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Elementary Schools in National City, California

Below Average2024–25 data11 schools · avg 35.1/100

National City, California has 11 ranked elementary schools with an average Scope Score of 35.1/100 — 8.7 points below the California state average of 43.8. The highest-scoring school is Sweetwater High at 53/100, where 9.0% of students exceed the state standard on the 2025 CAASPP assessment. National City schools average 11.5% exceeded standard (state: 21.6%) — this exceeded-vs-met distinction reveals whether schools push students beyond proficiency or pace toward it. Chronic absenteeism averages 23.6% (above the state average of 18.1%). Data source: California Department of Education CAASPP 2025, analyzed by SchoolScope.

Avg Scope Score
35.1
State avg: 43.8
SchoolScope composite
Score Range
27.5
25.5 – 53.0
Avg Exceeded %
11.5%
State avg: 21.6%
CDE CAASPP 2025
Chronic Absenteeism
23.6%
State avg: 18.1%
CDE Attendance 2025
Schools Ranked
11
With Scope Scores

How National City schools compare

National City's 11 ranked elementary schools average a Scope Score of 35.1 — 8.7 points below the California state average of 43.8. Scores range from 25.5 to 53.0, a 27.5-point spread.

The top-ranked school is Sweetwater High with a Scope Score of 53 and 9.0% of students exceeding standard.

Chronic absenteeism in National City averages 23.6%, which is below the state average of 18.1%.

How we score · Scope Score weights exceeded (40%), met (22%), growth (15%), absenteeism (10%), suspension (5%), ELPAC (5%), baseline (3%)

Schools in National City ranked by Scope Score

#SchoolExceededScore
1Sweetwater High
Sweetwater Union High Building Momentum
9.0%Solid
53/100
2John A. Otis Elementary
National Elementary Building Momentum
14.6%Developing
43/100
3Ira Harbison
National Elementary Building Momentum
16.9%Developing
41/100
4Palmer Way
National Elementary Building Momentum
19.3%Developing
37/100
5Kimball
National Elementary Building Momentum
13.8%Developing
37/100
6Rancho de la Nacion
National Elementary Building Momentum
15.7%Developing
32/100
7Olivewood
National Elementary Building Momentum
9.2%Developing
31/100
8El Toyon Elementary
National Elementary Building Momentum
7.3%Developing
31/100
9Central Elementary
National Elementary Building Momentum
11.0%Needs Support
28/100
10Lincoln Acres
National Elementary Building Momentum
4.0%Needs Support
26/100
11Las Palmas
National Elementary Building Momentum
5.4%Needs Support
26/100

Data source: California Department of Education · CAASPP 2024-25 · Methodology

Scores are SchoolScope's analysis of public data, not official CDE ratings. They represent one way of interpreting test results and should not be the sole basis for school decisions.

What Scope Scores can't tell you about National City

  • Class sizes and student-teacher interaction quality
  • Quality of arts, music, athletics, and enrichment programs
  • Teacher experience, turnover, and professional development
  • Campus safety, bullying climate, and social-emotional support
  • Parent and community engagement levels
  • Quality of special education and gifted programs
  • How school zones and enrollment boundaries affect access

Scope Scores measure academic performance and school climate using public data. They are one lens among many. Full methodology

Frequently asked questions

Are the schools in National City good?
National City's 11 ranked elementary schools average a Scope Score of 35.1/100, which is 8.7 points below the California state average of 43.8. 11.5% of students exceed the state standard on average (state average: 21.6%). The Scope Score weights six dimensions: exceeded standard (40%), met standard (22%), grade-level growth (15%), chronic absenteeism (10%), suspension rate (5%), and ELPAC proficiency (5%). Data source: California Department of Education CAASPP 2025, analyzed by SchoolScope.
What is the best elementary school in National City?
The highest-scoring elementary school in National City is Sweetwater High with a Scope Score of 53/100 and 9.0% of students exceeding the state standard. Rankings are based on SchoolScope's 2025 Scope Score, which measures academic performance and school climate using publicly available California data. See full methodology.
How do National City schools compare to the state average?
National City elementary schools average a Scope Score of 35.1 vs. the statewide average of 43.8 (8.7 points below). The exceeded rate averages 11.5% vs. 21.6% statewide. Chronic absenteeism averages 23.6% vs. 18.1% statewide. Scores range from 25.5 to 53.0, a 27.5-point spread.
How many schools are in National City?
National City has 11 ranked elementary schools with Scope Scores. Schools are ranked using a weighted composite of CAASPP test performance, growth trajectory, chronic absenteeism, and suspension rate. Schools with insufficient testing data are not ranked.
What does the Scope Score measure?
The Scope Score is SchoolScope's proprietary composite rating (0–100) based on six dimensions of publicly available California school data: the exceeded-vs-met standard split, overall proficiency, grade 3–5 growth, chronic absenteeism, suspension rate, and ELPAC English Learner proficiency. Unlike single-number ratings, the Scope Score separates students who "exceeded" from those who "met" the standard — revealing whether a school pushes students beyond proficiency or paces toward it. Full methodology and weights.

Related

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