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Below Average

#2268 of 2,846 schools in PA

California Area EL Sch

Elementary School · California Area SD

40 Trojan Way, Coal Center, PA 15423

Enrollment

483

Student-Teacher

14.2:1

Score

4.6

Grades

Kindergarten – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,268 of 2,846

In Coal Center

#3 of 4

public schools

In district

#2 of 3

California Area SD

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California Area EL Sch

4.6/10

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

California Academy of Learning Cs

5.3/10

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

California Area Shs

5.5/10

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

About California Area EL Sch

California Area EL Sch is a public elementary school in Coal Center, PA, part of California Area SD. California Area EL Sch serves approximately 483 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-6th, and has a 14.2:1 student-teacher ratio. California Area EL Sch has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.6 out of 10 and ranks #2,268 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for California Area EL Sch show 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.8 pts below PA schools
  • This school 4.6 · Below Average
  • PA avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

California Area EL Sch 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.

34% of students at California Area EL Sch 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 Progress4.5Below Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.73 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.8Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency29% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency45.6% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-22.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-10.2 pts
Overall Proficiency37% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)34% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected+3.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile41th
Resources & Environment3.1Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,211
Chronic Absenteeism34.4%

California Area EL Sch — Students at California Area EL Sch score 37% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 34%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

99.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 48.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
44.3% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 59.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
53.3% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 38 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2010
Math
77%
ELA
67%
2011
Math
77%
ELA
77%
2012
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2013
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
57%
ELA
67%
2015
Math
57%
ELA
67%
2016
Math
52%
ELA
67%
2017
Math
47%
ELA
57%
2018
Math
52%
ELA
57%
2019
Math
52%
ELA
57%
2020*
Math
32%
ELA
62%
2021*
Math
32%
ELA
62%
2022
Math
24.5%
ELA
55.5%
2024
Math
28.9%
ELA
45.3%

* 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: 4.5/10.

How California Area EL Sch Compares

See how California Area EL Sch performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.6/10
20th percentile in PA
Academic
5.8/10
Average
Growth
4.5/10
Below Average
Environment
3.1/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
99%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
34 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
34.4%

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

40 Trojan Way, Coal Center, PA 15423

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering California Area EL Sch may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Bentworth El Ctr (rated 8.6/10, 7.2 miles away, in nearby Bentleyville), which scores notably higher. Another option is ST SEBASTIAN REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 6.4/10, 6.8 miles away, in nearby Belle Vernon), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Brownsville Area El Sch (rated 6.2/10, 3.2 miles away, in nearby Brownsville), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Coal Center, see our Coal Center schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 7.2 mi
School Distance Rating
California Academy of Learning CS Coal Center 0.0 mi 5.3
California Area SHS Coal Center 0.2 mi 5.5
California Area MS Coal Center 0.2 mi 4.4
Brownsville Area El Sch Brownsville 3.2 mi 6.2
Brownsville Area MS Brownsville 3.3 mi 3.7
Brownsville Area HS Brownsville 3.3 mi 4.6
Mon Valley Career and Technology Center Charleroi 5.4 mi
CALVARY CHAPEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Fredericktown 5.2 mi 5.8
Bethlehem-Center El Sch Fredericktown 5.6 mi 6.0
Bethlehem-Center JSHS Fredericktown 5.7 mi 5.5
Monessen SHS Monessen 7.0 mi 4.9
Monessen MS Monessen 7.0 mi 3.3
ST SEBASTIAN REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Belle Vernon 6.8 mi 6.4
Charleroi Area El Ctr Charleroi 7.5 mi 6.2
Monessen El Ctr Monessen 7.4 mi 3.2
Charleroi Area MS Charleroi 7.6 mi 4.9
Charleroi Area HS Charleroi 7.6 mi 5.4
Belle Vernon Area MS Belle Vernon 6.7 mi 5.8
Marion El Sch Belle Vernon 6.8 mi 5.5
Bentworth El Ctr Bentleyville 7.2 mi 8.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 15423 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$70,662

Median Home Value

$171,700

Median Rent

$983/mo

Population

1,942

College Educated

24%

Homeownership

83%

Avg Commute

25.8 min

Poverty Rate

16.2%

Median Age

40.6

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Allen Dr Ethel Sch Philadelphia, PA 4.6
Crestview El Sch Carlisle, PA 4.6
Ferndale El Sch Johnstown, PA 4.6
Frances Willard #32 Scranton, PA 4.6
Franklin Benjamin Sch Philadelphia, PA 4.6
Frederick Douglass Mastery CS Philadelphia, PA 4.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about California Area EL Sch

What grades does California Area EL Sch serve?

California Area EL Sch serves students in grades Kindergarten through 6th.

How many students attend California Area EL Sch?

California Area EL Sch has an enrollment of approximately 483 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at California Area EL Sch?

The student-teacher ratio at California Area EL Sch is 14.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does California Area EL Sch rank in PA?

California Area EL Sch ranks #2,268 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is California Area EL Sch's MySchoolScout rating?

California Area EL Sch has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.6 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 California Area EL Sch?

Based on loaded state assessment records, California Area EL Sch has 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is California Area EL Sch a charter school?

No, California Area EL Sch is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is California Area EL Sch a Title I school?

No, California Area EL Sch is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for California Area EL Sch?

99.4% of students at California Area EL Sch 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
6 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
27 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
483
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
34
Free/Reduced Lunch
99.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Washington County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
34.4%

District

California Area SD
District Enrollment
933
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,211
District Rank
#2 of 3

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