Serving 359 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Ponderosa Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45-49% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 359 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 86%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Ponderosa Elementary School's student population of 359 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 16 teachers has declined by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
359 students
Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers
Year Founded
1962
School Calendar
School Rankings
Ponderosa 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 Ponderosa Elementary School is 0.68, 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
#2283 out of 9523 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
28%
12%
Hispanic
47%
56%
Black
n/a
5%
White
14%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
10%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)20.9%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
31%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ponderosa Elementary School's ranking?
Ponderosa Elementary School is ranked #2283 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in California.
What schools are Ponderosa Elementary School often compared to?
Ponderosa Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Sunshine Gardens Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Ponderosa Elementary School?
359 students attend Ponderosa Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Ponderosa Elementary School students are Hispanic, 28% of students are Asian, 14% of students are White, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ponderosa Elementary School?
Ponderosa Elementary School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Ponderosa Elementary School offer ?
Ponderosa Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Ponderosa Elementary School part of?
Ponderosa Elementary School is part of South San Francisco Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Ponderosa Elementary School located?
Ponderosa Elementary School is located in the Avalon neighborhood of South San Francisco, CA.
School Reviews
Review Ponderosa 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
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
