Picture Rocks Elementary

Summary:

Picture Rocks Elementary is a public elementary school in Tucson, Arizona, serving 493 students in grades PK-6 and part of the Marana Unified District. The school has consistently ranked in the bottom half of Arizona elementary schools, with below-average performance on state assessments in both English Language Arts and Mathematics across all grade levels. While the school has seen an increase in per-student spending, its academic challenges persist, with some student subgroups, such as African American and multi-racial students, performing better than others.

Compared to nearby schools in the Marana Unified District, such as Marjorie W Estes Elementary and Coyote Trail Elementary, Picture Rocks Elementary generally underperforms, with lower proficiency rates and overall rankings. The nearby Leman Academy of Excellence, a public charter school, has consistently outperformed Picture Rocks and the Marana Unified District as a whole, ranking in the top 20% of Arizona elementary schools.

One notable factor at Picture Rocks Elementary is the significant increase in the free and reduced-price lunch rate, from 33.94% in 2021-2022 to 66.94% in 2022-2023, suggesting a growing population of students from low-income families. This socioeconomic factor may be contributing to the school's academic challenges, as research has shown a strong correlation between poverty and lower academic achievement. Addressing these issues will likely require a multi-faceted approach to improve the educational outcomes for the students at Picture Rocks Elementary.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-6

 5875 N Sanders Rd
       Tucson, AZ  85743-8402


(520) 616-3700

District: Marana Unified District

SchoolDigger Rank:
680th of 904 Arizona Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $13,016 Help


Students who attend Picture Rocks Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    Marana Middle School
High:    Marana High School

Student/teacher ratio:  12.6 Help
Number of students:  493

Racial breakdown:

White:
61.3%
Hispanic:
31.6%
Two or more races:
3.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  66.9% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Picture Rocks Elementary ranks worse than 75.2% of elementary schools in Arizona. It also ranks 10th among 12 ranked elementary schools in the Marana Unified District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 21.1. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (61.3%), Hispanic (31.6%), two or more races (3.9%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 66.9% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Picture Rocks Elementary is 12.6, which is the 4th best among 12 elementary schools in the Marana Unified District. (See more...)
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Compare Picture Rocks Elementary employs 39 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Picture Rocks Elementary is $13,016, which is the 3rd highest among 12 elementary schools in the Marana Unified District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Picture Rocks Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Picture Rocks Elementary 680th of 904 Arizona public elementary schools. (See Picture Rocks Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
White students:


Marana Unified District:

SchoolDigger ranks Marana Unified District 152nd of 288 Arizona school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Picture Rocks Elementary

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Picture Rocks Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 17.65 944th 1106 14.6%
2018 25.39 811th 1109 26.9%
2019 11.31 969th 1039 6.7%
2021 26.75 852nd 1226 30.5%
2022 20.72 749th 1000 25.1%
2023 28.90 843rd 1245 32.3%
2024 21.10 680th 904 24.8%
See the entire list of Arizona Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Picture Rocks Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 51.35 432nd 1027 57.9%
2022 34.06 350th 444 21.2%
2023 39.13 417th 617 32.4%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Picture Rocks Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 39.07 801st 975 17.8%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Picture Rocks Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 33.92 263rd 417 36.9%
2021 30.99 887th 1201 26.1%
2023 23.17 694th 820 15.4%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Picture Rocks Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 30.71 590th 820 28.0%
2022 32.59 440th 618 28.8%
2023 33.23 741st 1116 33.6%
2024 24.48 423rd 546 22.5%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Homeless students at Picture Rocks Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 45.75 160th 423 62.2%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Homeless Students!

Rank History for Female students at Picture Rocks Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 23.01 806th 1023 21.2%
2019 11.45 788th 862 8.6%
2021 26.52 884th 1219 27.5%
2023 31.19 787th 1219 35.4%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Foster Care students at Picture Rocks Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 46.60 121st 306 60.5%
2022 55.91 3rd 25 88.0%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Foster Care Students!

