CACalifornia rankings

Towns with the best public schools in California

Ranked by how far each town's public schools score above or below the California average in math and reading proficiency, weighted by enrollment. 574 towns with 2,500+ residents.

U.S. Census ACS 2020–2024 5-yearTest scores SY2020–21

California · Best schools

Santa Clara ranks #83 of 574

+15.3 pts vs. the CA average in math + reading · Visit Santa Clara →

1 Montecito +48.2 pts Math 90.6% · Reading 88%

2 Cupertino +47.7 pts Math 88.7% · Reading 89% 3 Albany +45.9 pts Math 83% · Reading 91%

#Townvs. state averageMathReading

1 MontecitoMontecito Union Elementary +48.2 pts 90.6% 88%

CupertinoCupertino Union +47.7 pts 88.7% 89%

3 AlbanyAlbany City Unified +45.9 pts 83% 91%

BerkeleyBerkeley Unified +44.9 pts 74.5% 97.5%

5 Mountain ViewMountain View-Los Altos Union High +43.7 pts 81% 88.5%

PiedmontPiedmont City Unified +42.0 pts 82.5% 83.6%

7 Palo AltoPalo Alto Unified +40.9 pts 81.7% 82.3%

Manhattan BeachManhattan Beach Unified +40.9 pts 72% 92%

9 Corte MaderaLarkspur-Corte Madera +40.9 pts 80.7% 83.2%

WoodsideWoodside Elementary +40.4 pts 80% 83%

11 San MarinoSan Marino Unified +40.2 pts 80.9% 81.6%

12 HillsboroughHillsborough City Elementary +40.2 pts 81.7% 81%

13 ClaremontClaremont Unified +38.4 pts 72% 87%

14 Sleepy HollowRoss Valley Elementary +38.4 pts 77% 82%

15 Stevenson RanchNewhall +37.8 pts 76.8% 81%

16 San DimasBonita Unified +37.5 pts 68.5% 88.6%

17 DavisDavis Joint Unified +37.4 pts 73.2% 83.8%

18 FremontFremont Unified +37.3 pts 74.1% 82.8%

19 Foster CitySan Mateo-Foster City +37.0 pts 76.8% 79.3%

20 TiburonReed Union Elementary +37.0 pts 76.1% 80.2%

21 Diamond BarWalnut Valley Unified +36.9 pts 77% 79%

22 LafayetteLafayette Elementary +36.8 pts 75.4% 80.4%

23 Portola ValleyPortola Valley Elementary +36.5 pts 76.8% 78.3%

La Crescenta-MontroseGlendale Unified +35.9 pts 69% 85%

Monte SerenoLos Gatos Union Elementary +35.9 pts 73% 81%

26 SaratogaSaratoga Union Elementary +35.8 pts 74.7% 79.1%

Los GatosLos Gatos Union Elementary +35.7 pts 73.8% 79.8%

StanfordPalo Alto Unified +35.7 pts 74.8% 78.7%

Oak ParkOak Park Unified +35.2 pts 71.6% 80.9%

30 ArtesiaABC Unified +34.9 pts 73.8% 78.2%

31 WalnutWalnut Valley Unified +34.4 pts 71% 80%

San CarlosSan Carlos Elementary +34.2 pts 72.9% 77.7%

GlendoraGlendora Unified +33.9 pts 75% 75%

34 BeniciaBenicia Unified +33.9 pts 75% 75%

35 Redwood CityBelmont-Redwood Shores Elementary +33.1 pts 73.7% 74.6%

