Northern California's largest school district, Elk Grove Unified spans 320 square miles of suburban, urban and rural territory, including parts of Sacramento, Rancho Cordova and unincorporated county land. Its 62,000 students speak close to 80 different languages, and just over half come from families whose incomes qualify them for free or reduced-price meals. Unlike in some other large school districts, Elk Grove Unified students consistently score higher than the state average on achievement tests - a success school officials attribute to continuity of leadership. The district has had a small number of superintendents in its 50-year history, and some school board members have served for decades.
In addition to its 39 elementary schools, nine middle schools and nine high schools, the district operates three continuation schools, a school for children with special needs, an adult school and its own charter school. A new virtual academy allows kids who don't do well in traditional school environments to learn from home. While some schools operate on a traditional calendar, others use a year-round, multi-track system.
The elected Board of Education meets the first and third Tuesday of each month; meeting agendas are available on the district's website.
The district's transportation hotline is 916-686-7733 and its food services department can be reached at 916-686-7735.