Serving 313 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Barbara Benson Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is approximately equal to the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 313 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 86%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Barbara Benson Elementary School's student population of 313 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 14 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
313 students
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
School Motto
The mission of the Tustin Unified School District, a learning community rich in heritage and committed to a tradition of excellence, is to ensure that each student optimizes individual achievement through an educational system characterized by challenging
School Rankings
Barbara Benson Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Barbara Benson Elementary School is 0.47, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3301 out of 9523 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
8%
12%
Hispanic
71%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
14%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
62%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Barbara Benson Elementary School's ranking?
Barbara Benson Elementary School is ranked #3301 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Barbara Benson Elementary School often compared to?
Barbara Benson Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Tustin Memorial Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Barbara Benson Elementary School?
313 students attend Barbara Benson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of Barbara Benson Elementary School students are Hispanic, 14% of students are White, 8% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Barbara Benson Elementary School?
Barbara Benson Elementary School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Barbara Benson Elementary School offer ?
Barbara Benson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Barbara Benson Elementary School part of?
Barbara Benson Elementary School is part of Tustin Unified School District.
School Calendar
View the Barbara Benson Elementary School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First day of School
August 13, 2026 (Thursday)
First Day Back from Winter Recess
January 05, 2027 (Tuesday)
Last day of School
May 28, 2027 (Friday)
First day of School
August 12, 2027 (Thursday)
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Barbara Benson Elementary is a wonderful school. The teachers and staff are excellent, and shows in the students. I encourage any parent to pay a visit to Barbara Benson Elementary.
5 10/10/2025
Benson is an amazing little school with a giant heart! I have two children at Benson. We tried Tustin Ranch after moving into the area, because besides TMA it is THE school most parents think is best. I knew by the second day I had made a huge mistake. Benson has an amazing staff. Mr. Ricky is popular with all the kids & parents alike. Mrs. Vela is approachable and concerned about each student. As former technology coordinator for the district, Mrs. Vela and the teaching staff have made advanced technology a part of daily learning. Due to its small size, 5th grade teachers know kindergarteners by name. All of the teaching staff above 3rd grade are GATE trained. Finally, Benson has several special day classes for special needs students. It is a diverse little school with a more realistic picture of what it means to live in a diverse society than many OC schools. One of my children has some learning challenges, and Benson teachers, Resource teacher and staff have been amazing in supporting and accommodating him in the general education environment. Benson is a hidden little gem, and is the "Cheers" of Tustin Unified. It is a family oriented, child centered school.
5 10/10/2025
I have had both of my kids at this school since kindergarten. One is in middle school now and my youngest is in his final year at Benson. I have had the opportunity to interact with ALL the teachers in one way or another. I feel that these teachers give their heart and soul and most importantly, their time to each and every one of the students at Benson. Both my children have thrived and come into their own, have been on honor roll, made beautiful work of art, been part of all the activities, and I contribute that to the Benson staff. I'm so very glad that my family has had such a wonderful experience at such a wonderful school. You would be wise to look into this great little hidden jewel of a school.
5 10/10/2025
My child attends on an Intra-district transfer. I actually selected Benson Elementary over our home school. They incorporate updated technology for a greater learning experience and provide outstanding extra curricular activities. The school has a great mix of students and the teaching staff is excellent. We were lucky enough to have Ms. Ezaki as my child's Kindergarten teacher. So the first experience at school was a very positive one. Ms. Mayer in the office is always helpful and kind. Additional plus, the Principal Ms. Vela has brought great programs to the school, such as the Brave program from the Joyful Child Foundation. We are looking forward to our youngest child attending next year.
5 10/10/2025
Love love love this School!!
I have 2 children here. Innovative technology in classrooms. Caring dedicated teachers and administrators . Great PTO sponsored programs.
Art & Music. In this day and age it is a priceless gift to know your kids are being taught & cared for in a positive environment, and I trust Everyone here at benson. This school is a treasure. Diverse and energetic.
Definitely worth a visit.
Review Barbara Benson Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
