The top reported proficiency rate is 23% in English language arts. The lowest is 18% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Arizona Community Development Corporation (79947)
Arizona Community Development Corporation (79947) is a public school district in Pima County serving kindergarten through eighth grade. It runs three schools, all under the La Paloma Academy name: La Paloma Academy, La Paloma Academy (Lakeside), and La Paloma Academy (South). The district does not operate a high school, so families need to plan for ninth grade elsewhere in the county.
The district’s enrollment is large for a K-8 system. The student body is predominantly Hispanic, with a sizable White population and smaller numbers of Black, Asian, and multiracial students. Data on economic disadvantage and special education eligibility was not available, so it is unclear what share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch or receive special education services. A parent may wish to ask the district directly about these supports.
State assessment results from the 2024-25 school year show that proficiency rates in math, English language arts, and science were low across all tested grades (third through eighth). In math, the share of students meeting the state benchmark was modest in third grade but dropped sharply in later grades, reaching a very small share in seventh and eighth grade. English language arts proficiency was also low, with a somewhat larger share in fourth grade but still well below half of students. Science proficiency, tested in fifth and eighth grades, followed a similar pattern, with only a small fraction of students scoring at the proficient level. The district’s overall proficiency index, which averages results across subjects and grades, placed it among the lowest in Pima County. Chronic absenteeism was above the county median, meaning a relatively high proportion of students missed substantial school time. Per-pupil spending was on the lower side compared to other districts in the county.
The district has only one year of assessment data in this profile, so there is no trend information to show whether performance is improving or declining. No information was available about course offerings, extracurricular programs, or arts and athletics. A parent interested in the district would want to visit the individual schools to learn what academic and enrichment opportunities are actually available. Because the district ends at eighth grade, transition planning to a high school will be an important consideration.
A search for recent district changes, such as curriculum shifts, boundary adjustments, or referendum plans, turned up little of lasting impact. The district appears to be operating without major publicized initiatives in the past four years.
This district is best suited for a family seeking a K-8 setting within Pima County, but who will also need to independently research high school options. The academic results are well below county averages, so a parent should investigate what support systems the schools provide for students who are behind grade level. The lack of published data on special education and English learner services means that families with children who may need those supports should seek direct conversations with school staff. The high chronic absenteeism rate is another area to discuss with the district, as it can affect school climate and individual student progress.
See more original research from School Decision →