James W. Rice Elementary School

Summary:

James W. Rice Elementary School is a public elementary school serving grades PK-8 in the Alhambra Elementary District in Phoenix, Arizona, with a student population of 739 as of the 2022-2023 school year.

The school consistently ranks among the lowest-performing schools in the state, with significantly below-average proficiency rates on state assessments across all grade levels and subject areas. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, only 20% of 3rd graders, 19% of 6th graders, 33% of 7th graders, and 11% of 8th graders were proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to the district averages of 21%, 27%, 28%, and 22%, respectively. The school's mathematics proficiency rates are also low, ranging from 17% to 35% across the different grade levels, compared to the district's 16% to 29% and the state's 30% to 43%. Additionally, the school has experienced high dropout rates in recent years, with a 13.0% dropout rate in the 2021-2022 school year, significantly higher than the district and state averages.

When compared to the nearby Cartwright Elementary District and other schools in the Alhambra Elementary District, such as Sevilla Elementary School-East Campus and Glenn L. Downs Social Sciences Academy, James W. Rice Elementary School generally performs worse on academic measures, with lower proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics. The school's performance has also declined over the years, with its statewide ranking dropping from 733 out of 1158 Arizona elementary schools in the 2012-2013 school year to 816 out of 904 in the 2023-2024 school year. Addressing the school's high percentage of students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds and elevated dropout rates may be crucial for improving its overall academic outcomes.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-8

 4530 W Campbell Ave
       Phoenix, AZ  85031-1400


(623) 848-8420

District: Alhambra Elementary District

SchoolDigger Rank:
816th of 904 Arizona Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $10,072 Help


Students who attend James W. Rice Elementary School usually attend:

High:    Alhambra High School

Student/teacher ratio:  18.7 Help
Number of students:  739

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
91.5%
African American:
3.7%
Asian:
2.6%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  67.9% Help


 See top rated Arizona elementary schools

 Compare James W. Rice Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details James W. Rice Elementary School ranks worse than 90.3% of elementary schools in Arizona. It also ranks 5th among 11 ranked elementary schools in the Alhambra Elementary District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 13.05. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details James W. Rice Elementary School ranks worse than 71.7% of middle schools in Arizona. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 22.6. (See more...)
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: Hispanic (91.5%), African American (3.7%), Asian (2.6%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 67.9% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at James W. Rice Elementary School is 18.7, which is the 6th best among 11 elementary schools in the Alhambra Elementary District. (See more...)
Help
Compare James W. Rice Elementary School employs 39.5 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at James W. Rice Elementary School is $10,072, which is the 5th highest among 11 elementary schools in the Alhambra Elementary District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

James W. Rice Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks James W. Rice Elementary School 816th of 904 Arizona public elementary schools. (See James W. Rice Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Hispanic students:

SchoolDigger ranks James W. Rice Elementary School 382nd of 533 Arizona public middle schools. (See James W. Rice Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Hispanic students:


Alhambra Elementary District:

SchoolDigger ranks Alhambra Elementary District 239th of 288 Arizona school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for James W. Rice Elementary School?

Rank History for James W. Rice Elementary School

Help
Compare

Rank History for all elementary school students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2013 40.41 733rd 1158 36.7%
2019 15.29 905th 1039 12.9%
2021 13.81 1146th 1226 6.5%
2022 10.30 937th 1000 6.3%
2023 13.91 1143rd 1245 8.2%
2024 13.05 816th 904 9.7%
See the entire list of Arizona Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for elementary school Multi-racial students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 28.05 806th 1027 21.5%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for elementary school English Language Learner students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 39.29 545th 975 44.1%
2023 20.64 385th 451 14.6%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for elementary school Special Education students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 23.66 1053rd 1201 12.3%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for elementary school Low Socio Economic Status students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 20.37 967th 1116 13.4%
2024 19.01 474th 546 13.2%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for elementary school Female students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 12.27 780th 862 9.5%
2021 16.33 1103rd 1219 9.5%
2023 12.07 1169th 1219 4.1%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for elementary school Male students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 9.75 793rd 850 6.7%
2021 15.11 1128th 1220 7.5%
2022 14.44 740th 830 10.8%
2023 16.61 1069th 1216 12.1%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for elementary school Asian students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 20.42 551st 620 11.1%
2022 21.64 245th 270 9.3%
2023 21.75 288th 316 8.9%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for elementary school African American students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 32.47 650th 895 27.4%
2023 29.96 460th 607 24.2%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for elementary school Hispanic students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 18.55 619th 709 12.7%
2021 18.21 1108th 1198 7.5%
2022 13.51 675th 716 5.7%
2023 16.70 1078th 1170 7.9%
2024 16.59 411th 472 12.9%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for elementary school White students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 52.57 520th 1161 55.2%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Arizona Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for James W. Rice Elementary School

