Serving 886 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Kester Avenue 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 67% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 78% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 25:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 886 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
- Minority Enrollment: 72%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 67% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 78% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 5%)
- Attendance Zone: Kester Avenue Elementary serves the northern part of Van Nuys, CA, encompassing an area of approximately 1.7 square miles. Families within this zone typically have a short 5-10 minute drive to the school, with an average distance of 0.8 miles from the school to the boundary and a maximum distance of 1.1 miles to the furthest edge.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Kester Avenue 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
Kester Avenue Elementary School's student population of 886 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
886 students
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Year Founded
1965
School Calendar
Average Class Size
22 students
School Rankings
Kester Avenue 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 Kester Avenue Elementary School is 0.75, 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
#649 out of 9523 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
67%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
78%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
13%
12%
Hispanic
34%
56%
Black
5%
5%
White
28%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
20%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)15.5%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cougars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kester Avenue Elementary School's ranking?
Kester Avenue Elementary School is ranked #649 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in California.
What schools are Kester Avenue Elementary School often compared to?
Kester Avenue Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Chandler Elementary School, Dixie Canyon Community Charter by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
67% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 78% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Kester Avenue Elementary School?
886 students attend Kester Avenue Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
34% of Kester Avenue Elementary School students are Hispanic, 28% of students are White, 20% of students are Two or more races, 13% of students are Asian, and 5% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Kester Avenue Elementary School?
Kester Avenue Elementary School has a student ration of 25:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Kester Avenue Elementary School offer ?
Kester Avenue Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Kester Avenue Elementary School part of?
Kester Avenue Elementary School is part of Los Angeles Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Kester Avenue Elementary School located?
Kester Avenue Elementary School is located in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Van Nuys, CA. There are 1 other public schools located in Sherman Oaks.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
The information listed here is quite outdated, as there are more than 1,000 students at this school and the student-to-teacher ratio is much higher. Check GreatSchools for more current info. Kester does very well with its limited resources; the teachers are very dedicated and there is a group of parents that is energetic and involved, making a tremendous difference. There is a new science lab and PE and art programs, thanks to the PTA. The school is pretty and neat. After-school care lacks sufficient supervision.
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