Serving 379 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Sylvia Mendez Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 55-59% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is equal to the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 379 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 77%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-59% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Sylvia Mendez Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Sylvia Mendez Elementary School's student population of 379 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has declined by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
379 students
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
School Rankings
Sylvia Mendez Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Sylvia Mendez Elementary School is 0.57, 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
#1586 out of 9523 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
12%
Hispanic
61%
56%
Black
8%
5%
White
23%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
24%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Berkeley Unified School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sylvia Mendez Elementary School's ranking?
Sylvia Mendez Elementary School is ranked #1586 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in California.
What schools are Sylvia Mendez Elementary School often compared to?
Sylvia Mendez Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Berkeley Arts Magnet At Whittier, Emerson Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Sylvia Mendez Elementary School?
379 students attend Sylvia Mendez Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Sylvia Mendez Elementary School students are Hispanic, 23% of students are White, 8% of students are Black, and 8% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Sylvia Mendez Elementary School?
Sylvia Mendez Elementary School has a student ration of 21:1, which is equal to the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Sylvia Mendez Elementary School offer ?
Sylvia Mendez Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Sylvia Mendez Elementary School part of?
Sylvia Mendez Elementary School is part of Berkeley Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Sylvia Mendez Elementary School located?
Sylvia Mendez Elementary School is located in the South Berkeley neighborhood of Berkeley, CA. There are 3 other public schools located in South Berkeley.
School Calendar
View the Sylvia Mendez Elementary School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First Day of School
August 12, 2026 (Wednesday)
First Day of Spring Semester/School
January 04, 2027 (Monday)
High School Open House
February 04, 2027 (Thursday)
Middle School Open House (Times may vary by site)
March 25, 2027 (Thursday)
Elementary Schools Open House (time may vary by site)
May 04, 2027 (Tuesday)
School Reviews
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