Help
Compare

Rank History for all middle school students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 24.70 437th 605 27.8%
2021 19.81 704th 832 15.4%
2023 22.40 653rd 854 23.5%
2024 22.60 382nd 533 28.3%
See the entire list of Arizona Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Multi-racial students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 43.68 332nd 650 48.9%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for middle school English Language Learner students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 41.74 298th 606 50.8%
2023 19.76 131st 145 9.7%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for middle school Special Education students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 36.54 492nd 789 37.6%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for middle school Low Socio Economic Status students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 29.90 497th 717 30.7%
2024 36.93 165th 314 47.5%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for middle school Female students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 22.97 348th 466 25.3%
2021 23.96 640th 820 22.0%
2023 21.07 655th 806 18.7%
2024 20.49 290th 379 23.5%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 16.38 363rd 435 16.6%
2021 20.02 698th 818 14.7%
2023 24.09 607th 810 25.1%
2024 33.19 222nd 356 37.6%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school Asian students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 19.85 355th 404 12.1%
2023 34.51 181st 247 26.7%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for middle school African American students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 46.66 228th 573 60.2%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for middle school Hispanic students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 31.02 252nd 387 34.9%
2021 26.02 637th 802 20.6%
2023 25.83 566th 760 25.5%
2024 31.89 191st 322 40.7%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at James W. Rice Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 15.79 717th 780 8.1%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Arizona Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

James W. Rice Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: Arizona Department of Education

We're sorry, but no reviews have been submitted for James W. Rice Elementary School.

If you have first-hand knowledge about James W. Rice Elementary School, submit a rating!


Reviews:
No reviews have been submitted!


Enrollment information for James W. Rice Elementary School

Help
Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 649 51 8 227 26 n/a n/a -33 928
1989 641 62 13 233 40 n/a n/a 117 1106
1990 680 89 9 300 37 n/a n/a -96 1019
1991 628 67 10 370 43 n/a n/a -17 1101
1992 642 78 9 459 46 n/a n/a 0 1234
1993 580 67 18 579 38 n/a n/a 0 1282
1994 265 50 12 290 18 n/a n/a 0 635
1995 212 78 21 472 29 n/a n/a 0 812
1996 212 78 21 472 29 n/a n/a 0 812
1997 203 89 18 563 47 n/a n/a 0 920
1998 120 38 12 556 21 n/a n/a 0 747
1999 107 32 7 582 13 n/a n/a 0 741
2000 92 24 6 620 15 n/a n/a 0 757
2001 59 23 7 626 14 n/a n/a 0 729
2002 71 31 11 856 34 n/a n/a 0 1003
2003 71 31 11 856 34 n/a n/a 0 1003
2004 73 39 13 858 36 n/a n/a 0 1019
2005 51 41 11 878 29 n/a n/a 0 1010
2006 45 46 13 916 18 n/a n/a 0 1038
2007 43 56 11 850 18 n/a n/a 0 978
2008 40 48 8 830 16 n/a n/a 0 942
2009 46 57 12 824 17 n/a n/a 0 956
2010 38 46 10 814 14 n/a n/a 0 922
2011 48 62 10 835 18 2 6 0 981
2012 61 64 6 842 18 0 12 0 1003
2013 65 52 4 913 14 3 10 0 1061
2014 51 66 4 944 7 0 10 0 1082
2015 52 47 5 935 9 2 11 0 1061
2016 29 53 11 847 10 2 12 0 964
2017 26 57 16 752 16 0 16 0 883
2018 28 78 16 636 20 0 16 0 794
2019 25 37 23 862 1 3 17 0 968
2020 26 21 14 853 2 0 15 0 931
2021 19 18 17 789 2 0 15 0 860
2022 7 17 12 688 1 0 12 0 737
2023 6 27 19 676 1 0 10 0 739

