Is Columbia Elementary a good school?

Columbia Elementary ranks 3674 th of 5862 California elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Columbia Elementary?

In the 2023-24 school year, 450 students attended Columbia Elementary.

What is the racial makeup of Columbia Elementary?

Students at Columbia Elementary are 69% White, 20% Hispanic, 5% Two or more races, 3% American Indian, 1% African American.

What schools do graduates of Columbia Elementary attend?

Students who attend Columbia Elementary usually go on to attend: High : Sonora High

Columbia Elementary

Summary:

Columbia Elementary is a public elementary school serving 437 students in grades K-8 in Columbia, California. The school is part of the Columbia Union District, which is ranked 780 out of 1,568 districts in the state and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Columbia Elementary faces several challenges, including high chronic absenteeism rates, consistently lower test scores compared to state and district averages, and significant performance gaps among different student groups. The school's chronic absenteeism rate has risen from 16.3% in 2018-2019 to 47.6% in 2021-2022, notably higher than the state average of 16.8%. In academic performance, Columbia Elementary's test scores in English Language Arts and Mathematics are consistently below the state and district averages across all grade levels, with the school ranking 3,674 out of 5,862 California elementary schools in 2023-2024. Compared to nearby schools like Belleview Elementary, Twain Harte, and Albert A. Michelson Elementary, Columbia Elementary's performance is generally lower.

The analysis also reveals that Columbia Elementary's performance varies significantly across different student groups. While Hispanic students at the school perform relatively better, ranking 1,845 out of 5,102 California elementary schools, White students and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds struggle, ranking 2,409 out of 2,647 and 3,902 out of 5,511, respectively. These socioeconomic challenges likely contribute to the school's overall academic performance, as 55.15% of students receive free or reduced-price lunch. The proximity to higher-performing schools in the area suggests that targeted interventions and collaborative efforts may be necessary to address these issues and improve the outcomes at Columbia Elementary.

Detail:

Public K-8

22540 Parrotts Ferry Rd.
Columbia, CA 95310-9757

(209) 533-7700

District: Columbia Union

SchoolDigger Rank:
3674^th of 5,862 California Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $9,172

Students who attend Columbia Elementary usually attend:

High:

Sonora High

Student/teacher ratio: 17.8

Number of students: 450

Racial breakdown:

White:

68.7%

Hispanic:

20.2%

Two or more races:

5.1%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 54.7%

See top rated California elementary schools

Compare Columbia Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Columbia Elementary ranks worse than 62.7% of elementary schools in California. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 33.06. (See more...)

Compare Details Columbia Elementary ranks better than 62.6% of middle schools in California. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 53.99. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (68.7%), Hispanic (20.2%), two or more races (5.1%). (See more...)

Compare Details 54.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Compare Details (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Columbia Elementary is 17.8. (See more...)

Compare Columbia Elementary employs 25.2 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Columbia Elementary is $9,172.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Columbia Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Columbia Elementary 3674^th of 5862 California public elementary schools. (See Columbia Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Male students:

Hispanic students:

White students:

SchoolDigger ranks Columbia Elementary 1038^th of 2777 California public middle schools. (See Columbia Elementary in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Male students:

White students:

Columbia Union:

SchoolDigger ranks Columbia Union 780^th of 1568 California school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Rank History for Columbia Elementary

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Rank History for all elementary school students at Columbia Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile
2004	46.84	2311^th	4809	51.9%
2005	52.52	2068^th	4822	57.1%
2006	56.09	1915^th	4818	60.3%
2007	58.21	1919^th	5113	62.5%
2008	62.41	1753^rd	5113	65.7%
2009	64.25	1710^th	5193	67.1%
2010	63.87	1791^st	5314	66.3%
2011	60.80	1972^nd	5377	63.3%
2012	66.34	1710^th	5390	68.3%
2013	71.32	1509^th	5530	72.7%
2015	45.96	2684^th	5611	52.2%
2016	47.40	2639^th	5614	53.0%
2017	40.95	3046^th	5692	46.5%
2018	23.03	4425^th	5662	21.8%
2019	41.35	3107^th	5789	46.3%
2021	28.13	974^th	1417	31.3%
2022	34.47	3494^th	5883	40.6%
2023	35.39	3472^nd	5874	40.9%
2024	33.06	3674^th	5862	37.3%

See the entire list of California Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for elementary school Low Socio Economic Status students at Columbia Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	21.01	4404^th	5084	13.4%
2019	50.39	2379^th	5173	54.0%
2021	27.82	855^th	1110	23.0%
2022	45.37	2575^th	5264	51.1%
2023	44.46	2736^th	5374	49.1%
2024	30.45	3902^nd	5511	29.2%

