Larsen Elementary Oxnard, CA 4.8
Bennett/Kew P-8 Leadership Academy of Excellence Inglewood, CA 4.8
Bonita Elementary Santa Maria, CA 4.8
Camino Real Elementary Jurupa Valley, CA 4.8
Christa McAuliffe Elementary Oceanside, CA 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Sierra Preparatory Academy

What grades does Sierra Preparatory Academy serve?

Sierra Preparatory Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

How many students attend Sierra Preparatory Academy?

Sierra Preparatory Academy has an enrollment of approximately 776 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Sierra Preparatory Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Sierra Preparatory Academy is 18.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Sierra Preparatory Academy rank in CA?

Sierra Preparatory Academy ranks #7,613 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Sierra Preparatory Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Sierra Preparatory Academy 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 Preparatory Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Sierra Preparatory Academy has 18% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 24% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Sierra Preparatory Academy a charter school?

No, Sierra Preparatory Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Sierra Preparatory Academy a Title I school?

No, Sierra Preparatory Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Sierra Preparatory Academy?

85.3% of students at Sierra Preparatory Academy 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
66 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
44 Some Transit
Bike Score
54 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
776
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
42
Free/Reduced Lunch
85.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Orange County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
30.3%

District

Santa Ana Unified
District Enrollment
38,031
Schools in District
52
Per-Pupil Spending
$22,309
District Rank
#38 of 51

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