GreatSchools Rating
In the know: Get our expert advice on schools
Share with friends! Post your opinion of Pioneer Elementary School on Facebook.
Teacher quality
Principal leadership
Parent involvement
My son has attended K-2nd and has LOVED this school. The PTA is very active and truly cares about and supports the students. The principal isn't very visionary, but the teachers are fabulous. I haven't witnessed snobbery, but that may happen more in the upper grades.
—Submitted by a parent
Pioneer has several excellent, dedicated teachers. There is also a group of parents who give generously of their time and money. However, there is a widespread bullying problem that the principal does not acknowledge.
—Submitted by a parent
My oldest child attended Pioneer from 2nd through sixth. And my youngest child from K - 2nd. I moved my youngest not because of the academics, which are strong, but the climate & culture of the environment. Pioneer has an "elitist" feel to it. Not sure if it is because the GATE program resides on campus, or perhaps a higher concentration of wealthy families attend Pioneer. The PTA is very strong at Pioneer. It's a great money maker, but leaves many families excluded as their yearly fundraising auction is truly for people who have the extra money to spend. My children & I find the kids at Pioneer are more cliquey and exclusionary. FYI: GATE does segregate it's students in self contained classes, including eating lunch separately. My oldest is a GATE alumni, my younger is moved to a non-GATE school and is happier for it. Regardless of my younger child's test scores, we chose to not enroll in GATE again.
—Submitted by a parent
My older daughter used to attend this school. The teachers were great but the kids in general were somewhat stuck up. I think it's because a lot of kids came from El Macero.
—Submitted by a parent
As a parent at Pioneer for the last 5 years, I have overall been satisfied with this school. Although there are some areas that can be improved. For example...the physical education program is severely lacking. Also there should be more support & supervision for students on the play ground.
—Submitted by a parent
Pioneer Elementary is great. I have two students (6th grade and 1st grade) there and it has been a wonderful experience so far. The teachers are really open to input from the parents and are positive and supportive overall. They are collaborative. They seem in tune with the students' individual needs (which is amazing!). Pioneer has a gifted and talented program, band, choir, gardening, and many other options (even a knitting crocheting club!). If you are looking at moving to Davis - the school district is very strong so you really can't go wrong. The Pioneer PTA is top notch and that adds another positive element to the school.
—Submitted by a parent
My daughter had to be moved to another school because the teasing and harassment got so bad. The principal at that time did nothing about it. My son is doing better, but has few friends. He has ADD.
—Submitted by a parent
Excellent teachers. Highly motivated students. Very involved parents make for a conducive environment for academics.
—Submitted by a parent
One of the best in Davis. Everything is great.Higly recommended for parents seeking both academical and fun environment.
—Submitted by a parent
Average academic programs, Music, art & sports is available. High level of parent involment.
—Submitted by a parent
Good school, safe, quality education. But the sense that Davis schools are the best in the state is a myth - the homogenous population (ethnically and financially) is what makes the difference here. Parental involvement is extremely high. But when we moved to Oakland, believe it or not, we found the academics more challenging!
—Submitted by Christopher Harmon, a parent
Pioneer Elementary School is a warm, friendly, and relaxing atmosphere. My child loves all the teachers and has made some very nice friends. I find Pioneer to be on the cutting edge of technology, diversity and continuous growth of the campus. Dr. Bryant, the Principal is not only a very nice man, I see him knowing each student by name. He has a very gentle dispostion that is not intimadating to the children. The staff in the office is equally as friendly and helpful. Pioneer teachers are highly qualified educationally but not out of touch with meeting the children's needs. If you are considering making Pioneer a 'home' for your children, consider yourself quite lucky to be apart of a great 'family'.
—Submitted by a parent
Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.
The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.
The API reflects year-over-year schools performance based on STAR test score results from spring 2012.
The state average for English Language Arts was 58% in 2012.
70 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.
70 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.
See California's state standards
Source: California Department of Education
The state average for English Language Arts was 48% in 2012.
57 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.
57 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.
See California's state standards
Source: California Department of Education
The state average for English Language Arts was 67% in 2012.
82 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.
82 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.
See California's state standards
Source: California Department of Education
The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2012.