See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for elementary school Female students at Columbia Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	23.08	4308^th	5413	20.4%
2019	34.00	3501^st	5492	36.3%
2021	26.54	911^th	1267	28.1%
2022	33.10	3486^th	5635	38.1%
2023	35.49	3327^th	5617	40.8%
2024	38.14	3191^st	5605	43.1%

See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for elementary school Male students at Columbia Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	25.83	4033^rd	5431	25.7%
2019	51.18	2403^rd	5510	56.4%
2021	30.70	826^th	1272	35.1%
2022	37.11	3195^th	5663	43.6%
2023	35.91	3341^st	5650	40.9%
2024	29.53	3857^th	5636	31.6%

See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for elementary school Hispanic students at Columbia Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	56.97	1845^th	5102	63.8%

See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for elementary school White students at Columbia Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	7.48	2608^th	2737	4.7%
2019	17.75	2445^th	2834	13.7%
2022	12.20	2469^th	2726	9.4%
2023	14.07	2368^th	2662	11.0%
2024	11.18	2409^th	2647	9.0%

See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for White Students!

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

Rank History for Columbia Elementary

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Rank History for all middle school students at Columbia Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	CA State Percentile
2004	65.48	507^th	1769	71.3%
2005	70.03	445^th	1777	75.0%
2006	49.57	824^th	1804	54.3%
2007	54.05	807^th	1999	59.6%
2008	55.42	806^th	2005	59.8%
2009	56.37	830^th	2063	59.8%
2010	69.69	557^th	2179	74.4%
2011	64.45	704^th	2236	68.5%
2012	68.45	612^th	2259	72.9%
2013	80.85	300^th	2379	87.4%
2015	69.58	652^nd	2477	73.7%
2016	69.31	667^th	2497	73.3%
2017	50.01	1106^th	2508	55.9%
2018	39.25	1387^th	2480	44.1%
2019	33.89	1658^th	2715	38.9%
2021	27.91	642^nd	894	28.2%
2022	36.30	1577^th	2740	42.4%
2023	47.47	1240^th	2802	55.7%
2024	53.99	1038^th	2777	62.6%

See the entire list of California Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Low Socio Economic Status students at Columbia Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	37.53	1343^rd	2230	39.8%
2019	33.85	1536^th	2369	35.2%
2021	32.65	495^th	721	31.3%
2022	48.20	1073^rd	2458	56.3%
2023	50.07	1032^nd	2549	59.5%
2024	50.97	1006^th	2575	60.9%

See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for middle school Female students at Columbia Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	47.05	1087^th	2262	51.9%
2019	30.36	1616^th	2380	32.1%
2021	23.44	570^th	738	22.8%
2022	46.06	1169^th	2509	53.4%
2023	45.05	1186^th	2547	53.4%
2024	47.09	1141^st	2546	55.2%

See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Disabled students at Columbia Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	CA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2019	46.21	620^th	1491	58.4%

See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at Columbia Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	31.67	1479^th	2273	34.9%
2019	38.62	1352^nd	2407	43.8%
2021	33.43	483^rd	763	36.7%
2022	27.54	1753^rd	2527	30.6%
2023	47.97	1126^th	2558	56.0%
2024	58.64	844^th	2547	66.9%

See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at Columbia Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	26.87	1131^st	1496	24.4%
2019	14.50	1391^st	1602	13.2%
2022	16.42	1332^nd	1555	14.3%
2023	28.14	1115^th	1552	28.2%
2024	27.36	1110^th	1535	27.7%

See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: California 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.

Data source: California Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Columbia Elementary

