Nell Dawson Elementary School

1303 Sunset Ave.
Coalinga, CA 93210
(School attendance zone shown in map)
3/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 405 students in grades 1-3, Nell Dawson 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 20% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 1-3
  • Enrollment: 405 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 88%
  • : Bottom 50% in CA
  • : 20% (Btm 50%)
  • : 20-24% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

School Overview

Nell Dawson Elementary School's student population of 405 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has grown by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 1-3
Total Students
405 students
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor

School Rankings

Nell Dawson 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 Nell Dawson Elementary School is 0.28, 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.
This School
State Level (CA)
#7603 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
20%
34%
20-24%
47%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
12%
Hispanic
84%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
12%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
0.28
(22-23)
38.5%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
66%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
8%
School Statewide Testing
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

School Notes

  • School Mascot: Wild Boars

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nell Dawson Elementary School's ranking?
Nell Dawson Elementary School is ranked #7603 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?
20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Nell Dawson Elementary School?
405 students attend Nell Dawson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
84% of Nell Dawson Elementary School students are Hispanic, 12% of students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Nell Dawson Elementary School?
Nell Dawson Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Nell Dawson Elementary School offer ?
Nell Dawson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades 1-3
What school district is Nell Dawson Elementary School part of?
Nell Dawson Elementary School is part of Coalinga-Huron Unified School District.

School Reviews

Review Nell Dawson 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
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

The School Choice Comparison Worksheet: 15 Factors Beyond Test Scores
The School Choice Comparison Worksheet: 15 Factors Beyond Test Scores
Compare public schools with confidence using this 15-factor worksheet that looks beyond test scores to school culture, programs, safety, and student support.
Boundary Changes and Rezoning: How to Protect Your Child's School Plan
Boundary Changes and Rezoning: How to Protect Your Child's School Plan
Learn why school boundary changes happen, how rezoning affects families, and the practical steps parents can take to protect their child's educational plan.
Teacher Turnover: How to Read the Warning Signs
Teacher Turnover: How to Read the Warning Signs
Learn how to identify warning signs of teacher turnover, what causes frequent staff changes, and how parents can evaluate school stability.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 1-3
  • Enrollment: 405 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 88%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 20% (Btm 50%)
  • : 20-24% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

Quick Links