89 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.
88 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.
89 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.
See California's state standards
Source: California Department of Education
The state average for English Language Arts was 59% in 2012.
82 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.
82 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.
See California's state standards
Source: California Department of Education
| All Students | 70% |
| Females | 82% |
| Males | 58% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | 79% |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | n/a |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Other Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 73% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 36% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 76% |
| Students with disability | n/a |
| Students with no reported disability | 76% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 72% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | n/a |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | n/a |
| Parent education - college graduate | 35% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 88% |
| Parent education - declined to state | n/a |
| All Students | 76% |
| Females | 82% |
| Males | 69% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | 92% |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | n/a |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Other Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 78% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 64% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 79% |
| Students with disability | n/a |
| Students with no reported disability | 82% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 76% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | n/a |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | n/a |
| Parent education - college graduate | 35% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 92% |
| Parent education - declined to state | n/a |
In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.
The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.
See California's state standards
Source: California Department of Education
| All Students | 76% |
| Females | 84% |
| Males | 69% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | 91% |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | n/a |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 74% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 73% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 76% |
| Students with disability | n/a |
| Students with no reported disability | 79% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 79% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | n/a |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | n/a |
| Parent education - college graduate | 63% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 85% |
| Parent education - declined to state | n/a |
| All Students | 89% |
| Females | 96% |
| Males | 84% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | 92% |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | n/a |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 88% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 82% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 91% |
| Students with disability | n/a |
| Students with no reported disability | 94% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 90% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | n/a |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | n/a |
| Parent education - college graduate | 88% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 93% |
| Parent education - declined to state | n/a |
In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.
The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.
See California's state standards
Source: California Department of Education
| All Students | 88% |
| Females | 98% |
| Males | 79% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | 100% |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | 92% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 88% |
| Economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 89% |
| Students with disability | n/a |
| Students with no reported disability | 90% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 88% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | 95% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | n/a |
| Parent education - college graduate | 84% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 95% |
| Parent education - declined to state | n/a |
| All Students | 77% |
| Females | 90% |
| Males | 64% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | 100% |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | 67% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 77% |
| Economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 78% |
| Students with disability | n/a |
| Students with no reported disability | 79% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 77% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | 87% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | n/a |
| Parent education - college graduate | 68% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 86% |
| Parent education - declined to state | n/a |
In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.
The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.
See California's state standards
Source: California Department of Education
| All Students | 80% |
| Females | 84% |
| Males | 77% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | 89% |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | n/a |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Samoan | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 82% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 55% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 85% |
| Students with disability | 73% |
| Students with no reported disability | 84% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 84% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | 100% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | n/a |
| Parent education - college graduate | 67% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 86% |
| Parent education - declined to state | 85% |
| All Students | 83% |
| Females | 86% |
| Males | 79% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | 95% |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | n/a |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Samoan | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 85% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 36% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 90% |
| Students with disability | 87% |
| Students with no reported disability | 82% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 85% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | 97% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | n/a |
| Parent education - college graduate | 67% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 86% |
| Parent education - declined to state | 95% |
| All Students | 74% |
| Females | 80% |
| Males | 67% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | 84% |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | n/a |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Samoan | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 77% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 45% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 78% |
| Students with disability | 73% |
| Students with no reported disability | 75% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 76% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | 97% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | n/a |
| Parent education - college graduate | 44% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 84% |
| Parent education - declined to state | 80% |
In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.
The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.
See California's state standards
Source: California Department of Education
| All Students | 76% |
| Females | 71% |
| Males | 79% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | 88% |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | 39% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Samoan | n/a |
| Other Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 87% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 43% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 82% |
| Students with disability | n/a |
| Students with no reported disability | 80% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 78% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | 97% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | 57% |
| Parent education - college graduate | 65% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 88% |
| Parent education - declined to state | n/a |
| All Students | 66% |
| Females | 50% |
| Males | 77% |
| African American | n/a |
| Asian | 81% |
| Filipino | n/a |
| Hispanic or Latino | 28% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | n/a |
| Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Samoan | n/a |
| Other Pacific Islander | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 76% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 36% |
| Non-economically disadvantaged | 72% |
| Students with disability | n/a |
| Students with no reported disability | 70% |
| English learner | n/a |
| Fluent-English proficient and English only | 67% |
| Migrant education | n/a |
| Gifted and talented | 92% |
| Parent education - not a high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - high school graduate | n/a |
| Parent education - some college (includes AA degree) | 36% |
| Parent education - college graduate | 47% |
| Parent education - graduate school/post graduate | 81% |
| Parent education - declined to state | n/a |
In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.
