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Below Average

#8272 of 9,539 schools in CA

Virginia Peterson Elementary

Elementary School · Paso Robles Joint Unified

PO Box 7010, Paso Robles, CA 93447

Enrollment

396

Student-Teacher

22:1

Score

4.2

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#8,272 of 9,539

In Paso Robles

#10 of 14

public schools

In district

#8 of 12

Paso Robles Joint Unified

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Virginia Peterson Elementary

4.2/10

Elementary School in Paso Robles · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Almond Acres Charter Academy

6.2/10

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

Winifred Pifer Elementary

3.6/10

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

About Virginia Peterson Elementary

Virginia Peterson Elementary is a public elementary school in Paso Robles, CA, part of Paso Robles Joint Unified. Virginia Peterson Elementary serves approximately 396 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 22:1 student-teacher ratio. Virginia Peterson Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #8,272 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Virginia Peterson Elementary show 36% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 41% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.4 pts below district
  • This school 4.2 · Below Average
  • District avg 4.6
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Virginia Peterson Elementary runs 22:1 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 Progress2.6Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.58 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.6Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency25% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency37.5% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-20.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-5.3 pts
Overall Proficiency31% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)36% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-5.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile38th
Resources & Environment6.3Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,315
Chronic Absenteeism25.5%

Virginia Peterson Elementary — Students at Virginia Peterson Elementary score 31% 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

67.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 35.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
39.4% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 41.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
45.3% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 36 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
63%
ELA
59%
2010
Math
68%
ELA
63%
2011
Math
66%
ELA
55%
2012
Math
55%
ELA
55%
2013
Math
24.5%
ELA
75%
2014
Math
28%
ELA
28%
2015
Math
29%
ELA
36%
2016
Math
28%
ELA
40%
2017
Math
30%
ELA
31%
2018
Math
37%
ELA
36%
2019
Math
37%
ELA
36%
2020*
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
25%
2022
Math
24.2%
ELA
27.6%
2024
Math
25.3%
ELA
37.5%

* 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: 2.6/10.

How Virginia Peterson Elementary Compares

See how Virginia Peterson Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.2/10
13th percentile in CA
Academic
5.6/10
Average
Growth
2.6/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
6.3/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
68%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
18 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
25.5%

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

PO Box 7010, Paso Robles, CA 93447

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Virginia Peterson Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Kermit King Elementary (rated 7.0/10, 3.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is ST ROSE CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 6.5/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Almond Acres Charter Academy (rated 6.2/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Paso Robles, see our Paso Robles schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 5.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Almond Acres Charter Academy Paso Robles 1.2 mi 6.2
Winifred Pifer Elementary Paso Robles 1.3 mi 3.6
Pat Butler Elementary Paso Robles 1.2 mi 5.5
Liberty High (Continuation) Paso Robles 1.3 mi 4.2
Independence High Paso Robles 1.3 mi 7.0
Paso Robles High Paso Robles 1.4 mi 5.8
Daniel Lewis Middle Paso Robles 1.8 mi 5.7
Thrive Academy El Paso De Robles (paso Robles) 1.6 mi
Nickel S Ranch Academy Paso Robles 1.6 mi
ST ROSE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Paso Robles 2.0 mi 6.5
Glen Speck Elementary Paso Robles 3.1 mi 4.0
Vineyard Classical Academy Paso Robles 3.0 mi
Kermit King Elementary Paso Robles 3.6 mi 7.0
Paso Robles Independent Study Center Paso Robles 3.4 mi 4.1
George H. Flamson Middle Paso Robles 3.4 mi 5.8
Georgia Brown Dual Immersion Magnet Elementary Paso Robles 4.1 mi 4.0
Templeton Elementary Templeton 4.8 mi 6.0
Templeton Middle Templeton 4.8 mi 5.9
Eagle Canyon High Templeton 5.0 mi
Templeton Independent Study High Templeton 5.0 mi 4.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Allen at Steinbeck San Jose, CA 4.2
Alpine Elementary Littlerock, CA 4.2
Bahia Vista Elementary San Rafael, CA 4.2
Bay View Academy Monterey, CA 4.2
Bayside STEAM Academy Imperial Beach, CA 4.2
Bayview Elementary San Pablo, CA 4.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Virginia Peterson Elementary

What grades does Virginia Peterson Elementary serve?

Virginia Peterson Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Virginia Peterson Elementary?

Virginia Peterson Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 396 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Virginia Peterson Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Virginia Peterson Elementary is 22:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Virginia Peterson Elementary rank in CA?

Virginia Peterson Elementary ranks #8,272 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Virginia Peterson Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Virginia Peterson Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 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 Virginia Peterson Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Virginia Peterson Elementary has 36% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 41% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Virginia Peterson Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Virginia Peterson Elementary a Title I school?

No, Virginia Peterson Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Virginia Peterson Elementary?

67.7% of students at Virginia Peterson 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
26 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
26 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
396
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
Teachers (FTE)
18
Free/Reduced Lunch
67.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
San Luis Obispo County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
25.5%

District

Paso Robles Joint Unified
District Enrollment
6,252
Schools in District
13
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,315
District Rank
#8 of 12

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