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1988	478	1	1	10	0	n/a	n/a	0	490
1989	462	2	7	18	5	n/a	n/a	0	494
1990	530	3	2	20	2	n/a	n/a	0	557
1991	530	6	1	11	0	n/a	n/a	0	548
1992	495	0	3	32	0	n/a	n/a	0	530
1993	503	0	1	29	0	n/a	n/a	0	533
1994	499	1	4	26	19	n/a	n/a	0	549
1995	448	1	9	36	33	n/a	n/a	0	527
1996	448	1	9	36	33	n/a	n/a	0	527
1997	424	2	17	42	29	n/a	n/a	0	514
1998	408	0	9	37	24	n/a	n/a	0	478
1999	388	5	9	24	32	n/a	n/a	3	461
2000	322	6	3	37	44	n/a	n/a	0	412
2001	338	8	5	35	36	n/a	n/a	2	424
2002	440	7	7	45	22	n/a	n/a	19	540
2003	440	7	7	45	22	n/a	n/a	19	540
2004	427	11	5	32	25	n/a	n/a	23	523
2005	415	11	8	39	32	n/a	n/a	20	525
2006	441	13	7	40	23	n/a	n/a	14	538
2007	456	9	7	38	10	n/a	n/a	34	554
2008	481	10	14	36	8	n/a	n/a	0	549
2009	494	7	11	34	10	4	55	0	615
2010	492	8	11	56	4	3	11	0	585
2011	498	10	7	56	2	4	11	0	588
2012	491	11	7	52	10	1	9	0	581
2013	489	10	8	50	15	2	7	0	581
2014	478	8	11	54	9	2	13	0	575
2015	463	9	12	47	10	3	7	0	551
2016	394	11	11	40	10	3	43	0	512
2017	395	10	10	50	9	3	44	0	521
2018	368	8	17	57	9	4	32	0	495
2019	356	6	12	74	12	2	25	0	487
2020	326	8	9	85	13	3	23	0	467
2021	284	9	8	86	12	2	32	0	433
2022	316	6	10	75	10	5	13	0	435
2023	300	7	9	81	16	3	20	1	437
2024	309	5	4	91	14	2	23	2	450

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 Columbia Elementary

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	490	18.6	26.3	n/a
1989	494	19.0	26.0	n/a
1990	557	19.8	28.1	n/a
1991	548	22.8	24.0	n/a
1992	530	23.2	22.8	35.7
1993	533	21.0	25.4	40.5
1994	549	21.0	26.1	39.5
1995	527	21.0	25.1	41.6
1996	527	21.0	25.1	41.6
1997	514	23.0	22.3	49.4
1998	478	25.0	19.1	42.9
1999	461	26.0	17.7	49.3
2000	412	21.1	19.5	47.8
2001	424	23.0	18.4	53.8
2002	540	27.5	19.6	44.3
2003	540	27.5	19.6	44.3
2004	523	28.0	18.7	53
2005	525	27.5	19.1	50.1
2006	538	30.0	17.9	48.1
2007	554	28.0	19.8	48.3
2008	549	32.0	17.2	56.1
2009	615	29.0	19.8	54.1
2010	585	26.5	22.0	49.6
2011	588	n/a	n/a	54.3
2012	581	26.0	22.3	55.4
2013	581	25.0	23.2	39.6
2014	575	25.5	22.5	58.4
2015	551	24.0	22.9	60.6
2016	512	23.0	22.2	57
2017	521	26.0	20.0	56.8
2018	495	24.0	20.6	60.4
2019	487	24.0	20.2	60
2020	467	n/a	n/a	60.6
2021	433	23.9	18.0	46.9
2022	435	24.5	17.7	57.9
2023	437	22.5	19.3	55.1
2024	450	25.2	17.8	54.7

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 Columbia Elementary

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	490	18.6	26.3	n/a
1989	494	19.0	26.0	n/a
1990	557	19.8	28.1	n/a
1991	548	22.8	24.0	n/a
1992	530	23.2	22.8	35.7
1993	533	21.0	25.4	40.5
1994	549	21.0	26.1	39.5
1995	527	21.0	25.1	41.6
1996	527	21.0	25.1	41.6
1997	514	23.0	22.3	49.4
1998	478	25.0	19.1	42.9
1999	461	26.0	17.7	49.3
2000	412	21.1	19.5	47.8
2001	424	23.0	18.4	53.8
2002	540	27.5	19.6	44.3
2003	540	27.5	19.6	44.3
2004	523	28.0	18.7	53
2005	525	27.5	19.1	50.1
2006	538	30.0	17.9	48.1
2007	554	28.0	19.8	48.3
2008	549	32.0	17.2	56.1
2009	615	29.0	19.8	54.1
2010	585	26.5	22.0	49.6
2011	588	n/a	n/a	54.3
2012	581	26.0	22.3	55.4
2013	581	25.0	23.2	39.6
2014	575	25.5	22.5	58.4
2015	551	24.0	22.9	60.6
2016	512	23.0	22.2	57
2017	521	26.0	20.0	56.8
2018	495	24.0	20.6	60.4
2019	487	24.0	20.2	60
2020	467	n/a	n/a	60.6
2021	433	23.9	18.0	46.9
2022	435	24.5	17.7	57.9
2023	437	22.5	19.3	55.1
2024	450	25.2	17.8	54.7

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.

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