Peggy Heller Elementary

Peggy Heller Elementary is a roomy elementary campus in Atwater, California, part of Atwater Elementary. The school caters to 712 students in grades K through 8. Compared to the state average of about 465 students per school, that is 53% larger than typical.

Across the 11 schools in Atwater Elementary (4,925 students total), Peggy Heller Elementary accounts for its share of the district's footprint.

Demographically, Peggy Heller Elementary shows that Hispanic students make up the majority at 70%. Other groups include 19% White, 5% Asian, 3% multiracial.

Looking at school resources, The school lists 30 full-time-equivalent teachers, for a student-teacher ratio near 23.8:1. That figure is higher than the state norm's 22.3:1 average. Around 64% of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, a commonly cited indicator of low-income enrollment. By comparison, Merced County runs at roughly 81%, so the school's eligibility rate is below the surrounding baseline.

On a demographically-adjusted basis, Peggy Heller Elementary tracks the demographic baseline. The model predicts 41.5% given the school's FRL share; actual proficiency is 42.2%.

Zooming out to the county, Merced County reports that median household income runs about $65,510, 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the poverty rate sits near 16%. Peggy Heller Elementary is one of 117 public schools in Merced County (combined enrollment of about 59,456 students).

Bellevue Elementary is the nearest neighboring public school, about 0.9 miles from this campus. Within five miles, there are 8 other public schools. On composite proficiency, Peggy Heller Elementary comes 3rd of 8 in the immediate cluster, higher than the nearby-schools average of 37.2%.

The school occupies a commuter-belt site.

Trend over the last 7 years. Looking back 7 years, enrollment at Peggy Heller Elementary has increased 24%, going from 573 students in 2018 to 712 in 2025. Over the same period, the White share decreased from 26% to 19%. Class-load math has narrowed: from 24.9:1 in 2018 to 23.8:1 in 2025.

Within the allk12 community for this school, the page collects discussion, questions, and updates around classroom updates, athletics, and weather closures. The community welcomes input from current and former families.