Rank History for Male students at Picture Rocks Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 26.01 754th 1032 26.9%
2019 14.97 743rd 850 12.6%
2021 29.72 798th 1220 34.6%
2022 28.56 598th 830 28.0%
2023 25.78 900th 1216 26.0%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Picture Rocks Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 42.30 437th 895 51.2%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Picture Rocks Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.45 810th 911 11.1%
2021 27.61 890th 1198 25.7%
2023 25.05 914th 1170 21.9%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for Native American students at Picture Rocks Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 32.76 460th 654 29.7%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Native American Students!

Rank History for White students at Picture Rocks Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 11.83 673rd 720 6.5%
2019 1.31 592nd 595 0.5%
2021 21.53 1015th 1161 12.6%
2022 11.72 756th 800 5.5%
2023 17.14 922nd 1024 10.0%
2024 2.05 475th 477 0.4%
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.

Picture Rocks Elementary Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: Arizona Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Picture Rocks Elementary

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 320 2 0 40 6 n/a n/a 33 401
1989 393 1 1 37 3 n/a n/a -10 425
1990 410 1 2 49 4 n/a n/a 18 484
1991 429 0 4 63 2 n/a n/a 84 582
1992 514 2 3 101 3 n/a n/a 1 624
1993 545 3 2 87 5 n/a n/a 0 642
1994 645 5 3 110 11 n/a n/a 0 774
1995 809 10 4 171 22 n/a n/a 0 1016
1996 809 10 4 171 22 n/a n/a 0 1016
1997 431 4 2 112 14 n/a n/a 0 563
1998 455 6 2 112 10 n/a n/a 0 585
1999 472 13 3 113 4 n/a n/a 0 605
2000 465 11 2 118 7 n/a n/a 0 603
2001 440 10 1 112 10 n/a n/a 0 573
2002 399 18 2 102 13 n/a n/a 0 534
2003 399 18 2 102 13 n/a n/a 0 534
2004 348 14 2 107 12 n/a n/a 0 483
2005 356 18 4 128 10 n/a n/a 0 516
2006 329 11 2 138 11 n/a n/a 0 491
2007 327 11 3 111 12 n/a n/a 0 464
2008 325 15 2 105 14 n/a n/a 0 461
2009 303 11 2 92 15 n/a n/a 0 423
2010 296 12 3 118 17 n/a n/a 0 446
2011 282 3 2 101 7 1 8 0 404
2012 279 2 1 109 7 1 11 0 410
2013 242 2 1 101 9 1 18 0 374
2014 242 3 1 101 6 1 22 0 376
2015 240 2 0 101 10 1 18 0 372
2016 210 2 0 115 8 0 12 0 347
2017 368 5 0 187 15 1 28 0 604
2018 394 7 0 172 15 1 31 0 620
2019 387 10 1 185 11 1 23 0 618
2020 372 6 1 179 13 1 27 0 599
2021 306 7 1 137 12 4 21 0 488
2022 302 6 2 148 7 4 23 0 492
2023 302 6 1 156 4 5 19 0 493

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 Picture Rocks Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 401 17.0 23.5 n/a
1989 425 20.3 20.9 n/a
1990 484 21.3 22.7 n/a
1991 582 19.6 29.6 n/a
1992 624 27.4 22.7 n/a
1993 642 31.4 20.4 n/a
1994 774 25.4 30.5 n/a
1995 1016 46.0 22.1 n/a
1996 1016 46.0 22.1 n/a
1997 563 26.0 21.7 n/a
1998 585 26.8 21.8 n/a
1999 605 28.5 21.2 n/a
2000 603 30.6 19.7 n/a
2001 573 29.0 19.8 n/a
2002 534 28.0 19.1 52.6
2003 534 28.0 19.1 52.6
2004 483 30.0 16.1 66.7
2005 516 28.8 17.9 68
2006 491 28.0 17.5 65.2
2007 464 32.0 14.5 5.2
2008 461 31.5 14.6 55.7
2009 423 31.5 13.4 48.7
2010 446 32.5 13.7 62.1
2011 404 30.0 13.4 65.6
2012 410 39.0 10.5 74.6
2013 374 27.0 13.8 75.9
2014 376 28.5 13.1 78.7
2015 372 27.0 13.7 78.2
2016 347 27.0 12.8 79.5
2017 604 n/a n/a 76.7
2018 620 0.0 n/a 70.8
2019 618 0.0 n/a 66.8
2020 599 42.0 14.2 71.8
2021 488 41.0 11.9 n/a
2022 492 39.8 12.3 33.9
2023 493 39.0 12.6 66.9