The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.
See California's state standards
Source: California Department of Education
GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
All students
Female
Male
All students
Asian
Hispanic or Latino
White (not Hispanic)
All students
Economically disadvantaged
Non-economically disadvantaged
Students with disability
Students with no reported disability
Fluent-English proficient and English only
Gifted and talented
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)
Parent education - college graduate
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate
Parent education - declined to state
All students
| Ethnicity | This school | State average | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | 65% | 28% | ||
| Asian | 17% | 8% | ||
| Hispanic or Latino | 9% | 49% | ||
| Multiple or No Response | 4% | 3% | ||
| African American | 2% | 7% | ||
| Filipino | 2% | 3% | ||
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 1% | 1% | ||
| Pacific Islander | 0% | 1% |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| English language learners 1 | 5% | N/A | 24% |
| Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 2 | 12% | N/A | 52% |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average class size | 22 | N/A | 25 |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average years teaching in district | 13 | N/A | 11 |
| Average years teaching | 17 | N/A | 13 |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full credential | 100% | N/A | 96% |
| Emergency credential or waiver | 0% | N/A | 2% |
Tips for understanding school culture
Visit
5215 Hamel Street
Davis,
CA 95616
Phone: (530) 757-5480
To start a new list, click OK. Otherwise click Cancel.
Marguerite Montgomery Elementary School
Davis, CA
Merryhill School
Davis, CA
Merryhill School
Davis, CA
Families First NPS School
Davis, CA
Birch Lane Elementary School
Davis, CA
About GreatSchools
Our mission is to inspire and support families to champion their children's education - at school, at home and in their community. We are a national non-profit with offices in San Francisco, Milwaukee, Washington D.C. and Indianapolis.
Find the great schools in California
GreatSchools, Inc. 160 Spear Street, Suite 1020, San Francisco, CA 94105
©1998-2013 GreatSchools Inc. All Rights Reserved. GreatSchools is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization
Thank you! You will begin to receive newsletters from us shortly.
Great work! Only one more step. Now we just need you to verify your email address. Please click on the link in the email we just sent you to complete your registration.
Great work! Only one more step. Now we just need you to verify your email address. Please click on the link in the email we just sent you to submit your review.
Please click on the link in the verification email we just sent you to complete your change of email address.
Whoops! It looks like we still need to verify your email. To do so, please click on the link in the email we sent you. Can't find the e-mail? Click the button below and we'll send you a new one.
Thanks for registering. Welcome to GreatSchools, the largest online community committed to improving educational outcomes through parental involvement.
Thanks for verifying your updated email address.
Oops! You haven't verified your email address yet. To do so, please click on the link in the email we sent you. Can't find the email? Click the button below to receive a new one.
Oops! That email verification link has expired. Please click the button below to receive a new one.
Join GreatSchools to participate in the parent community and other discussions on our site.
Your review has been posted to GreatSchools.
Share with friends! Post your opinion of Pioneer Elementary School on Facebook.
Welcome to GreatSchools!
For principals and school officials, we offer a special Enhanced School Profile (ESP) which allows you to update and add information about your school, as well as respond to reviews. If you are a school official, click Continue to start.
Please note that it can take up to 48 hours for your comment to be posted to our site. While you're here, we'd like to invite you to fill out a survey on your school's programs, activities, and extracurriculars. It only takes a few minutes and will help parents get a full picture of your school.
Continue to compare the schools you have already selected or Edit schools to change your selection.
Get started now! You have successfully registered and can now start updating your Official School Profile. The information you provide is extremely valuable in helping parents and students learn more about your school, so thanks for taking the time!
Thank you for registering as a school leader. We just need to verify your email address. We've sent you an email - please click on the link in that message to get started editing your school's information!

