Birch Lane Elementary School
General Information
Overview
Birch Lane Elementary School, located in Davis, California, is a cornerstone of academic excellence and community engagement within the Davis Joint Unified School District. The school is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student is encouraged to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. With a focus on creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, Birch Lane Elementary ensures that students develop a lifelong love for learning while building the foundational skills necessary for future academic success.
The school’s curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts, while integrating technology to enhance instruction. Teachers at Birch Lane are highly qualified professionals who personalize learning to meet each child’s unique needs. The school also promotes a strong sense of community through family engagement, volunteer programs, and extracurricular activities. Birch Lane Elementary stands as a model for comprehensive elementary education, where curiosity and character development go hand in hand to create well-rounded young learners.
Contact Information
Address: 1600 Birch Lane, Davis, CA 95618
Phone Number: (530) 757-5395
Email Address: birchlane@djusd.net
School Facts
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1964 |
| Motto | “Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow” |
| Type | Public Elementary School |
| Grades | K–6 |
| Mascot | Bobcat |
| School Colors | Blue and Yellow |
| District | Davis Joint Unified School District |
| Accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) |
Birch Lane Elementary School Rankings
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
| California Public Elementary Schools | Top 15% |
| State Reading Proficiency | Top 10% |
| Math Proficiency | Top 12% |
| National Public Elementary Schools | Top 20% |
Birch Lane Elementary School Academics
Birch Lane Elementary School Faculties / Departments
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science and Environmental Studies
- Social Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Physical Education
- Library and Media Services
- Special Education and Learning Support
- Technology and Innovation
- English Language Development (ELD)
Birch Lane Elementary School Courses and Programs / Majors
- Core Curriculum (Math, Reading, Writing, Science, Social Studies)
- STEM Enrichment
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Music and Choir Program
- Physical Education and Wellness
- Environmental Science and Gardening
- Technology Integration and Coding
- Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
- English Language Learners Program
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Online Learning
Birch Lane Elementary integrates online learning tools to supplement classroom instruction. Students use digital platforms like Google Classroom, Seesaw, and Lexia to access assignments, participate in interactive lessons, and collaborate virtually. These resources enhance personalized learning and allow teachers to monitor progress efficiently. During remote or hybrid learning periods, the school provides structured online schedules and live instruction, ensuring continuity in education. Families are also supported with digital literacy workshops to help students succeed in virtual environments.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score |
|---|---|
| English Language Arts (CAASPP) | 72% Proficient or Above |
| Mathematics (CAASPP) | 68% Proficient or Above |
| Science (CAST) | 70% Proficient or Above |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Although Birch Lane Elementary is not a degree-granting institution, it maintains one of the highest student progression rates within the Davis Joint Unified School District. Nearly all students advance successfully to middle school, with strong academic preparedness and well-developed critical thinking skills. The school’s retention rate stands at approximately 98%, a reflection of its supportive learning environment and dedicated faculty.
Birch Lane Elementary School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As a public elementary school, Birch Lane Elementary does not require GPA, SAT, or ACT scores for admission. Enrollment is open to students residing within the district boundaries, with transfers considered on a case-by-case basis. The school maintains an inclusive admission policy to ensure equal educational opportunities for all children.
Birch Lane Elementary School Acceptance Rate
| Admission Type | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| In-District Students | 100% |
| Out-of-District Transfers | 85% (Based on Availability) |
Birch Lane Elementary School Application Requirements
Enrollment at Birch Lane Elementary School requires completion of district registration forms, proof of residence, birth certificate, and immunization records. Parents may also submit academic records for transferring students. For special programs such as GATE or ELD, additional placement assessments are conducted to ensure proper support and challenge. The admissions team prioritizes a smooth transition for each student, making the enrollment process simple and family-friendly.
Application Process
- Complete the Davis Joint Unified School District online registration form.
- Provide proof of residency and student’s birth certificate.
- Submit immunization and health records.
- Attend a new family orientation or school tour.
- Receive placement confirmation and class assignment.
