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Average

#3837 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 40% in state

Sparrow Academy

Elementary School · Sparrow Academy District

4207 Spring Gardens Rd., La Mesa, CA 91941

Charter

Enrollment

348

Student-Teacher

26.8:1

Score

6.8

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#3,837 of 9,539

In La Mesa

#8 of 27

public schools

Academic growth

9.5 / 10

Excellent

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Sparrow Academy

6.8/10

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

The Learning Choice Academy - East County

6.8/10

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

Trinity Christian School

4.4/10

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

About Sparrow Academy

Sparrow Academy is a public elementary school in La Mesa, CA, part of Sparrow Academy District. Sparrow Academy serves approximately 348 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 26.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Sparrow Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 out of 10 and ranks #3,837 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Sparrow Academy show 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

How it compares0.6 pts above CA schools
  • This school 6.8 · Average
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Sparrow Academy runs 26.8:1 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.

Sparrow Academy 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.

32% of students at Sparrow 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 Progress9.5Excellent50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data6
Annual Change+0.19 pts/yr
Data Period2018–2024
TrendStable
Academics5.5Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency39.8% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency39.4% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-5.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-3.4 pts
Overall Proficiency40% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)59% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-19.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile38th
Resources & Environment1.8Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio26.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,654
Chronic Absenteeism31.9%

Sparrow Academy — Students at Sparrow Academy score 40% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 59%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

27.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 38.8% (multi-year average, 2018-2024)
School
State
36.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 45.9% (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

→ Stable

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

2018
Math
32%
ELA
52%
2019
Math
32%
ELA
52%
2020*
Math
32%
ELA
47%
2021*
Math
32%
ELA
47%
2022
Math
35.3%
ELA
47.3%
2024
Math
43.2%
ELA
43.7%

* 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: 9.5/10.

How Sparrow Academy Compares

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

Overall Score
6.8/10
60th percentile in CA
Academic
5.5/10
Average
Growth
9.5/10
Excellent
Environment
1.8/10
Needs Improvement

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
28%
Teaching Staff
27:1 student-teacher ratio
13 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
31.9%

Location

4207 Spring Gardens Rd., La Mesa, CA 91941

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Sparrow Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Lemon Grove Early Childhood Education Center (rated 7.2/10, 1.6 miles away, in nearby Lemon Grove), which scores slightly higher. Another option is La Mesa Dale Elementary (rated 6.9/10, 1.2 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Mt. Vernon Elementary (rated 6.8/10, 1.7 miles away, in nearby Lemon Grove), with a very similar rating. For more schools in La Mesa, see our La Mesa schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.6 mi
School Distance Rating
The Learning Choice Academy - East County La Mesa 0.0 mi 6.8
TRINITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Spring Valley 0.5 mi 4.4
Acton Academy San Diego East La Mesa 0.7 mi
FRED FINCH YOUTH CENTER NONPUBLIC SCHOOL Spring Valley 0.8 mi
Lemon Avenue Elementary La Mesa 0.8 mi 6.0
Brookshire International Academy La Mesa 0.8 mi
St. John of the Cross School Lemon Grove 1.0 mi
La Mesa Arts Academy La Mesa 1.0 mi 8.6
CHRIST LUTHERAN ELEMENTARY La Mesa 1.1 mi 4.7
WARREN-WALKER SCHOOL-LA MESA La Mesa 1.2 mi 5.5
JCS - Manzanita La Mesa 1.4 mi 8.6
La Mesa Dale Elementary La Mesa 1.2 mi 6.9
Lemon Grove Academy Elementary Lemon Grove 1.4 mi 5.0
Lemon Grove Early Childhood Education Center Lemon Grove 1.6 mi 7.2
ST MARTIN OF TOURS ACADEMY La Mesa 1.4 mi 5.6
Lemon Grove Academy for the Sciences and Humanities Lemon Grove 1.5 mi 5.0
Helix High La Mesa 1.4 mi 7.9
TAPROOT MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN La Mesa 1.5 mi
Mt. Vernon Elementary Lemon Grove 1.7 mi 6.8
An-Nur Learning Academy La Mesa 1.6 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 91941 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$111,607

Median Home Value

$884,800

Median Rent

$2,067/mo

Population

33,706

College Educated

45.9%

Homeownership

65.5%

Avg Commute

26.4 min

Poverty Rate

7%

Median Age

41.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
ALL SOULS WORLD LANGUAGE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Alhambra, CA 6.8
Andasol Avenue Elementary Northridge, CA 6.8
Bijou Community South Lake Tahoe, CA 6.8
Birney Tech Academy Pico Rivera, CA 6.8
Blanchard Elementary Santa Paula, CA 6.8
Broadacres Avenue Elementary Visual & Performing Arts Magnet Carson, CA 6.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Sparrow Academy

What grades does Sparrow Academy serve?

Sparrow Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

How many students attend Sparrow Academy?

Sparrow Academy has an enrollment of approximately 348 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Sparrow Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Sparrow Academy is 26.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Sparrow Academy rank in CA?

Sparrow Academy ranks #3,837 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Sparrow Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Sparrow Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 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 Sparrow Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Sparrow Academy has 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

Is Sparrow Academy a charter school?

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

Is Sparrow Academy a Title I school?

No, Sparrow Academy is not currently a Title I school.

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

27.9% of students at Sparrow 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
65 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
45 Some Transit
Bike Score
24 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
348
Student-Teacher Ratio
26.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
13
Free/Reduced Lunch
27.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
San Diego County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
31.9%

District

Sparrow Academy District
District Enrollment
348
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,654
District Rank
#1 of 1

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