Active parent involvement, dedicated teachers and a rich offering of special programs and events have helped Madera Elementary School  become a top-achiever academically despite the financial challenges of belonging to the cash-strapped West Contra Costa Unified School District. Special programs include reading clubs and a handsome garden. Significant annual events include the science fair, art fair, international night, Madera Olympics, and ice cream and bake sales. The school was built in 1955, and a new wing added a computer lab, a library/media center, a community room and two classrooms.

The data below are from the 2008-09 school year:

• Enrollment: 398
• Average class size: 21.8
• 2009 API (Academic Performance Index): 929
• 2009 API state rank: highest decile (top 10% of elementary schools in API scores)
• Percent of students who are: African American 13.3, Asian 20.9, Filipino 2.8, Hispanic 15.3, White 41.5, Multiple/no response 5.3
• Percent of students who are English learners: 15.6
• Percent of students who receive free or reduced-price lunches: 12.3

Source: Ed-Data