McDowell Elementary vs Petaluma Accelerated Charter
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in California, United States, 1.2 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
McDowell Elementary
Petaluma · Public elementary · Grades K–6
329 students
Petaluma Accelerated Charter
Petaluma · Charter middle · Grades 7–8
115 students
| Measure | McDowell Elementary Petaluma, California | Petaluma Accelerated Charter Petaluma, California |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 16 Lower 50% | 86 Top 5% |
| State rank | #4896 of 5,693 | #17 of 1,334 |
| National rank | #47355 of 50,301 | #698 of 15,369 |
| Sector | Public | Charter |
| Type | Elementary | Middle |
| Year range | Grades K–6 | Grades 7–8 |
| Students | 329 | 115 |
| Enrollment | 329 | 115 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 86% | 27.8% |
| Students per teacher | 23.5 | 28.8 |
| Reading proficiency | 27% | 97.5% |
| Math proficiency | 27% | 97.5% |
| city | Petaluma | Petaluma |
| state | California | California |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Petaluma Accelerated Charter scores higher on the Success Index (US) (85.5 vs 15.6).
- •Petaluma Accelerated Charter does better on math proficiency (97.5% vs 27%).
- •Petaluma Accelerated Charter does better on reading proficiency (97.5% vs 27%).
- •Petaluma Accelerated Charter does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (27.8% vs 86%).
- •McDowell Elementary does better on students per teacher (23.5 vs 28.8).
- •McDowell Elementary is the larger school with 329 students compared with 115.
- •McDowell Elementary is a public school while Petaluma Accelerated Charter is a charter school, so fees and admission rules differ.
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 McDowell Elementary better than Petaluma Accelerated Charter?
On the Success Index (US), Petaluma Accelerated Charter ranks higher (85.5 vs 15.6 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 McDowell Elementary and Petaluma Accelerated Charter?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Petaluma and Petaluma in California.
Which has the better Enrollment?
McDowell Elementary: 329. Petaluma Accelerated Charter: 115. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do McDowell Elementary and Petaluma Accelerated Charter rank in California?
McDowell Elementary is 4896th of 5,693 and Petaluma Accelerated Charter is 17th of 1,334 among elementary schools in California on the 2025 Success Index (US).