Is Almaden Elementary a good school?

Almaden Elementary ranks 3978 th of 5862 California elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Almaden Elementary?

In the 2022-23 school year, 295 students attended Almaden Elementary.

What is the racial makeup of Almaden Elementary?

Students at Almaden Elementary are 75% Hispanic, 10% White, 9% Asian, 3% Two or more races, 3% African American.

What schools do graduates of Almaden Elementary attend?

Students who attend Almaden Elementary usually go on to attend: High : Pioneer High

Almaden Elementary

Summary:

Almaden Elementary is a public elementary school in San Jose, California, serving 295 students in grades K-5. It is part of the San Jose Unified School District, which is ranked 796 out of 1,568 districts in the state and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Almaden Elementary faces several key challenges, including high chronic absenteeism rates that have risen from 8.3% in 2017-2018 to 34.1% in 2022-2023, significantly higher than district and state averages. The school also consistently underperforms compared to the district and state on standardized tests, with only 34.06% of Almaden students proficient or better in English Language Arts/Literacy in 2023-2024, compared to 49.53% for the district and 47.04% for the state. Almaden struggles to support certain student subgroups, with its rankings for Hispanic students and low socioeconomic status students in the bottom 30% of California elementary schools, while its ranking for English Language Learners is in the top 25%.

Compared to nearby schools, such as Los Alamitos Elementary, Guadalupe Elementary, and Oster Elementary, which consistently outperform Almaden on test scores and have lower chronic absenteeism rates, Almaden Elementary's performance is generally lower. Addressing the underlying issues of high chronic absenteeism and economic disadvantage, as well as implementing more targeted interventions and support for struggling student subgroups, could be crucial in improving the overall quality of education at Almaden Elementary.

Detail:

Public K-5

1295 Dentwood Dr.
San Jose, CA 95118-3018

(408) 535-6207

District: San Jose Unified

SchoolDigger Rank:
3978^th of 5,862 California Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $13,925

Students who attend Almaden Elementary usually attend:

High:

Pioneer High

Student/teacher ratio: 23.6

Number of students: 295

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

74.9%

White:

9.8%

Asian:

8.8%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 69.5%

See top rated California elementary schools

Compare Almaden Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Almaden Elementary ranks worse than 67.9% of elementary schools in California. It also ranks 15^th among 27 ranked elementary schools in the San Jose Unified School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 29.36. (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: Hispanic (74.9%), White (9.8%), Asian (8.8%). (See more...)

Compare Details 69.5% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Compare Details (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Almaden Elementary is 23.6. 18 elementary schools in the San Jose Unified School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)

Compare Almaden Elementary employs 12.5 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Almaden Elementary is $13,925, which is the 4^th highest among 27 elementary schools in the San Jose Unified School District.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Almaden Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Almaden Elementary 3978^th of 5862 California public elementary schools. (See Almaden Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

English Language Learner students:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Male students:

Hispanic students:

San Jose Unified:

SchoolDigger ranks San Jose Unified 796^th of 1568 California school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Almaden Elementary.

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Rank History for Almaden Elementary

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Rank History for all students at Almaden Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile
2004	14.72	4358^th	4809	9.4%
2005	30.73	3232^nd	4822	33.0%
2006	38.25	2810^th	4818	41.7%
2007	22.00	4131^st	5113	19.2%
2008	21.72	4213^th	5113	17.6%
2009	30.52	3671^st	5193	29.3%
2010	17.33	4755^th	5314	10.5%
2011	35.89	3547^th	5377	34.0%
2012	23.12	4445^th	5390	17.5%
2013	36.82	3542^nd	5530	35.9%
2015	19.37	4692^nd	5611	16.4%
2016	35.57	3370^th	5614	40.0%
2017	33.60	3549^th	5692	37.6%
2018	32.46	3634^th	5662	35.8%
2019	26.80	4211^th	5789	27.3%
2021	21.17	1127^th	1417	20.5%
2022	18.63	4997^th	5883	15.1%
2023	29.22	3967^th	5874	32.5%
2024	29.36	3978^th	5862	32.1%

