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California school information

School Accountability Report Card (SARC)

A School Accountability Report Card gives families and community members a consistent way to learn about a California school’s performance, conditions, resources, and students.

School Accountability Report Card graphic

A public snapshot of each school

California public and nonpublic, nonsectarian schools provide annual information that allows the public to review and compare schools across areas such as student achievement, learning environment, resources, and demographics.

The SARC can also help a school communicate progress toward its goals and provide context for conversations among families, educators, leaders, and community partners.

What a SARC can help you explore

Students

Enrollment, demographics, student groups, and other information about the school community.

Outcomes

Academic performance, engagement, completion, and other reported indicators, as applicable.

Conditions

School climate, safety, facilities, instructional materials, and the learning environment.

Resources

Staffing, expenditures, programs, services, and other resources supporting the school.

How to use the report

Review

Read the school’s report and note the reporting year, definitions, and context provided for each measure.

Compare carefully

Compare schools using the same report year and indicator definitions; a single measure rarely tells the whole story.

Ask questions

Use the report as a starting point for conversations with school and district staff about goals, needs, and improvement efforts.

Understand the reporting timeline

SARCs report information one year in arrears. Current California Department of Education guidance says they must be published and submitted no later than February 1 each year and remain current through January 31 of the following year. Always check the report year before interpreting or comparing information.

Find reports and official guidance

Reviewed August 2026. Report content, templates, timelines, and submission procedures can change. Use current California Department of Education guidance when preparing or interpreting a SARC.