36 Granite BayEureka Union +32.4 pts 65.7% 81.2%

IrvineIrvine Unified +31.8 pts 69.8% 76.1%

38 BellflowerBellflower Unified +31.2 pts 49.5% 95%

CoronadoCoronado Unified +30.9 pts 64.8% 79.3%

Shingle SpringsEl Dorado Union High +30.9 pts 62% 82%

BurlingameBurlingame Elementary +30.8 pts 71.1% 72.6%

42 Santa Rosa ValleyPleasant Valley +30.4 pts 64% 79%

LarkspurTamalpais Union High +30.1 pts 63.8% 78.5%

Walnut CreekMt. Diablo Unified +29.2 pts 64.3% 76.3%

MilpitasMilpitas Unified +29.0 pts 66% 74.1%

46 Las FloresCapistrano Unified +28.9 pts 62% 78%

47 Vandenberg VillageLompoc Unified +28.7 pts 49.5% 90%

48 Mill ValleyTamalpais Union High +28.4 pts 63% 76%

49 SoquelSanta Cruz City High +28.4 pts 54.5% 84.5%

50 Westlake VillageLas Virgenes Unified +28.4 pts 67% 72%

51 Los AltosMountain View-Los Altos Union High +28.1 pts 67.4% 70.9%

52 San AnselmoTamalpais Union High +27.9 pts 63.4% 74.6%

53 San RamonSan Ramon Valley Unified +27.8 pts 68.1% 69.7%

54 Mountain HouseLammersville Joint Unified +26.4 pts 60% 75%

55 Carmel Valley VillageCarmel Unified +25.4 pts 61% 72%

56 Beverly HillsBeverly Hills Unified +23.8 pts 55.5% 74.3%

57 CerritosABC Unified +23.5 pts 59.5% 69.7%

Agoura HillsLas Virgenes Unified +23.1 pts 49.1% 79.2%

El SegundoEl Segundo Unified +21.6 pts 55.1% 70.4%

FairfaxRoss Valley Elementary +21.4 pts 55.3% 69.7%

61 EncinitasJCS - Mountain Oaks District +21.3 pts 51% 73.8%

62 Fair OaksSan Juan Unified +21.2 pts 50.6% 74%

63 MillbraeMillbrae Elementary +20.5 pts 59.6% 63.6%

64 Castro ValleyCastro Valley Unified +20.4 pts 51.5% 71.6%

French ValleyTemecula Preparatory District +20.4 pts 51% 72%

La MiradaNorwalk-La Mirada Unified +20.3 pts 52.6% 70.2%

CalabasasLas Virgenes Unified +18.7 pts 50% 69.6%

68 Scotts ValleyScotts Valley Unified +18.5 pts 52.7% 66.4%

Santa CruzSanta Cruz City High +18.4 pts 52.9% 66.2%

70 West AthensStella High Charter Academy District +18.3 pts 44.9% 73.8%

Morgan HillMorgan Hill Unified +18.1 pts 44.6% 73.7%

Union CityNew Haven Unified +18.0 pts 48.2% 70%

73 ClaytonMt. Diablo Unified +17.7 pts 52.7% 64.9%

Rowland HeightsRowland Unified +17.4 pts 49% 68%

PacificaPacifica +17.0 pts 53.1% 63%

Culver CityCulver City Unified +16.5 pts 52.1% 63.1%

77 Palo CedroShasta Union High +16.2 pts 49.1% 65.6%

78 San LorenzoKIPP King Collegiate High District +16.0 pts 45.3% 68.8%

LivermoreLivermore Valley Joint Unified +15.8 pts 49.6% 64.1%

BreaBrea-Olinda Unified +15.7 pts 47.1% 66.4%

