Dow's Prairie Elementary vs Pacific Union Elementary
A head-to-head comparison of two elementary schools in California, United States, 9.1 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Dow's Prairie Elementary
McKinleyville · Public elementary · Grades K–2
283 students
Pacific Union Elementary
Arcata · Public elementary · Grades K–8
534 students
| Measure | Dow's Prairie Elementary McKinleyville, California | Pacific Union Elementary Arcata, California |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 33 Lower 50% | 45 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #3079 of 5,693 | #2193 of 5,693 |
| National rank | #36723 of 50,301 | #28685 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Elementary | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades K–2 | Grades K–8 |
| Students | 283 | 534 |
| Enrollment | 283 | 534 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 64% | 54.9% |
| Students per teacher | 21.8 | 19.1 |
| Reading proficiency | – | 53% |
| Math proficiency | – | 40% |
| city | McKinleyville | Arcata |
| state | California | California |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Pacific Union Elementary scores higher on the Success Index (US) (44.9 vs 32.8).
- •Pacific Union Elementary does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (54.9% vs 64%).
- •Pacific Union Elementary does better on students per teacher (19.1 vs 21.8).
- •Pacific Union Elementary is the larger school with 534 students compared with 283.
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 Dow's Prairie Elementary better than Pacific Union Elementary?
On the Success Index (US), Pacific Union Elementary ranks higher (44.9 vs 32.8 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Dow's Prairie Elementary and Pacific Union Elementary?
About 9.1 km in a straight line, between McKinleyville and Arcata in California.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Dow's Prairie Elementary: 283. Pacific Union Elementary: 534. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Dow's Prairie Elementary and Pacific Union Elementary rank in California?
Dow's Prairie Elementary is 3079th of 5,693 and Pacific Union Elementary is 2193rd of 5,693 among elementary schools in California on the 2025 Success Index (US).