Pepper Drive Elementary School

1935 Marlinda Way
El Cajon, CA 92020
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
6/
10
Top 50%
Serving 661 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Pepper Drive Elementary School ranks in the top 50% 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 40% (which is lower 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 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 661 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 56%
  • : Top 50% in CA
  • : 41% (Top 50%)
  • : 40% (Btm 50%)
  • : 36% (Top 50%)
  • : Pepper Drive Elementary serves the southeast part of El Cajon, CA, covering an area of 2.6 square miles. Most families are typically within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest distance to the school being approximately 1.9 miles.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

School Overview

Pepper Drive Elementary School's student population of 661 students has declined by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has declined by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Total Students
661 students

Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers

Showing 2014–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Year Founded
1957

School Rankings

Pepper Drive Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Pepper Drive Elementary School is 0.65, 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.
This School
State Level (CA)
#3985 out of 9523 schools
(Top 50%)

Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data

41%
34%

Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data

40%
47%

Showing 2011–2022. View full 13-year historical data

36%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
21:1

Showing 2014–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Asian
5%
12%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data

Hispanic
39%
56%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data

Black
4%
5%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data

White
44%
20%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data

Two or more races
8%
6%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 17-year historical data

All Ethnic Groups
56%
0.65

Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data

(22-23)
27.8%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
54%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 34-year historical data

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
8%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 27-year historical data

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pepper Drive Elementary School's ranking?
Pepper Drive Elementary School is ranked #3985 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Pepper Drive Elementary School often compared to?
Pepper Drive Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cajon Park Elementary School, Hill Creek Elementary School by visitors of our site.
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 40% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Pepper Drive Elementary School?
661 students attend Pepper Drive Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of Pepper Drive Elementary School students are White, 39% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Asian, and 4% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Pepper Drive Elementary School?
Pepper Drive Elementary School has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Pepper Drive Elementary School offer ?
Pepper Drive Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8
What school district is Pepper Drive Elementary School part of?
Pepper Drive Elementary School is part of Santee School District.

School Calendar

View the Pepper Drive Elementary School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event
Date
No School - Fall Break
November 23, 2026 (Monday)
No School - Spring Break
March 22, 2027 (Monday)
Last Day of School
June 09, 2027 (Wednesday)

School Reviews

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 661 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 56%
  • : Top 50%
  • : 41% (Top 50%)
  • : 40% (Btm 50%)
  • : 36% (Top 50%)
  • : Pepper Drive Elementary serves the southeast part of El Cajon, CA, covering an area of 2.6 square miles. Most families are typically within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest distance to the school being approximately 1.9 miles.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

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