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at James W. Rice Elementary School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 928 51.5 18.0 n/a
1989 1106 50.5 21.9 n/a
1990 1019 53.5 19.0 n/a
1991 1101 53.0 20.7 n/a
1992 1234 56.0 22.0 n/a
1993 1282 59.6 21.5 n/a
1994 635 28.5 22.3 n/a
1995 812 39.5 20.6 n/a
1996 812 39.5 20.6 n/a
1997 920 42.5 21.6 n/a
1998 747 37.7 19.8 n/a
1999 741 37.2 19.9 n/a
2000 757 39.0 19.4 n/a
2001 729 36.0 20.3 n/a
2002 1003 49.0 20.5 n/a
2003 1003 49.0 20.5 n/a
2004 1019 52.4 19.4 99.7
2005 1010 53.5 18.9 99.7
2006 1038 55.8 18.6 99.7
2007 978 55.8 17.5 94.1
2008 942 51.8 18.2 94.3
2009 956 43.0 22.2 93.5
2010 922 41.0 22.4 82.8
2011 981 45.5 21.5 89.4
2012 1003 45.0 22.2 82.6
2013 1061 52.2 20.3 86.2
2014 1082 53.4 20.2 89.6
2015 1061 50.0 21.2 60.1
2016 964 47.0 20.5 96
2017 883 44.0 20.0 97.1
2018 794 44.0 18.0 90.8
2019 968 47.9 20.1 91.9
2020 931 50.9 18.2 94
2021 860 49.5 17.3 n/a
2022 737 46.5 15.8 33.5
2023 739 39.5 18.7 67.9

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio James W. Rice Elementary School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 928 51.5 18.0 n/a
1989 1106 50.5 21.9 n/a
1990 1019 53.5 19.0 n/a
1991 1101 53.0 20.7 n/a
1992 1234 56.0 22.0 n/a
1993 1282 59.6 21.5 n/a
1994 635 28.5 22.3 n/a
1995 812 39.5 20.6 n/a
1996 812 39.5 20.6 n/a
1997 920 42.5 21.6 n/a
1998 747 37.7 19.8 n/a
1999 741 37.2 19.9 n/a
2000 757 39.0 19.4 n/a
2001 729 36.0 20.3 n/a
2002 1003 49.0 20.5 n/a
2003 1003 49.0 20.5 n/a
2004 1019 52.4 19.4 99.7
2005 1010 53.5 18.9 99.7
2006 1038 55.8 18.6 99.7
2007 978 55.8 17.5 94.1
2008 942 51.8 18.2 94.3
2009 956 43.0 22.2 93.5
2010 922 41.0 22.4 82.8
2011 981 45.5 21.5 89.4
2012 1003 45.0 22.2 82.6
2013 1061 52.2 20.3 86.2
2014 1082 53.4 20.2 89.6
2015 1061 50.0 21.2 60.1
2016 964 47.0 20.5 96
2017 883 44.0 20.0 97.1
2018 794 44.0 18.0 90.8
2019 968 47.9 20.1 91.9
2020 931 50.9 18.2 94
2021 860 49.5 17.3 n/a
2022 737 46.5 15.8 33.5
2023 739 39.5 18.7 67.9

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for James W. Rice Elementary School

Help

YearPersonnel Expenditures from Federal FundsNon-Personnel Expenditures from Federal FundsTotal Expenditures from Federal FundsPersonnel Expenditures from State and Local FundsNon-Personnel Expenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,844 (18.0%) $699 (6.8%) $4,388 (42.9%) $7,095 (69.4%) $588 (5.8%) $7,683 (75.1%) $10,226
2020 $1,282 (15.1%) $44 (0.5%) $2,608 (30.7%) $6,240 (73.4%) $937 (11.0%) $7,178 (84.4%) $8,504
2021 $1,440 (15.7%) $322 (3.5%) $3,203 (34.8%) $6,538 (71.1%) $898 (9.8%) $7,437 (80.8%) $9,199
2022 $1,911 (19.0%) $325 (3.2%) $4,148 (41.2%) $6,978 (69.3%) $858 (8.5%) $7,835 (77.8%) $10,072

Data source: Arizona Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on James W. Rice Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 905th of 1039 Elementary schoolsRanks 1143rd of 1245 Elementary schools
 4.7%
Ranks 437th of 605 Middle schoolsRanks 653rd of 854 Middle schools
 4.2%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students968739
 23.7%
African American3727
 27%
American Indian11
Asian2319
 17.4%
Hispanic862676
 21.6%
Pacific Islander30
 100%
White256
 76%
Two or More Races1710
 41.2%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients91.9%67.9%
 24%


Schools Near James W. Rice Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about James W. Rice Elementary School

James W. Rice Elementary School ranks in the bottom 9.7% of Arizona elementary schools.

Students who attend James W. Rice Elementary School usually go on to attend:

High : Alhambra High School

Students at James W. Rice Elementary School are 91% Hispanic, 4% African American, 3% Asian, 1% Two or more races.

In the 2022-23 school year, 739 students attended James W. Rice Elementary School.


Rate James W. Rice Elementary School!



Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for James W. Rice Elementary School!




SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Arizona Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





Diagnostics

None retrieved from Database in 52 milliseconds.