Serving 712 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Peggy Heller Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 41% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55% (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 81% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 712 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 81%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 41% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Peggy Heller Elementary serves the northeast part of Atwater, CA, covering an area of approximately 22.7 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 2.2 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Peggy Heller Elementary School's student population of 712 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Total Students
712 students
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
School Motto
Smart choices, Organization, Attitude, Respect and Responsibility (S.O.A.R.)
School Rankings
Peggy Heller Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Peggy Heller Elementary School is 0.47, 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
#2853 out of 9523 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
5%
12%
Hispanic
70%
56%
Black
2%
5%
White
19%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)12.2%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
55%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peggy Heller Elementary School's ranking?
Peggy Heller Elementary School is ranked #2853 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in California.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
41% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Peggy Heller Elementary School?
712 students attend Peggy Heller Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of Peggy Heller Elementary School students are Hispanic, 19% of students are White, 5% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Peggy Heller Elementary School?
Peggy Heller Elementary School has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Peggy Heller Elementary School offer ?
Peggy Heller Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8
What school district is Peggy Heller Elementary School part of?
Peggy Heller Elementary School is part of Atwater Elementary School District.
School Calendar
View the Peggy Heller Elementary School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
No School - Spring Break
March 26, 2027 (Friday)
No School - Spring Break
March 27, 2027 (Saturday)
No School - Spring Break
March 28, 2027 (Sunday)
No School - Spring Break
March 29, 2027 (Monday)
No School - Spring Break
March 30, 2027 (Tuesday)
School Reviews
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