The top reported proficiency rate is 32% in English language arts. The lowest is 29% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Capitol Elementary School
Capitol Elementary School is a regular public school in the Phoenix Elementary District, serving children from preschool through eighth grade. It sits in the heart of Phoenix, a large, fast-growing urban center that serves as a major transportation and business hub for the Mountain West. The city’s economy has shifted from its agricultural roots to a mix of high-technology manufacturing, services, and tourism, and the area continues to add population at a steady clip. The school itself occupies a neighborhood near downtown, where the street grid is wide and car-oriented, typical of the city’s layout.
The student body is relatively small for a PK–8 school. A large majority of students are Hispanic, with small shares of Black, White, and Native American students and a very small share of students of two or more races. Information about the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, receive special education services, or are English learners was not available in the data provided. Because the school is a regular public school rather than a charter or magnet, it draws from its assigned attendance area within the district.
Academically, state test results paint a challenging picture. In the most recent school year, overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades was below the midpoint among districts in Maricopa County. For math, only one grade level had a reported proficiency rate, and it was low. Proficiency rates in English language arts were available for two grade levels, and both were also low. For several grade levels in both subjects and in science, results were suppressed, likely due to small group sizes, which makes it difficult to see the full pattern. Across all tested grades combined, the school’s overall proficiency rate in ELA was in the low twenties in each of the two most recent years, and in math it was in the mid-teens. A parent considering this school would want to talk with the administration about how the school supports students who are below grade level and about any intervention or tutoring programs in place.
No data was available on chronic absenteeism, staffing ratios, or course access beyond the core academics. Since the school ends at eighth grade, there is no high school graduation rate to report. The district itself, according to publicly reported information, did not have any major recent changes in curriculum, policy, or funding priorities that would affect this school.
Housing in the surrounding area is relatively expensive compared to national averages, and home values have softened somewhat in the past year. Rents are moderate, but the overall cost of living in this part of Phoenix reflects demand in a growing metro area. The school is located in a neighborhood that includes civic landmarks such as the state capitol and sports venues, though the immediate block is more residential and small-scale commercial.
For families weighing this option, Capitol Elementary offers a full PK–8 span in a central Phoenix location. The academic results suggest that many students are below state proficiency benchmarks, which is a pattern that warrants close inquiry into the school’s instructional support and student progress measures. Without additional data on programming, staff qualifications, or student services, the picture is incomplete. A family looking for a school with a clear record of high academic performance will likely find better options elsewhere in the county. But for a family already connected to this neighborhood, a direct conversation with the principal about the school’s improvement efforts and family engagement would be a practical next step.
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