Thomas Kelly Elementary

Thomas Kelly Elementary sits in Carmichael, a quiet, tree-lined suburb just east of Sacramento where longtime residents tend to put down roots and stay. The school serves a neighborhood that's more working-class than the higher-performing pockets of San Juan Unified, and families here may find that supplementing classroom learning at home makes a meaningful difference given scores that fall below state averages across the board. That said, Carmichael itself has a lot going for it — parks, a close-knit feel, and easy access to the broader Sacramento area — making it a livable place for families who prioritize community and affordability over top-ranked schools.