McDowell Elementary School
Elementary school in Petaluma, CA · Petaluma City Elementary · Grades K-6
On the spring 2026 state tests, 9% of McDowell Elementary School students met or exceeded California's reading (ELA) standard and 13% met the math standard. In reading, that is 37 points below the Petaluma City Elementary average (46%) and 40 points below the California average (49%). Its reading result is higher than 1% of Bay Area elementary schools, and it ranks 20th of 20 public elementary schools in Petaluma. Reading results in 2026 were 15 points lower than in 2024, and math results were 4 points lower than in 2024.
Test scores, 2024 to 2026
| Subject | Spring 2024 | Spring 2025 | Spring 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading (ELA) | 24% | 19% | 9% | −15 pts |
| Math | 17% | 13% | 13% | −4 pts |
Compared with nearby averages
| Spring 2026 | Reading (ELA) | Math |
|---|---|---|
| McDowell Elementary School | 9% | 13% |
| Petaluma City Elementary | 46% | 41% |
| Sonoma County | 45% | 33% |
| California | 49% | 38% |
Results by grade, spring 2026
| Grade | Reading (ELA) | Math |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd grade | 6% | 12% |
| 4th grade | 7% | 13% |
| 5th grade | 8% | 8% |
| 6th grade | 19% | 19% |
Students are tested in grades 3 to 8 and 11. Each grade is a different group of students, so differences between grades are not a trend.
Homes near McDowell Elementary School
The typical home value in ZIP code 94954, where McDowell Elementary School is located, is $829K, up 0.6% over the past year (Zillow Home Value Index). Prices inside the school's attendance zone can differ.
Zillow and Redfin can both search for homes inside a school’s attendance zone and email you new listings. Search for the school by name on either site and save the search.
Nearby elementary schools
| Distance | School | Reading (ELA) | Math | Typical home value (ZIP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.6 mi | Loma Vista Immersion Academy CharterPetaluma · Grades K-6 | 39% | 41% | $829K |
| 0.6 mi | La Tercera ElementaryPetaluma · Grades K-6 | 58% | 44% | $829K |
| 0.6 mi | McKinley ElementaryPetaluma · Grades K-6 | 44% | 38% | $1.06M |
| 0.9 mi | Miwok Valley Elementary Charter CharterPetaluma · Grades P-6 | 32% | 30% | $829K |
| 1.4 mi | Sonoma Mountain Elementary CharterPetaluma · Grades K-6 | 80% | 77% | $829K |
| 1.6 mi | Old Adobe Elementary Charter CharterPetaluma · Grades K-6 | 51% | 44% | $829K |
School details
- Address
- 421 South McDowell Boulevard, Petaluma, CA 94954
Get directions · See it on our map - Phone
- (707) 778-4745
- District
- Petaluma City Elementary
- County
- Sonoma County
- Grades
- K-6
- Students
- 347 (2025-26)
- Type
- Elementary school · Traditional
- State school code
- 49708546051957
Common questions
How did McDowell Elementary School do on state tests?
In spring 2026, 9% of students met or exceeded the reading (ELA) standard and 13% met the math standard, compared with 49% and 38% across California.
How many students attend McDowell Elementary School?
347 students were enrolled in the 2025-26 school year, in grades K-6.
How much do homes cost near McDowell Elementary School?
The typical home value in ZIP code 94954, where McDowell Elementary School is located, is $829K, up 0.6% over the past year (Zillow Home Value Index). Prices inside the school's attendance zone can differ.
Does living near McDowell Elementary School guarantee a spot?
No. Public schools assign students by attendance zone, which Petaluma City Elementary sets and can change. Confirm the zone for a specific address with the district before you buy or rent.