In Petaluma, California, Miwok Valley Elementary Charter is a public charter school for kids in kindergarten through sixth grade. There are about 290–300 students at the school, and the student–teacher ratio is 18:1. This means that classes are smaller and students get more one-on-one attention. The school uses a standards-based curriculum that focuses on basic reading and math skills, as well as programs that help students learn social and emotional skills and get involved in school. The student body is very diverse, with about 79% of students coming from minority backgrounds, mostly Hispanic/Latino, which is similar to the rest of the Petaluma community. According to U.S. News, only 12% of students meet or exceed math proficiency standards, and only 22% show proficiency in reading. This means that their academic performance is below the state average. The state and local governments pay for Miwok Valley Elementary Charter, and families and the community help out. The school is in a residential area of Petaluma and focuses on creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment.