Serving 461 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Richard Henry Dana 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 35-39% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (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 61% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 461 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 61%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 21-39% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Richard Henry Dana Elementary serves the southwest part of Dana Point, CA, covering an area of approximately 2.6 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with an average distance of about 0.9 miles to the edge of the attendance area and a maximum distance of 1.4 miles to the furthest edge.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Richard Henry Dana Elementary School's student population of 461 students has grown by 103% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has grown by 160% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
461 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1966
School Calendar
Average Class Size
25 students
School Rankings
Richard Henry Dana 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 Richard Henry Dana Elementary School is 0.63, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#4369 out of 9523 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
34%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
21:1
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
12%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
45%
56%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
39%
20%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
14%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)14.5%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
8%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Blue and Green
School Mascot
Whales
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 09/26/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Richard Henry Dana Elementary School's ranking?
Richard Henry Dana Elementary School is ranked #4369 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Richard Henry Dana Elementary School often compared to?
Richard Henry Dana Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Palisades Elementary School, Truman Benedict Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Richard Henry Dana Elementary School?
461 students attend Richard Henry Dana Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Richard Henry Dana Elementary School students are Hispanic, 39% of students are White, 14% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Richard Henry Dana Elementary School?
Richard Henry Dana Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Richard Henry Dana Elementary School offer ?
Richard Henry Dana Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Richard Henry Dana Elementary School part of?
Richard Henry Dana Elementary School is part of Capistrano Unified School District.
School Reviews
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