Tijeras Creek Elementary School

23072 Avenida Empresa
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(School attendance zone shown in map)
10/
10
Top 5%
Serving 315 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Tijeras Creek Elementary School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-74% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 80-84% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 26:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 50% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 315 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 26:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 50%
  • : Top 5% in CA
  • : 70-74% (Top 10%)
  • : 80-84% (Top 5%)
  • : 70-79% (Top 5%)
  • : Tijeras Creek Elementary serves the northern part of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, covering an area of approximately 7.3 square miles. Families typically drive 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 3.8 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Tijeras Creek Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:

Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency

School Overview

Tijeras Creek Elementary School's student population of 315 students has grown by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 12 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
315 students
Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
Year Founded
2000
School Calendar
School Motto
We strive for ALL students to achieve at or above grade level.

School Rankings

Tijeras Creek Elementary School ranks within the top 5% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Tijeras Creek Elementary School is 0.67, 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)
#402 out of 9523 schools
(Top 5%)
70-74%
34%
80-84%
47%
70-79%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
26:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
13%
12%
Hispanic
19%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
50%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
17%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
0.67
(22-23)
16.2%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
13%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tijeras Creek Elementary School's ranking?
Tijeras Creek Elementary School is ranked #402 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in California.
What schools are Tijeras Creek Elementary School often compared to?
Tijeras Creek Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Arroyo Vista Elementary School, Robinson Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70-74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 80-84% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Tijeras Creek Elementary School?
315 students attend Tijeras Creek Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of Tijeras Creek Elementary School students are White, 19% of students are Hispanic, 17% of students are Two or more races, 13% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Tijeras Creek Elementary School?
Tijeras Creek Elementary School has a student ration of 26:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Tijeras Creek Elementary School offer ?
Tijeras Creek Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Tijeras Creek Elementary School part of?
Tijeras Creek Elementary School is part of Capistrano Unified School District.

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 315 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 26:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 50%
  • : Top 5%
  • : 70-74% (Top 10%)
  • : 80-84% (Top 5%)
  • : 70-79% (Top 5%)
  • : Tijeras Creek Elementary serves the northern part of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, covering an area of approximately 7.3 square miles. Families typically drive 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 3.8 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

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