81 Thousand OaksConejo Valley Unified +15.6 pts 49.7% 63.7%

Mission ViejoSaddleback Valley Unified +15.6 pts 52% 61.4%

Santa ClaraSanta Clara Unified +15.3 pts 49.1% 63.7%

84 CypressAnaheim Union High +15.3 pts 49.7% 63.1%

Lake ForestSaddleback Valley Unified +15.2 pts 53.9% 58.7%

86 Laguna HillsSaddleback Valley Unified +14.4 pts 39% 72%

Aliso ViejoCapistrano Unified +14.2 pts 46.6% 63.9%

Los AlamitosLos Alamitos Unified +13.8 pts 47.2% 62.6%

JamulSteele Canyon High District +13.6 pts 43.9% 65.5%

90 SebastopolWest Sonoma County Union High +13.4 pts 46% 63%

SolvangSolvang Elementary +13.4 pts 46% 63%

92 HayforkMountain Valley Unified +13.3 pts 50.5% 58.2%

93 Pleasant HillMt. Diablo Unified +13.1 pts 50.5% 57.9%

94 San Luis ObispoSan Luis Coastal Unified +13.0 pts 48.7% 59.6%

95 TopangaLas Virgenes Unified +12.9 pts 40% 68%

96 TempletonTempleton Unified +12.5 pts 32.1% 75.2%

97 PlacentiaPlacentia-Yorba Linda Unified +12.1 pts 42.4% 64%

98 WiltonElk Grove Unified +11.9 pts 50% 56%

ArcataNorthern Humboldt Union High +11.8 pts 44.9% 60.9%

100

TruckeeTahoe-Truckee Unified +11.8 pts 46.8% 58.9%

101

Elk GroveElk Grove Unified +11.7 pts 46.7% 58.9%

102 PetalumaPetaluma Joint Union High +11.5 pts 42.5% 62.6%

103 South WhittierWhittier Union High +11.4 pts 41% 64%

104

Bella VistaBella Vista Elementary +11.4 pts 48.6% 56.4%

105 Los OsosSan Luis Coastal Unified +11.1 pts 48.5% 55.8%

106 Alta SierraPleasant Ridge Union Elementary +10.9 pts 52% 52%

107 San ClementeCapistrano Unified +10.7 pts 40.9% 62.8%

108

MoorparkMoorpark Unified +10.7 pts 44.6% 59.1%

109

Chula VistaSweetwater Union High +10.5 pts 41.8% 61.3%

110 CovinaCharter Oak Unified +10.4 pts 46% 57%

111 MontclairChaffey Joint Union High +10.4 pts 38% 65%

112 LakewoodLong Beach Unified +10.3 pts 45.9% 57%

113

BurbankBurbank Unified +10.2 pts 44.3% 58.3%

114

WhittierWhittier Union High +10.0 pts 41.6% 60.5%

115 RamonaRamona City Unified +10.0 pts 34.4% 67.9%

116

Santa Fe SpringsWhittier Union High +9.9 pts 40.9% 61.2%

117 LoomisPlacer Union High +9.6 pts 37.7% 63.8%

118 Rancho CucamongaChaffey Joint Union High +9.4 pts 42.3% 58.8%

119

SanteeSantee +8.9 pts 39% 61%

120 Fountain ValleyHuntington Beach Union High +8.8 pts 43.3% 56.5%

121 Seal BeachLos Alamitos Unified +8.7 pts 24.5% 75%

122

San JoseSan Jose Unified +8.6 pts 43.9% 55.4%

123 GlendaleGlendale Unified +8.6 pts 40.4% 59%

124 CarsonLos Angeles Unified +8.6 pts 38.9% 60.5%

