By admin 
Two school districts in the Sacramento area were ranked among the Most Diverse School Districts in America, according to a ranking by online education data firm Niche.
Read more After years of planning, Sacramento airport gets $148.8M control tower contract
The school districts were evaluated by several factors including academics and a student racial diversity index.
Here’s what you need to know:
How was the ranking determined?
The most diverse school districts rankings were based on an analysis of demographic and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education.
Additionally, the rankings included “millions” of reviews from students and parents, according to Niche.
The rankings considered four factors which comprised the districts’ student racial diversity index, parent/student surveys on culture and diversity, the percent of economically disadvantaged students and gender diversity.
Which Sacramento-area school districts made the list and where did they rank?
Natomas Unified School District ranked #2 among the most diverse school districts in America and #7 for Best School Districts in the Sacramento area. The Sacramento-area district has an enrollment of 14,923 students spread across 20 schools.
The district received an A+ for diversity, B for academics and an A- overall Niche grade. Natomas Unified School District received an overall review of four stars out of five and took into account 68 reviews.
Here’s what students had to say:
“My teachers are very kind and help me engage in lessons that can help me build a strong foundation for my future,” wrote a sophomore in the district.
Read more Sacramento County trash bills could rise 4.5% a year under new rate plan
“Natomas Unified School District… serves a diverse student population and has made noticeable strides in educational equity and innovation,” wrote one junior. “Families often appreciate the district’s commitment to improving student outcomes through investments in technology, early college opportunities, and social-emotional learning.”
Which Sacramento-area district made the top five?
Elk Grove Unified School District ranked #5 for the most diverse school districts in America and #2 in Best School Districts in Sacramento County.
The Elk Grove district has 63,421 enrolled students at 67 schools. The district earned an A+ for diversity, A- for academics and an A for its overall Niche grade.
Elk Grove Unified School District received an overall review of 4 stars out of five and 428 reviews.
Here’s what students had to say:
“Through the AVID program I have felt well-prepared and well aware of what I need to have done to be on track for college,” wrote a senior. “Overall, I’ve enjoyed every school I have attended in the Elk Grove Unified School District.”
“From my own experience, I’ve had many memorable teachers in this district who have helped me and showed genuine care for all their students,” wrote another senior. “I believe these teachers are truly rooting for success within all their students and I very much appreciate all their efforts.”
Which schools made the top ten?
School districts from Texas to Washington were highlighted for their efforts to foster diversity and academic excellence.
Read more San Juan Unified School District faces unfair labor practice charge over layoffs
Here are the school districts that made the list and their ranking:
- Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District in Bedford, Texas
- Natomas Unified School District in Sacramento
- Susquehanna Township School District in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- Kent School District in Kent, Washington
- Elk Grove Unified School District in Elk Grove
- Bowling Green Independent Schools in Bowling Green, Kentucky
- North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District
- Federal Way Public Schools in Federal Way, Washington
- Kentwood Public School in Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Renton School District in Renton, Washington