Serving 232 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Bess Maxwell 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 6-9% (which is lower than the California state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (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 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 232 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 55%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Bess Maxwell Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Bess Maxwell Elementary School's student population of 232 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 13 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
232 students

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers
13 teachers

Students by Grade

School Calendar
School Rankings
Bess Maxwell 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 Bess Maxwell Elementary School is 0.71, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#9143 out of 9602 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
33%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
47%

Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
21:1

American Indian
17%
1%

Asian
3%
12%

Hispanic
21%
56%

Black
1%
5%

White
45%
20%

Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
13%
6%

All Ethnic Groups



Eligible for Free Lunch
76%
54%

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
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 Bess Maxwell Elementary School's ranking?
Bess Maxwell Elementary School is ranked #9143 out of 9,602 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Bess Maxwell Elementary School often compared to?
Bess Maxwell Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Joe Hamilton Elementary School, Mary Peacock Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6-9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CA state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Bess Maxwell Elementary School?
232 students attend Bess Maxwell Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Bess Maxwell Elementary School students are White, 21% of students are Hispanic, 17% of students are American Indian, 13% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Bess Maxwell Elementary School?
Bess Maxwell Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Bess Maxwell Elementary School offer ?
Bess Maxwell Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Bess Maxwell Elementary School part of?
Bess Maxwell Elementary School is part of Del Norte County Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Bess Maxwell Elementary School located?
Bess Maxwell Elementary School is located in the Crescent City North neighborhood of Crescent City, CA. There are 1 other public schools located in Crescent City North.
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