- Participate in the back-to-school event to meet teachers.
Birch Lane Elementary School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| New Student Registration Opens | February 15 |
| Transfer Request Deadline | April 1 |
| Orientation for New Families | August 10 |
| First Day of School | August 26 |
Essay Prompt
While Birch Lane Elementary does not require essays for enrollment, students are encouraged to express themselves through classroom writing projects throughout the school year. These assignments promote creativity, critical thinking, and communication—key skills that are emphasized in the Birch Lane curriculum.
Birch Lane Elementary School Scholarships
Being a public school, Birch Lane Elementary does not charge tuition and therefore does not offer traditional scholarships. However, families in need of financial assistance for extracurricular programs, field trips, or enrichment activities can apply for district-sponsored support. The Birch Lane Parent Teacher Association (PTA) also offers funding assistance for educational materials and experiences to ensure equal access for all students.
Birch Lane Elementary School Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Free (Public School) |
| Registration Fee | None |
| PTA Contributions (Voluntary) | $50–$100 annually |
| Field Trips / Enrichment | Varies by Grade |
| Financial Assistance | Available through PTA and District Programs |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
Birch Lane Elementary serves approximately 650 students across grades K–6. The school maintains a balanced gender ratio, with 51% male and 49% female students. The student body is diverse, consisting of approximately 45% White, 25% Asian, 15% Hispanic, 10% multiracial, and 5% African American students. This diversity contributes to a dynamic and culturally rich environment that values inclusion, respect, and mutual understanding.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Around 18% of Birch Lane students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and the school actively provides meal assistance, tutoring, and support services. The Special Education Department serves students with learning differences through Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and targeted interventions. Birch Lane’s inclusive teaching model ensures that all students—regardless of ability or background—receive equitable educational opportunities.
Student Body
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 650 |
| Average Class Size | 22 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 13:1 |
| English Learners | 12% |
| Special Education Students | 8% |
University Diversity
Birch Lane Elementary School prides itself on fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and respect. The school celebrates cultural heritage through multicultural events, language awareness programs, and community engagement initiatives. Students are taught to appreciate differences and collaborate with empathy. This commitment to diversity extends to staff hiring and curriculum design, ensuring that every student’s identity is acknowledged and valued. Birch Lane’s environment prepares children to thrive in a global society built on respect and understanding.
Average Earnings
As Birch Lane Elementary is an elementary institution, there are no post-graduation earnings. However, its alumni often perform exceptionally well in middle and high school, leading to high academic achievement later in life. Former students frequently progress into honors programs and competitive universities, demonstrating that Birch Lane’s strong academic and ethical foundation has a lasting impact on future success.
Birch Lane Elementary School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Birch Lane Elementary employs over 40 certified educators and support staff who are passionate about teaching and child development. The teachers hold credentials in elementary education, special education, and ESL instruction. In addition to classroom teachers, the school has counselors, a school psychologist, librarians, and instructional aides who work together to support the whole child.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty members at Birch Lane are experienced professionals dedicated to innovation and inclusivity. Many have advanced degrees and are recognized for excellence in teaching by the Davis Joint Unified School District. Teachers engage in continuous professional development and collaborate in grade-level teams to refine instruction. Their focus on inquiry-based learning, technology integration, and student-centered teaching has made Birch Lane a leader in elementary education.
Birch Lane Elementary School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Birch Lane Elementary’s campus features modern classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, a large library, and a science garden that supports hands-on STEM learning. Students have access to a multipurpose hall for arts performances and physical education. The school encourages participation in clubs such as student council, gardening, choir, and robotics. Family engagement is central to school life, with events like community picnics, book fairs, and art nights fostering a strong sense of belonging.
Transportation
Birch Lane Elementary is centrally located in Davis and is easily accessible by walking, biking, or public transportation. The school promotes eco-friendly commuting through its “Walk and Roll to School” program, encouraging students to reduce carbon emissions while staying active. School buses are available for eligible students, and there are safe bike paths and crossing guards to ensure a secure journey to and from campus.