125

El Dorado HillsCottonwood District +8.4 pts 44% 55%

126 Temescal ValleyLake Elsinore Unified +8.4 pts 44.5% 54.5%

127 North TustinTustin Unified +8.4 pts 41.8% 57.2%

128 La PalmaAnaheim Union High +8.4 pts 39.8% 59.1%

129

CottonwoodCottonwood Union Elementary +8.0 pts 47.5% 50.7%

130

MartinezMartinez Unified +7.9 pts 43.1% 54.8%

131

BellLos Angeles Unified +7.9 pts 32% 66%

132

Nevada CityNevada City Elementary +7.6 pts 43% 54.3%

133 San Juan CapistranoCapistrano Unified +7.5 pts 31.9% 65.3%

134 VacavilleKairos Public District +7.4 pts 38% 59%

135 Madera RanchosGolden Valley Unified +7.4 pts 41% 56%

136 BostoniaSantee +6.4 pts 46% 49%

137 BrisbaneBrisbane Elementary +6.4 pts 30.8% 64.2%

138 WestminsterGarden Grove Unified +6.2 pts 41.1% 53.4%

139 VineyardElk Grove Unified +6.2 pts 40.4% 54.1%

140 Diamond SpringsSky Mountain Charter District +6.1 pts 37.5% 56.8%

141 CamarilloPleasant Valley +6.0 pts 39.8% 54.5%

142 Palm DesertDesert Sands Unified +6.0 pts 37.6% 56.5%

143 WillowbrookLos Angeles Unified +5.9 pts 31% 63%

144 Phoenix LakeGold Rush Home Study Charter District +5.9 pts 42% 52%

145

MoragaAcalanes Union High +5.8 pts 43.4% 50.3%

146

LincolnWestern Placer Unified +5.7 pts 38.5% 55.1%

147 AntelopeDry Creek Joint Elementary +5.6 pts 36% 57.4%

148 DuarteDuarte Unified +5.4 pts 37.2% 55.8%

149 WilliamsWilliams Unified +5.3 pts 46.2% 46.6%

150 PasadenaPasadena Unified +5.2 pts 35.2% 57.5%

151 DurhamDurham Unified +5.2 pts 42.4% 50.3%

152 YucaipaYucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified +5.1 pts 37.9% 54.5%

153 Dana PointCapistrano Unified +5.0 pts 35.6% 56.5%

154 East WhittierLowell Joint +4.9 pts 35.2% 56.8%

155 NovatoNovato Unified +4.8 pts 38.2% 53.7%

156 PowayPacific Coast Academy District +4.6 pts 36.3% 55.2%

157

Daly CityJefferson Elementary +4.3 pts 37.7% 53.2%

158

KingsburgKingsburg Elementary Charter +4.3 pts 33.7% 57.1%

159

GridleyGridley Unified +4.3 pts 33.7% 57.1%

160

Big Bear CityBear Valley Unified +4.1 pts 34.6% 55.7%

161 OntarioChaffey Joint Union High +3.8 pts 32.7% 57.2%

162 ReddingEnterprise Elementary +3.8 pts 37.8% 52%

163

San GabrielSan Gabriel Unified +3.7 pts 40.6% 49.1%

164 FullertonFullerton Joint Union High +3.5 pts 41.2% 48.1%

165

WildomarLake Elsinore Unified +3.5 pts 31% 58.2%

166 Newport BeachNewport-Mesa Unified +3.4 pts 56.8% 32.3%

167

LennoxLennox Mathematics Science and Technology Academy District +3.4 pts 32% 57%