See the entire list of California Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Almaden Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	33.54	2153^rd	3246	33.7%
2019	29.96	2500^th	3275	23.7%
2021	25.82	557^th	602	7.5%
2022	30.56	2562^nd	3311	22.6%
2023	46.11	1405^th	3250	56.8%
2024	58.45	790^th	3160	75.0%

See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Almaden Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	36.13	3309^th	5084	34.9%
2019	27.79	4043^rd	5173	21.8%
2021	34.57	739^th	1110	33.4%
2022	21.47	4541^st	5264	13.7%
2023	31.43	3781^st	5374	29.6%
2024	33.01	3697^th	5511	32.9%

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

Rank History for Female students at Almaden Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	34.09	3478^th	5413	35.7%
2019	33.36	3554^th	5492	35.3%
2021	22.86	974^th	1267	23.1%
2022	14.32	5242^nd	5635	7.0%
2023	23.78	4357^th	5617	22.4%
2024	31.36	3687^th	5605	34.2%

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

Rank History for Male students at Almaden Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	31.73	3566^th	5431	34.3%
2019	24.15	4271^st	5510	22.5%
2021	21.27	1016^th	1272	20.1%
2022	25.82	4150^th	5663	26.7%
2023	37.08	3259^th	5650	42.3%
2024	28.69	3939^th	5636	30.1%

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

Rank History for Hispanic students at Almaden Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	35.44	3188^th	4830	34.0%
2019	31.18	3609^th	4963	27.3%
2022	17.15	4689^th	5084	7.8%
2023	23.20	4245^th	5098	16.7%
2024	30.99	3666^th	5102	28.1%

See the entire list of Best California Elementary Schools for Hispanic 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

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)

100%

Reviews:

by a parent
Friday, August 17, 2018

I love our school. The teachers and principal really know the kids! Close Quote

by a parent
Friday, March 10, 2017

I'm very happy that Almaden Elementary School is going to be part of the history of my children.
My son is in middle school and he still remember with much affection to all the staff.
My daughter is very happy to be in Almaden E. School she loves everything she feels like being home!
She has the support of all the teachers and staff in what she needs.
Everybody is very friendly.
And we are proud parents that our children were in Almaden Elementary School since preschool! Close Quote

by a parent
Friday, March 10, 2017

I absolutely love Almaden Elementary! The staff there is amazing and they are all so welcoming. Both of my daughters attended Almaden from pre-school thru 5th grade so we've been there since 2006. This is our last year here and it's going to be so tuff to say goodbye to a great school. I would highly recommend Almaden Elementary. Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, March 9, 2017

Don't let two stars fool you. This school is amazing. The two stars are based off of ONE state test. It doesn't factor in the ongoing assessments that are given throughout the year. The principal shares multiple sources of data to show that students at Almaden performing at excellent levels. Teachers are super focused on providing foundational skills and pushing those students who need an extended challenge. They are some of the best teachers in the district. The front office staff is friendly and knows every family and child that walks in. The principal is always visible. She is always willing to drop everything and help you. She knows every child's name and you can even see her playing four square with the kids at recess. She is firm with the kids but fair and you can see how passionate she is about her staff and students. The parents aren't as involved as other schools but they are hardworking and want the best for their children. It's a shame that the two stars doesn't reflect this. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Almaden Elementary

