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Excellent

#368 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 4% in state

Thomas Paine Elementary

Elementary School · Garden Grove Unified

15792 Ward St., Garden Grove, CA 92843

Enrollment

429

Student-Teacher

22.6:1

Score

8.9

Grades

Kindergarten – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#368 of 9,539

In Garden Grove

#4 of 51

public schools

In district

#5 of 64

Garden Grove Unified

Equity

9.9 / 10

Excellent

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Thomas Paine Elementary

8.9/10

Elementary School in Garden Grove · grades Kindergarten – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

La Quinta High

8.8/10

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

St Barbara School

6.6/10

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

About Thomas Paine Elementary

Thomas Paine Elementary is a public elementary school in Garden Grove, CA, part of Garden Grove Unified. Thomas Paine Elementary serves approximately 429 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-6th, and has a 22.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Thomas Paine Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.9 out of 10 and ranks #368 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Thomas Paine Elementary show 68% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

What's said publicly about Thomas Paine Elementary

Sources: School's website

Synthesized from public, attributable sources. Updated May 2026. Reviewed for accuracy.

Thomas Paine Elementary School is located at 15792 Ward St., Garden Grove, CA 92843, and operates under the GGUSD district 1 . The school has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School and a California Distinguished School 1 . It is also designated as a Special Olympics of Southern California United Champion School 1 . Mrs. Charise Santana serves as the principal 1 . The school's educational focus aligns with district goals regarding academic skills, personal skills, and lifelong success 1 . Recent activities include student performances at the 2025 Winter Concert and a Pancakes with Santa event 1 . The school community celebrates events such as Teacher Appreciation Week, trimester awards, and 6th-grade promotions 1 . Parents are required to confirm student data via the Parent Portal for returning students 1 .
Sources (1)
  1. paine.ggusd.us
Generated by AI from public sources. Every claim is grounded in a cited source. Report inaccuracy
How it compares1.5 pts above district
  • This school 8.9 · Excellent
  • District avg 7.4
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Thomas Paine Elementary runs 22.6:1 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress9.4Excellent50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change+0.08 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics9.6Excellent30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency67.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency74.2% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg+21.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+31.4 pts
Overall Proficiency71% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)29% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+41.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile94th
Resources & Environment6.7Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$20,026
Chronic Absenteeism29.8%

Thomas Paine Elementary — Students at Thomas Paine Elementary score 71% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

79.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 67.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
38.4% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 67.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
45.4% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 32 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
78%
ELA
59%
2010
Math
80%
ELA
63%
2011
Math
78%
ELA
58%
2012
Math
72%
ELA
59%
2014
Math
50%
ELA
56%
2015
Math
64%
ELA
70%
2016
Math
63%
ELA
69%
2017
Math
65%
ELA
69%
2018
Math
66%
ELA
69%
2019
Math
66%
ELA
69%
2022
Math
63.9%
ELA
69.3%
2024
Math
67%
ELA
74.2%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.4/10.

How Thomas Paine Elementary Compares

See how Thomas Paine Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
8.9/10
96th percentile in CA
Academic
9.6/10
Excellent
Growth
9.4/10
Excellent
Environment
6.7/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
80%
Teaching Staff
23:1 student-teacher ratio
19 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
29.8%

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

15792 Ward St., Garden Grove, CA 92843

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Thomas Paine Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Ethan B. Allen Elementary (rated 9.0/10, 1.1 miles away, in nearby Fountain Valley), with a very similar rating. Another option is John Murdy Elementary (rated 8.5/10, 1.3 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Susan B. Anthony Elementary (rated 8.4/10, 0.6 miles away, in nearby Westminster), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Garden Grove, see our Garden Grove schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.3 mi
School Distance Rating
La Quinta High Westminster 0.3 mi 8.8
ST BARBARA SCHOOL Santa Ana 0.5 mi 6.6
St. Barbara Elementary Santa Ana 0.5 mi
ARI GUIRAGOS MINASSIAN ARMENIAN SCHOOL Santa Ana 0.5 mi 5.3
Susan B. Anthony Elementary Westminster 0.6 mi 8.4
BETHEL BAPTIST SCHOOL Santa Ana 0.5 mi 7.6
COVENANT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Westminster 0.6 mi 5.7
American Elite Education Westminster 0.9 mi
Sarah McGarvin Intermediate Westminster 0.9 mi 8.8
Stephen R. Fitz Intermediate Santa Ana 0.9 mi 7.6
Heritage Elementary Santa Ana 1.0 mi 4.9
Post Elementary Westminster 1.2 mi 8.1
James Monroe Elementary Fountain Valley 1.0 mi 6.0
Ethan B. Allen Elementary Fountain Valley 1.1 mi 9.0
James Irvine Intermediate Garden Grove 1.2 mi 8.4
Newhope Elementary Santa Ana 1.0 mi 7.3
John Marshall Elementary Westminster 1.1 mi 6.1
Leo Carrillo Elementary Westminster 1.1 mi 5.8
Mamie L. Northcutt Elementary Fountain Valley 1.3 mi 6.3
John Murdy Elementary Garden Grove 1.3 mi 8.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 92843 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$82,009

Median Home Value

$665,900

Median Rent

$1,878/mo

Population

46,553

College Educated

18.5%

Homeownership

49%

Avg Commute

27.6 min

Poverty Rate

14.9%

Median Age

38.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Adams Elementary Costa Mesa, CA 8.9
Allesandro Elementary Los Angeles, CA 8.9
Aurelia Pennekamp Elementary Manhattan Beach, CA 8.9
Bella Vista Elementary Monterey Park, CA 8.9
Birney Elementary Redondo Beach, CA 8.9
Birney Elementary San Diego, CA 8.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Thomas Paine Elementary

What grades does Thomas Paine Elementary serve?

Thomas Paine Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 6th.

How many students attend Thomas Paine Elementary?

Thomas Paine Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 429 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Thomas Paine Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Thomas Paine Elementary is 22.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Thomas Paine Elementary rank in CA?

Thomas Paine Elementary ranks #368 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Thomas Paine Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Thomas Paine Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.9 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 Thomas Paine Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Thomas Paine Elementary has 68% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Thomas Paine Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Thomas Paine Elementary a Title I school?

No, Thomas Paine Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Thomas Paine Elementary?

79.7% of students at Thomas Paine 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
50 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
41 Some Transit
Bike Score
70 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
429
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
19
Free/Reduced Lunch
79.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Orange County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
29.8%

District

Garden Grove Unified
District Enrollment
37,763
Schools in District
66
Per-Pupil Spending
$20,026
District Rank
#5 of 64

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