Serving 501 students in grades Kindergarten-6, Don Stowell Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 14% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15% (which is lower than 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 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 501 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Don Stowell Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Don Stowell Elementary School's student population of 501 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
Total Students
501 students
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Year Founded
2001
School Motto
Merced City School District is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals.
School Rankings
Don Stowell Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Don Stowell Elementary School is 0.24, 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
#8740 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
12%
Hispanic
87%
56%
Black
5%
5%
White
3%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
93%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Don Stowell Elementary School's ranking?
Don Stowell Elementary School is ranked #8740 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 15% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Don Stowell Elementary School?
501 students attend Don Stowell Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
87% of Don Stowell Elementary School students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Black, 3% of students are Asian, 3% of students are White, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Don Stowell Elementary School?
Don Stowell Elementary School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Don Stowell Elementary School offer ?
Don Stowell Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-6
What school district is Don Stowell Elementary School part of?
Don Stowell Elementary School is part of Merced City Elementary School District.
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