168

Morro BaySan Luis Coastal Unified +3.4 pts 34.7% 54.3%

169

Oak ViewVentura Unified +3.4 pts 32% 57%

170

MonroviaMonrovia Unified +3.3 pts 39.5% 49.3%

171

LathropManteca Unified +3.3 pts 34% 54.7%

172 San MateoSan Mateo-Foster City +3.2 pts 38.6% 50.1%

173 Lake ElsinoreLake Elsinore Unified +3.2 pts 32.3% 56.2%

174 Pico RiveraEl Rancho Unified +3.2 pts 33.7% 54.9%

175 Bonadelle RanchosGolden Valley Unified +3.2 pts 33.6% 55%

176

San BrunoSan Bruno Park Elementary +3.1 pts 39.2% 49.2%

177 Hilmar-IrwinHilmar Unified +3.0 pts 26.9% 61.2%

178 OakhurstYosemite Unified +2.9 pts 37.4% 50.7%

179

DinubaDinuba Unified +2.6 pts 26.8% 60.5%

180 San Buenaventura (Ventura)Ventura Unified +2.4 pts 34.7% 52.4%

181 LindsayLindsay Unified +2.4 pts -3% 90%

182 TemeculaElite Academic Academy - Lucerne District +2.2 pts 36% 50.6%

183

Huntington BeachHuntington Beach Union High +2.1 pts 38.1% 48.3%

184 PattersonPatterson Joint Unified +2.1 pts 20.9% 65.5%

185 VisaliaVisalia Unified +1.5 pts 35.8% 49.4%

186 LemooreLemoore Union Elementary +1.5 pts 31.1% 54.2%

187

La HabraFullerton Joint Union High +1.4 pts 35.3% 49.6%

188 RosevilleRoseville Joint Union High +1.2 pts 35.6% 49.1%

189 OakdaleOakdale Joint Unified +1.2 pts 33.2% 51.3%

190 El CentroCentral Union High +1.1 pts 22.5% 62%

191

South San FranciscoSouth San Francisco Unified +0.9 pts 35.6% 48.4%

192 BonitaAltus Schools South Bay District +0.9 pts 22% 62%

193 HealdsburgHealdsburg Unified +0.9 pts 27% 57%

194 GuernevilleCalifornia Pacific Charter - Sonoma District +0.9 pts 32% 52%

195 Mount ShastaMt. Shasta Union Elementary +0.6 pts 29.2% 54.1%

196 South San Jose HillsRowland Unified +0.5 pts 28.8% 54.4%

197

BelmontBelmont-Redwood Shores Elementary +0.4 pts 39.7% 43.3%

198

Garden GroveGarden Grove Unified +0.2 pts 30.9% 51.7%

199

WaterfordWaterford Unified +0.2 pts 34.8% 47.9%

200 EscondidoEscondido Union High +0.1 pts 25.2% 57.2%

201 CarmichaelVisions In Education District 0.0 pts 31% 51.2%

202 PlacervillePlacerville Union Elementary −0.1 pts 29.5% 52.4%

203

Santa YnezSanta Ynez Valley Charter District −0.2 pts 24.2% 57.6%

204

DanvilleSan Ramon Valley Unified −0.4 pts 40.7% 40.7%

205 CloverdaleCloverdale Unified −0.4 pts 27% 54.5%

206

MalibuSanta Monica-Malibu Unified −0.5 pts 33.1% 48.2%

207

SonoraSonora Union High −0.5 pts 26.3% 54.9%

208

WheatlandWheatland −0.5 pts 35.5% 45.8%

209 AntiochAntioch Unified −0.6 pts 26.8% 54.1%

210 Pine GroveAmador County Unified −0.6 pts 36% 45%

211 VistaVista Unified −0.7 pts 26.9% 53.9%

212 Larkfield-WikiupMark West Union Elementary −0.8 pts 37% 43.5%

213

AuburnPlacer Union High −0.9 pts 29.3% 51.1%

214 EscalonEscalon Unified −1.0 pts 28.5% 51.7%

215

Los AngelesLos Angeles Unified −1.1 pts 28.7% 51.2%

216 San RafaelSan Rafael City Elementary −1.1 pts 36.1% 44%

217

