Serving 579 students in grades Kindergarten-5, James A. Whitaker Elementary School ranks in the bottom 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 32% (which is lower than the California state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 27% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 20:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 579 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 95%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 32% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
James A. Whitaker Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
James A. Whitaker Elementary School's student population of 579 students has grown by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has grown by 38% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
579 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
James A. Whitaker Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,602 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James A. Whitaker Elementary School is 0.35, 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
#5749 out of 9602 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
20:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
8%
12%
Hispanic
80%
56%
Black
4%
5%
White
5%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
77%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James A. Whitaker Elementary School's ranking?
James A. Whitaker Elementary School is ranked #5749 out of 9,602 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are James A. Whitaker Elementary School often compared to?
James A. Whitaker Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mabel L. Pendleton Elementary School, Gordon H. Beatty Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
32% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CA state average), while 27% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend James A. Whitaker Elementary School?
579 students attend James A. Whitaker Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
80% of James A. Whitaker Elementary School students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Asian, 5% of students are White, 4% of students are Black, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of James A. Whitaker Elementary School?
James A. Whitaker Elementary School has a student ration of 20:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does James A. Whitaker Elementary School offer ?
James A. Whitaker Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is James A. Whitaker Elementary School part of?
James A. Whitaker Elementary School is part of Buena Park Elementary School District.
School Reviews
2 6/21/2022
this school is safe and nice location teachers are nice and friendly principal so kind I am so happy to choose this school for my kid.
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