The top reported proficiency rate is 25% in English language arts. The lowest is 22% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on La Paloma Academy-south
La Paloma Academy-South is a charter school serving kindergarten through eighth grade, located in the southern part of Tucson. It operates under the Arizona Community Development Corporation, a charter organization. The school's enrollment is around 500 students, making it a mid-sized elementary and middle school. The student body is predominantly Hispanic, with small numbers of white and Native American students. Information on how many students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, are English learners, or receive special education services was not available, which is a notable gap for families trying to understand the full picture of who the school serves.
The academic performance data from the 2024-25 state assessments is limited. Only fourth-grade results were reported in both math and English language arts, where roughly a quarter of students met proficiency. Results for all other tested grades were suppressed, and no multi-year trend is available because this is the first year of data. Compared to other districts in Pima County, the school's overall proficiency index places it in the bottom quartile. A family considering this school would benefit from asking the school directly about how it supports academic growth across all grades, especially given the sparse public data.
No information about specific programs, extracurriculars, or course offerings was found in the available data. The school's website may provide details on arts, athletics, or other enrichment that are not captured here. The district-level brief for the Arizona Community Development Corporation turned up no recent changes in curriculum, leadership, or policy that would affect a family's decision.
Tucson is a large desert city with a strong economy anchored by the University of Arizona, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and technology industries. The school sits in a part of the city that blends older residential areas with newer development. Housing values in the school's zip code are moderate relative to state and national averages, and rents are similarly modest. The city has a walkable downtown core connected by a streetcar line, but outside that center, Tucson is mostly automobile-dependent. The surrounding mountains and desert parks provide outdoor recreation, but the school's immediate neighborhood is a typical suburban and commercial corridor.
For parents evaluating La Paloma Academy-South, the key takeaway is that the school offers a K-8 pathway in a single charter setting, avoiding the need to transition to a separate middle school. The academic record is a concern, with proficiency rates well below the median for Pima County and most assessment results suppressed. The missing demographic data on economic disadvantage and English learner status makes it harder to know what supports are in place. A visit and a conversation with the principal about instruction, intervention, and the school's approach to raising achievement would be a sensible next step.
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