West SacramentoWashington Unified −1.1 pts 29.1% 51%

218 NorwalkNorwalk-La Mirada Unified −1.3 pts 24.3% 55.2%

219 Arden-ArcadeSan Juan Unified −1.3 pts 32.6% 47%

220 DelanoDelano Joint Union High −1.3 pts 26.9% 52.6%

221 West Whittier-Los NietosWhittier Union High −1.3 pts 31.5% 48.2%

222 ReedleyKings Canyon Joint Unified −1.3 pts 27.7% 51.9%

223 WeavervilleTrinity Alps Unified −1.3 pts 30.1% 49.5%

224 CoronaPivot Charter School Riverside District −1.4 pts 30% 49.5%

225

Simi ValleySimi Valley Unified −1.4 pts 31.3% 48.2%

226 Moreno ValleyMoreno Valley Unified −1.6 pts 0% 79%

227

Palm SpringsPalm Springs Unified −1.6 pts 29% 49.9%

228

La PuenteBassett Unified −1.6 pts 27% 52%

229

Kings BeachTahoe-Truckee Unified −1.6 pts 42% 37%

230 Shasta LakeGateway Unified −1.8 pts 32.8% 45.8%

231 BeaumontMission Vista Academy District −2.0 pts 28.8% 49.5%

232

MontereyBay View Academy District −2.1 pts 33% 45%

233 Humboldt HillSouth Bay Union Elementary −2.2 pts 24.2% 53.6%

234 East QuincyPlumas Charter District −2.6 pts 27.3% 49.6%

235 La QuintaDesert Sands Unified −2.8 pts 25.8% 50.8%

236

ChicoChico Unified −3.0 pts 30.1% 46.1%

237

ArcadiaArcadia Unified −3.1 pts 37.8% 38.3%

238 FairfieldFairfield-Suisun Unified −3.3 pts 22.9% 52.6%

239 AthertonMenlo Park City Elementary −3.5 pts 38.7% 36.4%

240 HoltvilleHoltville Unified −3.6 pts 30.5% 44.6%

241 RidgecrestSierra Sands Unified −3.7 pts 28.4% 46.5%

242

BakersfieldKern High −3.9 pts 1.7% 72.7%

243

TaftTaft City −3.9 pts 29.1% 45.4%

244 Edwards AFBMuroc Joint Unified −3.9 pts 25% 49.3%

245

OaklandOakland Unified −4.0 pts 28.7% 45.5%

246 East NilesKern High −4.1 pts -3% 77%

247

FowlerFowler Unified −4.5 pts 27.5% 45.6%

248 ColusaColusa Unified −4.5 pts 27.3% 45.8%

249

DixonDixon Unified −4.8 pts 28.1% 44.5%

250

Pollock PinesPollock Pines Elementary −4.8 pts 33.6% 39%

251

Monterey ParkMontebello Unified −5.0 pts 29.9% 42.2%

252 TehachapiTehachapi Unified −5.1 pts 26.7% 45.2%

253 HillcrestKern High −5.1 pts -3% 75%

254

YrekaYreka Union Elementary −5.1 pts 25.3% 46.6%

255 Lake IsabellaKern High −5.1 pts -3% 75%

256 South GateLos Angeles Unified −5.3 pts 23.1% 48.5%

257 Valley CenterValley Center-Pauma Unified −5.3 pts 21.4% 50.2%

258

WoodlandWoodland Joint Unified −5.6 pts 27.2% 43.7%

259

Long BeachLong Beach Unified −5.7 pts 35.5% 35.3%

260

Crescent CityDel Norte County Unified −5.7 pts 23.8% 47.1%

261

King CitySouth Monterey County Joint Union High −5.8 pts 12.2% 58.4%

262

SunnyvaleSunnyvale −6.0 pts 33.7% 36.4%

263 Rohnert ParkCotati-Rohnert Park Unified −6.0 pts 22.9% 47.4%

264 Oak HillsHesperia Unified −6.1 pts 24% 46%

265 AndersonCascade Union Elementary −6.2 pts 24.5% 45.3%

266 KeyesKeyes Union −6.2 pts 27.9% 41.9%

267

Ben LomondSan Lorenzo Valley Unified −6.3 pts 26.6% 43%

268 BishopBishop Unified −6.3 pts 27.5% 42.2%

