Serving 462 students in grades Kindergarten-6, Howard Pence 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 10% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 21% (which is lower 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 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 462 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 26:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 10% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 21% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Howard Pence Elementary School's student population of 462 students has declined by 30% over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has declined by 35% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
Total Students
462 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Sat. Jun 6, 2026
School Rankings
Howard Pence 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 Howard Pence Elementary School is 0.15, 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
#8791 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
26:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
12%
Hispanic
92%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
2%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
62%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Howard Pence Elementary School's ranking?
Howard Pence Elementary School is ranked #8791 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Howard Pence Elementary School often compared to?
Howard Pence Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Juarez-lincoln Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 21% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Howard Pence Elementary School?
462 students attend Howard Pence Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
92% of Howard Pence Elementary School students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Asian, 2% of students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Howard Pence Elementary School?
Howard Pence Elementary School has a student ration of 26:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Howard Pence Elementary School offer ?
Howard Pence Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-6
What school district is Howard Pence Elementary School part of?
Howard Pence Elementary School is part of South Bay Union School District.
In what neighborhood is Howard Pence Elementary School located?
Howard Pence Elementary School is located in the Otay Mesa West neighborhood of San Diego, CA. There are 7 other public schools located in Otay Mesa West.
School Reviews
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