Serving 456 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Ralph Waldo Emerson 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 15-19% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25-29% (which is lower 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 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 456 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Emerson/Bandini Elementary serves the southern part of San Diego, CA, covering an area of approximately 0.6 square miles. Most residents live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 1 mile from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School's student population of 456 students has grown by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
456 students
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
School Motto
'Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.'
School Rankings
Ralph Waldo Emerson 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 Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School is 0.10, 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
#7478 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
12%
Hispanic
95%
56%
Black
3%
5%
White
1%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)52.4%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
87%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Eagles
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School's ranking?
Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School is ranked #7478 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School often compared to?
Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Rodriguez Elementary School, Encanto Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 25-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School?
456 students attend Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Black, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School?
Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School has a student ration of 25:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School offer ?
Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School part of?
Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School is part of San Diego Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School located?
Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School is located in the Southcrest neighborhood of San Diego, CA. There are 1 other public schools located in Southcrest.
School Reviews
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