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 Picture Rocks Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 401 17.0 23.5 n/a
1989 425 20.3 20.9 n/a
1990 484 21.3 22.7 n/a
1991 582 19.6 29.6 n/a
1992 624 27.4 22.7 n/a
1993 642 31.4 20.4 n/a
1994 774 25.4 30.5 n/a
1995 1016 46.0 22.1 n/a
1996 1016 46.0 22.1 n/a
1997 563 26.0 21.7 n/a
1998 585 26.8 21.8 n/a
1999 605 28.5 21.2 n/a
2000 603 30.6 19.7 n/a
2001 573 29.0 19.8 n/a
2002 534 28.0 19.1 52.6
2003 534 28.0 19.1 52.6
2004 483 30.0 16.1 66.7
2005 516 28.8 17.9 68
2006 491 28.0 17.5 65.2
2007 464 32.0 14.5 5.2
2008 461 31.5 14.6 55.7
2009 423 31.5 13.4 48.7
2010 446 32.5 13.7 62.1
2011 404 30.0 13.4 65.6
2012 410 39.0 10.5 74.6
2013 374 27.0 13.8 75.9
2014 376 28.5 13.1 78.7
2015 372 27.0 13.7 78.2
2016 347 27.0 12.8 79.5
2017 604 n/a n/a 76.7
2018 620 0.0 n/a 70.8
2019 618 0.0 n/a 66.8
2020 599 42.0 14.2 71.8
2021 488 41.0 11.9 n/a
2022 492 39.8 12.3 33.9
2023 493 39.0 12.6 66.9

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 Picture Rocks Elementary

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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 $1,089 (11.5%) $319 (3.4%) $2,497 (26.3%) $6,854 (72.3%) $1,223 (12.9%) $8,076 (85.2%) $9,484
2020 $1,247 (12.3%) $179 (1.8%) $2,674 (26.4%) $7,638 (75.3%) $1,081 (10.7%) $8,719 (85.9%) $10,146
2021 $1,300 (15.8%) $368 (4.5%) $2,969 (36.2%) $6,738 (82.1%) n/a $6,542 (79.7%) $8,211
2022 $1,932 (14.8%) $422 (3.2%) $4,286 (32.9%) $9,390 (72.1%) $1,271 (9.8%) $10,662 (81.9%) $13,016

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Picture Rocks Elementary

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 969th of 1039 Elementary schoolsRanks 843rd of 1245 Elementary schools
 25.6%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students618493
 20.2%
African American106
 40%
American Indian114
 63.6%
Asian11
Hispanic185156
 15.7%
Pacific Islander15
 400%
White387302
 22%
Two or More Races2319
 17.4%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients66.8%66.9%
 0.1%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Picture Rocks Elementary

Students at Picture Rocks Elementary are 61% White, 32% Hispanic, 4% Two or more races, 1% African American, 1% Pacific Islander.

Picture Rocks Elementary ranks in the bottom 24.8% of Arizona elementary schools.

In the 2022-23 school year, 493 students attended Picture Rocks Elementary.

Students who attend Picture Rocks Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Marana Middle School
High : Marana High School


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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.





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