Columbia Elementary vs Gifford C. Cole Middle
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in California, United States, 1.9 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Columbia Elementary
Lancaster · Public elementary · Grades K–6
620 students
Gifford C. Cole Middle
Lancaster · Public middle · Grades 7–8
697 students
| Measure | Columbia Elementary Lancaster, California | Gifford C. Cole Middle Lancaster, California |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 10 Lower 50% | 10 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #5445 of 5,693 | #1273 of 1,334 |
| National rank | #49354 of 50,301 | #15133 of 15,369 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Elementary | Middle |
| Year range | Grades K–6 | Grades 7–8 |
| Students | 620 | 697 |
| Enrollment | 620 | 697 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 88.5% | 82.1% |
| Students per teacher | 22.1 | 21.8 |
| Reading proficiency | 24% | 23% |
| Math proficiency | 14% | 7% |
| city | Lancaster | Lancaster |
| state | California | California |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index (US) scores (10.4 vs 9.5).
- •Columbia Elementary does better on math proficiency (14% vs 7%).
- •Columbia Elementary does better on reading proficiency (24% vs 23%).
- •Gifford C. Cole Middle does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (82.1% vs 88.5%).
- •Gifford C. Cole Middle does better on students per teacher (21.8 vs 22.1).
- •Gifford C. Cole Middle is the larger school with 697 students compared with 620.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia Elementary better than Gifford C. Cole Middle?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index (US). Differences in sector, size, programmes and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Columbia Elementary and Gifford C. Cole Middle?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Lancaster and Lancaster in California.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Columbia Elementary: 620. Gifford C. Cole Middle: 697. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Columbia Elementary and Gifford C. Cole Middle rank in California?
Columbia Elementary is 5445th of 5,693 and Gifford C. Cole Middle is 1273rd of 1,334 among elementary schools in California on the 2025 Success Index (US).