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1988	247	32	50	219	8	n/a	n/a	0	556
1989	224	47	46	250	13	n/a	n/a	0	580
1990	210	40	41	285	14	n/a	n/a	0	590
1991	190	45	40	293	10	n/a	n/a	0	578
1992	202	32	41	334	5	n/a	n/a	0	614
1993	172	37	34	298	6	n/a	n/a	0	547
1994	133	41	38	317	7	n/a	n/a	0	536
1995	116	51	42	342	11	n/a	n/a	0	562
1996	116	51	42	342	11	n/a	n/a	0	562
1997	104	44	37	358	11	n/a	n/a	0	554
1998	70	27	36	302	8	n/a	n/a	0	443
1999	80	14	39	285	5	n/a	n/a	0	423
2000	78	14	37	284	4	n/a	n/a	0	417
2001	75	15	39	276	2	n/a	n/a	0	407
2002	48	16	32	296	2	n/a	n/a	1	395
2003	48	16	32	296	2	n/a	n/a	1	395
2004	39	16	28	300	4	n/a	n/a	0	387
2005	41	17	30	291	2	n/a	n/a	0	381
2006	42	12	23	279	6	n/a	n/a	2	364
2007	37	11	16	294	2	n/a	n/a	2	362
2008	32	10	17	329	3	n/a	n/a	0	391
2009	32	12	21	338	5	1	9	0	418
2010	26	13	24	339	4	1	9	0	416
2011	30	14	15	350	3	0	18	0	430
2012	26	20	15	348	2	1	10	0	422
2013	24	11	16	349	1	2	12	0	415
2014	29	8	13	337	1	2	11	0	401
2015	34	9	12	316	1	2	15	0	389
2016	24	8	14	306	0	3	13	0	368
2017	26	5	12	282	0	4	14	0	343
2018	26	3	11	254	0	3	17	0	314
2019	28	5	16	239	0	2	13	0	303
2020	28	5	24	230	0	2	11	0	300
2021	27	7	22	220	0	4	8	0	288
2022	27	7	21	205	0	0	6	0	266
2023	29	9	26	221	0	0	10	0	295

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 Almaden Elementary

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	556	25.5	21.8	n/a
1989	580	27.5	21.0	n/a
1990	590	26.5	22.2	n/a
1991	578	26.0	22.2	n/a
1992	614	26.4	23.2	63.8
1993	547	22.8	24.0	66.5
1994	536	22.8	23.5	70.9
1995	562	21.0	26.8	73.5
1996	562	21.0	26.8	73.5
1997	554	22.0	25.2	71.8
1998	443	22.0	20.1	74.9
1999	423	23.2	18.2	65.5
2000	417	24.0	17.4	58.5
2001	407	23.0	17.7	66.1
2002	395	25.0	15.8	68.3
2003	395	25.0	15.8	68.3
2004	387	24.0	16.1	79.3
2005	381	26.0	14.7	75.6
2006	364	24.0	15.2	75.7
2007	362	24.0	15.1	76.1
2008	391	25.8	15.2	83.4
2009	418	23.0	16.7	81.3
2010	416	23.0	18.0	77.4
2011	430	n/a	n/a	80.9
2012	422	19.0	22.2	n/a
2013	415	19.9	20.8	73.7
2014	401	14.6	27.3	75.6
2015	389	14.0	27.7	74.8
2016	368	15.0	24.5	79.3
2017	343	13.6	25.1	76.7
2018	314	13.8	22.6	78
2019	303	12.6	23.9	76.6
2020	300	n/a	n/a	71.3
2021	288	12.9	22.3	66.3
2022	266	12.6	21.0	61.3
2023	295	12.5	23.6	69.5

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 Almaden Elementary

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	556	25.5	21.8	n/a
1989	580	27.5	21.0	n/a
1990	590	26.5	22.2	n/a
1991	578	26.0	22.2	n/a
1992	614	26.4	23.2	63.8
1993	547	22.8	24.0	66.5
1994	536	22.8	23.5	70.9
1995	562	21.0	26.8	73.5
1996	562	21.0	26.8	73.5
1997	554	22.0	25.2	71.8
1998	443	22.0	20.1	74.9
1999	423	23.2	18.2	65.5
2000	417	24.0	17.4	58.5
2001	407	23.0	17.7	66.1
2002	395	25.0	15.8	68.3
2003	395	25.0	15.8	68.3
2004	387	24.0	16.1	79.3
2005	381	26.0	14.7	75.6
2006	364	24.0	15.2	75.7
2007	362	24.0	15.1	76.1
2008	391	25.8	15.2	83.4
2009	418	23.0	16.7	81.3
2010	416	23.0	18.0	77.4
2011	430	n/a	n/a	80.9
2012	422	19.0	22.2	n/a
2013	415	19.9	20.8	73.7
2014	401	14.6	27.3	75.6
2015	389	14.0	27.7	74.8
2016	368	15.0	24.5	79.3
2017	343	13.6	25.1	76.7
2018	314	13.8	22.6	78
2019	303	12.6	23.9	76.6
2020	300	n/a	n/a	71.3
2021	288	12.9	22.3	66.3
2022	266	12.6	21.0	61.3
2023	295	12.5	23.6	69.5

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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