Skip to main content

Average

#5221 of 9,539 schools in CA

Smith River Elementary

Elementary School · Del Norte County Unified

134 First St., Smith River, CA 95567

Enrollment

233

Student-Teacher

25.9:1

Score

6.1

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#5,221 of 9,539

In district

#4 of 11

Del Norte County Unified

Academic growth

7.6 / 10

Very Good

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Smith River Elementary?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Smith River Elementary

6.1/10

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

Redwood Elementary

5.6/10

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

Sunset High

6.8/10

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

About Smith River Elementary

Smith River Elementary is a public elementary school in Smith River, CA, part of Del Norte County Unified. Smith River Elementary serves approximately 233 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 25.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Smith River Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 out of 10 and ranks #5,221 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Smith River Elementary show 26% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 35% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.2 pts above district
  • This school 6.1 · Average
  • District avg 4.9
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Smith River Elementary runs 25.9:1 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.

Smith River Elementary sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

32% of students at Smith River 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 Progress7.6Very Good50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-0.95 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics5.3Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency21.6% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency37.3% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-24.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-5.5 pts
Overall Proficiency29% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)36% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-6.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile34th
Resources & Environment3.8Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio25.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,219
Chronic Absenteeism32.2%

Smith River Elementary — Students at Smith River Elementary score 29% 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

68.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 25.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
36.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 35.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
45.8% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 36 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
42%
ELA
37%
2010
Math
37%
ELA
37%
2011
Math
37%
ELA
42%
2012
Math
47%
ELA
42%
2014
Math
17%
ELA
27%
2015
Math
17%
ELA
27%
2016
Math
22%
ELA
27%
2017
Math
27%
ELA
37%
2018
Math
27%
ELA
37%
2019
Math
27%
ELA
37%
2022
Math
15.9%
ELA
26.9%
2024
Math
21.3%
ELA
37.1%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.6/10.

How Smith River Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
6.1/10
45th percentile in CA
Academic
5.3/10
Average
Growth
7.6/10
Very Good
Environment
3.8/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
68%
Teaching Staff
26:1 student-teacher ratio
9 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
32.2%

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

134 First St., Smith River, CA 95567

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Smith River Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Mountain Elementary (rated 7.0/10, 11.2 miles away, in nearby Gasquet), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Redwood Elementary (rated 5.6/10, 4.0 miles away, in nearby Fort Dick), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Riley Creek Elementary School (rated 5.0/10, 35.9 miles away, in nearby Gold Beach), a more accessible option. For more schools in Smith River, see our Smith River schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 36.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Redwood Elementary Fort Dick 4.0 mi 5.6
Sunset High Crescent City 8.1 mi 6.8
Pine Grove Elementary Crescent City 10.0 mi 3.9
Crescent City SDA School Crescent City 10.6 mi
Mary Peacock Elementary Crescent City 10.8 mi 4.0
Del Norte High Crescent City 11.3 mi 6.6
Del Norte Community Crescent City 11.4 mi 5.1
Castle Rock Crescent City 11.4 mi 6.8
Bess Maxwell Elementary Crescent City 11.5 mi 3.4
Crescent Elk Middle Crescent City 12.1 mi 4.5
Joe Hamilton Elementary Crescent City 12.2 mi 4.7
Azalea Middle School Brookings 11.1 mi 4.9
Brookings-Harbor High School Brookings 11.1 mi 5.7
Uncharted Shores Academy Crescent City 12.4 mi 5.4
Kalmiopsis Elementary School Brookings 11.3 mi 4.9
Mountain Elementary Gasquet 11.2 mi 7.0
BROOKINGS HARBOR CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Brookings 16.2 mi 5.9
Margaret Keating Elementary Klamath 26.2 mi 4.3
Riley Creek Elementary School Gold Beach 35.9 mi 5.0
Gold Beach Jr/Sr High School Gold Beach 36.0 mi 7.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 95567 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$84,250

Median Home Value

$326,800

Median Rent

$670/mo

Population

2,349

College Educated

5.4%

Homeownership

82.1%

Poverty Rate

8.3%

Median Age

38.7

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Aeolian Elementary Whittier, CA 6.1
Bradford Woodbridge Fundamental Elementary Roseville, CA 6.1
Capay Joint Union Elementary Orland, CA 6.1
Coliseum Street Elementary Los Angeles, CA 6.1
Collegeville Elementary Stockton, CA 6.1
GOLDEN HILLS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Brentwood, CA 6.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Smith River Elementary

What grades does Smith River Elementary serve?

Smith River Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

How many students attend Smith River Elementary?

Smith River Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 233 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Smith River Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Smith River Elementary is 25.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Smith River Elementary rank in CA?

Smith River Elementary ranks #5,221 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Smith River Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Smith River Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 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 Smith River Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Smith River Elementary has 26% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 35% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Smith River Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Smith River Elementary a Title I school?

No, Smith River Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

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

68.2% of students at Smith River 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
19 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
39 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
233
Student-Teacher Ratio
25.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
9
Free/Reduced Lunch
68.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Del Norte County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
32.2%

District

Del Norte County Unified
District Enrollment
3,427
Schools in District
11
Per-Pupil Spending
$19,219
District Rank
#4 of 11

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.