Serving 535 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Birney Elementary School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 66% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 77% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 535 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 62%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 66% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 77% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 5%)
- Attendance Zone: Birney Elementary serves the southern part of San Diego, CA, covering an area of approximately 2.7 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge being about 2.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Birney Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Birney Elementary School's student population of 535 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
535 students
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
School Motto
Think globally, learn locally!
School Rankings
Birney Elementary School ranks within the top 10% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Birney Elementary School is 0.72, which is more 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
#723 out of 9523 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
66%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
77%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
4%
12%
Hispanic
33%
56%
Black
9%
5%
White
38%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
15%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)16.3%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
34%
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 Birney Elementary School's ranking?
Birney Elementary School is ranked #723 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in California.
What schools are Birney Elementary School often compared to?
Birney Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mckinley Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
66% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 77% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Birney Elementary School?
535 students attend Birney Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
38% of Birney Elementary School students are White, 33% of students are Hispanic, 15% of students are Two or more races, 9% of students are Black, 4% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Birney Elementary School?
Birney Elementary School has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Birney Elementary School offer ?
Birney Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Birney Elementary School part of?
Birney Elementary School is part of San Diego Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Birney Elementary School located?
Birney Elementary School is located in the University Heights neighborhood of San Diego, CA. There are 1 other public schools located in University Heights.
School Calendar
View the Birney Elementary School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First Day of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September 01, 2026 (Tuesday)
First Day of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September 01, 2026 (Tuesday)
First Day of LatinX Heritage Month
September 15, 2026 (Tuesday)
First Day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 01, 2026 (Thursday)
First Day of Dyslexia Awareness Month
October 01, 2026 (Thursday)
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