Serving 917 students in grades Kindergarten-6, Tunnell (Martin Luther) 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 24% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35% (which is lower 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 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 917 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Tunnell (Martin Luther) Elementary serves the northeast part of Santa Maria, CA, covering an attendance area of approximately 2.2 square miles. Families can typically expect a 5-10 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 2.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Tunnell (Martin Luther) Elementary School's student population of 917 students has grown by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
Total Students
917 students
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
We are here to prepare children to be successful citizens.
School Rankings
Tunnell (Martin Luther) 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 Tunnell (Martin Luther) Elementary School is 0.21, 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
#5857 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
2%
12%
Hispanic
89%
56%
Black
n/a
5%
White
6%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18.2%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tunnell (Martin Luther) Elementary School's ranking?
Tunnell (Martin Luther) Elementary School is ranked #5857 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 35% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Tunnell (Martin Luther) Elementary School?
917 students attend Tunnell (Martin Luther) Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
89% of Tunnell (Martin Luther) Elementary School students are Hispanic, 6% of students are White, 2% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Tunnell (Martin Luther) Elementary School?
Tunnell (Martin Luther) Elementary School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Tunnell (Martin Luther) Elementary School offer ?
Tunnell (Martin Luther) Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-6
What school district is Tunnell (Martin Luther) Elementary School part of?
Tunnell (Martin Luther) Elementary School is part of Santa Maria-Bonita School District.
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