Sherman Thomas Charter, Madera CA

Original Research by School Decision on Sherman Thomas Charter

Sherman Thomas Charter is a small K-8 charter school in Madera serving about that enrollment size across nine grade levels. The school draws a student body that is majority Hispanic, with a substantial share of families qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the economic composition of Madera neighborhoods. The school operates as its own charter district rather than within a larger district structure.

Academic performance at Sherman Thomas Charter is a significant concern. State testing data from 2024-25 shows that proficiency rates across both English language arts and math are well below what families would typically expect. In math, proficiency ranges from very low in the middle grades (especially grades seven and eight) to modest in the elementary grades. English language arts proficiency is somewhat higher than math but still quite low across the grade span. Science proficiency, tested in grades five and eight, is also low. Across all tested subjects and grades, the school's overall proficiency index places it in the bottom quartile relative to districts in Madera County.

The school's academic pathway does not include a high school component; students exit after eighth grade. This means families need to plan for secondary placement elsewhere. The school offers a standard K-8 curriculum without specific documented program specializations like dual credit, career pathways, or magnet-style focus areas that would distinguish it from other elementary and middle schools.

The broader Sherman Thomas Charter Schools network has recently added specialized options. The district added a middle school focused on science, technology, engineering, and math, and the charter high school has launched career-technical education in agricultural business with expanded dual enrollment at Madera Community College. These newer schools have reported stronger academic results, suggesting they may be preferable options for families in the same system who are evaluating choices. A parent may want to look into these alternative schools and understand what led to their stronger performance.

Madera itself is a Central Valley city in the midst of rapid growth. The downtown core near Yosemite Avenue is fairly walkable and anchored by historic buildings, locally owned shops, and parks like Lions Town and Country. The surrounding area remains tied to agriculture, manufacturing, and health care, with Valley Children's Hospital as the county's largest private employer. Housing costs are moderate relative to the broader state, and the county is experiencing some of the fastest residential growth in California, driven by large master-planned communities like Riverstone. Schools are dispersed across the city and outlying areas, served by Madera Metro bus service.

For a family considering Sherman Thomas Charter, the school's very low test proficiency across grades and subjects should be the central question. The data is available; prospective parents should ask the school directly about instructional approaches, staffing stability, supports for struggling students, and what specific steps are being taken to improve outcomes. Comparing this school's results to the newer STEM academy and high school options within the same charter network, or to other Madera-area schools, would help clarify whether this is a fit for a child's needs and what alternatives exist in the area.

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Academic performance

How students perform on state tests, by grade, set against the district.

Math

Grade 330%

School 30% · district not reported

▼ 13 pts below state median · ▼ 2 pts below county median

Grade 433%

School 33% · district not reported

▼ 4 pts below state median · ▲ 7 pts above county median

Grade 515%

School 15% · district not reported

▼ 16 pts below state median · ▼ 4 pts below county median

Grade 620%

School 20% · district not reported

▼ 10 pts below state median · ▼ 4 pts below county median

Grade 74%

School 4% · district not reported

▼ 26 pts below state median · ▼ 19 pts below county median

Grade 87%

School 7% · district not reported

▼ 20 pts below state median · ▼ 16 pts below county median

English language arts

Grade 335%

School 35% · district not reported

▼ 6 pts below state median · ▲ 3 pts above county median

Grade 421%

School 21% · district not reported

▼ 21 pts below state median · ▼ 10 pts below county median

Grade 533%

School 33% · district not reported

▼ 12 pts below state median · ▼ 1 pts below county median

Grade 620%

School 20% · district not reported

▼ 24 pts below state median · ▼ 16 pts below county median

Grade 719%

School 19% · district not reported

▼ 26 pts below state median · ▼ 22 pts below county median

Grade 831%

School 31% · district not reported

▼ 13 pts below state median · ▼ 8 pts below county median

Science

Grade 526%

School 26% · district not reported

▼ 2 pts below state median · ▲ 6 pts above county median

Grade 811%

School 11% · district not reported

▼ 15 pts below state median · ▼ 8 pts below county median

This schoolDistrict average, same grade

Graduation rate (ACGR) reflects the federally published Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate for the most recent year available. We refresh this data annually at the close of each academic year in June. The federal source publishes a banded rate (for example, "90-94%") instead of an exact number for cohorts small enough to risk identifying individual students. The state distribution chart, where shown, plots every school in the state with a published rate or band; schools whose rate is federally suppressed are excluded. Where the federal source publishes a band rather than an exact rate, the school is placed within its band using a stable, ID-derived offset, so its position is consistent across visits.

Proficiency by household income

English language arts

Grade 5Lower-income29%Higher-income39%10 pp gap

Mathematics

Grade 5Lower-income7%Higher-income23%16 pp gap

Grade 8Lower-income0%Higher-income18%18 pp gap