Skip to main content

Average

#3786 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 40% in state

South Fork Elementary

Elementary School · South Fork Union

5225 Kelso Valley Rd., Weldon, CA 93283

Enrollment

340

Student-Teacher

17:1

Score

6.9

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#3,786 of 9,539

School environment

8.1 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around South Fork 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.

South Fork Elementary

6.9/10

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

Kernville Elementary

5.1/10

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

Kern Valley High

6.0/10

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

About South Fork Elementary

South Fork Elementary is a public elementary school in Weldon, CA, part of South Fork Union. South Fork Elementary serves approximately 340 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 17:1 student-teacher ratio. South Fork Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 out of 10 and ranks #3,786 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for South Fork Elementary show 34% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 38% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.7 pts above CA schools
  • This school 6.9 · Average
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

South Fork 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.

40% of students at South Fork 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 Progress6.5Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data11
Annual Change-1.29 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.9Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency31.2% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency40% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-14.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-2.8 pts
Overall Proficiency36% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)31% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+4.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile55th
Resources & Environment8.1Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,488
Chronic Absenteeism39.7%

South Fork Elementary — Students at South Fork Elementary score 36% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 31%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

77.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 34.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
36.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 38.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
45.8% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 34 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
57%
ELA
32%
2010
Math
64.5%
ELA
54.5%
2011
Math
72%
ELA
47%
2014
Math
15%
ELA
15%
2015
Math
27%
ELA
27%
2016
Math
27%
ELA
37%
2017
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2018
Math
27%
ELA
42%
2019
Math
27%
ELA
42%
2022
Math
30.2%
ELA
39.4%
2024
Math
30.4%
ELA
39.4%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.5/10.

How South Fork Elementary Compares

See how South Fork Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.9/10
60th percentile in CA
Academic
6.9/10
Average
Growth
6.5/10
Average
Environment
8.1/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
77%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
20 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
39.7%

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

5225 Kelso Valley Rd., Weldon, CA 93283

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering South Fork Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Piute Mountain Elementary (rated 5.4/10, 21.6 miles away, in nearby Caliente), a more accessible option. Another option is Kernville Elementary (rated 5.1/10, 11.1 miles away, in nearby Lake Isabella), a more accessible option. Additionally, Inyokern Elementary (rated 4.9/10, 25.8 miles away, in nearby Inyokern), a more accessible option. For more schools in Weldon, see our Weldon schools guide .

Nearby Schools

11 within 40.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Kernville Elementary Lake Isabella 11.1 mi 5.1
Kern Valley High Lake Isabella 11.0 mi 6.0
Woodrow W. Wallace Elementary Lake Isabella 11.1 mi 3.2
Woodrow Wallace Middle Lake Isabella 11.1 mi 5.3
Piute Mountain Elementary Caliente 21.6 mi 5.4
Linns Valley-Poso Flat Elementary Glennville 24.8 mi
Inyokern Elementary Inyokern 25.8 mi 4.9
Hot Springs Elementary California Hot Springs 28.6 mi
St John Bosco Tehachapi 37.1 mi
Mountain Top Ranch Tehachapi 38.7 mi
Covenant Christian School Tehachapi 40.3 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 93283 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$33,100

Median Home Value

$143,900

Median Rent

$1,007/mo

Population

2,129

College Educated

6.7%

Homeownership

82.1%

Poverty Rate

35%

Median Age

57.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Adelante Dual Language Academy II San Jose, CA 6.9
Audubon K-8 San Diego, CA 6.9
Blue Oak Charter Chico, CA 6.9
Bonny View Elementary Redding, CA 6.9
Castle Park Elementary Chula Vista, CA 6.9
Christian Sorensen Science Academy Whittier, CA 6.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about South Fork Elementary

What grades does South Fork Elementary serve?

South Fork Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

How many students attend South Fork Elementary?

South Fork Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 340 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at South Fork Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at South Fork Elementary is 17:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does South Fork Elementary rank in CA?

South Fork Elementary ranks #3,786 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is South Fork Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

South Fork Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 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 South Fork Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, South Fork Elementary has 34% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 38% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is South Fork Elementary a charter school?

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

Is South Fork Elementary a Title I school?

No, South Fork Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Fork Elementary?

77.1% of students at South Fork 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
3 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
15 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
340
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
Teachers (FTE)
20
Free/Reduced Lunch
77.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Kern County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
39.7%

District

South Fork Union
District Enrollment
340
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,488
District Rank
#1 of 1

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.