269 Huntington ParkLos Angeles Unified −6.4 pts 20.1% 49.2%

270

JacksonAmador County Unified −6.4 pts 27% 42.4%

271 Hidden Valley LakeMiddletown Unified −6.6 pts 32% 37%

272 South OrovilleOroville Union High −6.6 pts 17% 52%

273 Grand TerraceColton Joint Unified −6.7 pts 19.3% 49.5%

274 ParadiseParadise Unified −6.9 pts 27.1% 41.3%

275

Mira MonteOjai Unified −6.9 pts 27.6% 40.7%

276 AnaheimAnaheim Union High −7.0 pts 23.5% 44.7%

277 OceansideOceanside Unified −7.0 pts 26% 42.2%

278 StrathmorePorterville Unified −7.0 pts 20.5% 47.7%

279 Santa AnaSanta Ana Unified −7.1 pts 26.4% 41.6%

280 Lucerne ValleyGranite Mountain Charter District −7.1 pts 23% 45%

281 AromasAromas - San Juan Unified −7.1 pts 24% 44%

282 Yorba LindaPlacentia-Yorba Linda Unified −7.2 pts 28.9% 38.8%

283

TracyTracy Joint Unified −7.3 pts 25.8% 41.7%

284 San FernandoLos Angeles Unified −7.3 pts 16.6% 51.1%

285 MaywoodLos Angeles Unified −7.4 pts 22.4% 45%

286

ArvinKern High −7.5 pts 2.3% 65%

287 LakesideGrossmont Union High −7.6 pts 21.3% 45.7%

288

LodiLodi Unified −7.7 pts 27.3% 39.4%

289

AtwaterMerced Union High −7.7 pts 19.9% 46.9%

290

RiponRipon Unified −7.7 pts 28.3% 38.5%

291

TustinTustin Unified −7.8 pts 28.4% 38.3%

292 ImperialImperial Unified −8.0 pts 20% 46.2%

293

CarpinteriaCarpinteria Unified −8.0 pts 23.9% 42.4%

294

RocklinRocklin Unified −8.2 pts 27.2% 38.6%

295 OrangevaleSan Juan Unified −8.3 pts 27.9% 37.7%

296

Villa ParkOrange Unified −8.3 pts 24% 41.5%

297

Fort IrwinSilver Valley Unified −8.5 pts 23.6% 41.6%

298 Silver LakesHelendale Elementary −8.5 pts 24.1% 41.2%

299 VallejoVallejo City Unified −8.7 pts 19.9% 44.9%

300 SalidaSalida Union Elementary −8.8 pts 31% 33.7%

301 EastonWashington Unified −8.8 pts 18.4% 46.1%

302 CalexicoCalexico Unified −9.1 pts 24.3% 39.6%

303 North AuburnAuburn Union Elementary −9.1 pts 27% 37%

304 Yosemite LakesYosemite Unified −9.1 pts 22% 42%

305 SutterBrittan Elementary −9.1 pts 28% 36%

306 BloomingtonColton Joint Unified −9.2 pts 19.5% 44.4%

307 OrindaOrinda Union −9.2 pts 30.9% 33%

308

StocktonLodi Unified −9.3 pts 23.8% 39.9%

309 SacramentoElk Grove Unified −9.4 pts 22.8% 40.5%

310

MenifeePerris Union High −9.4 pts 23.3% 40.1%

311 Baldwin ParkBaldwin Park Unified −9.4 pts 21.2% 42.2%

312 BroadmoorJefferson Elementary −9.4 pts 26.3% 37.1%

313 Chino HillsChino Valley Unified −9.6 pts 27.5% 35.6%

314 Cathedral CityPalm Springs Unified −9.6 pts 18.3% 44.8%

315

MercedMerced Union High −9.8 pts 18.7% 43.9%

316 TurlockTurlock Unified −9.9 pts 22.4% 40%

317

OrcuttOrcutt Union Elementary −10.0 pts 24.5% 37.6%

318 East Los AngelesLos Angeles Unified −10.1 pts 19.6% 42.3%

319

Cameron ParkRescue Union Elementary −10.1 pts 27.7% 34.2%

320 San AndreasCalaveras Unified −10.2 pts 21.6% 40.3%

321

El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles)Paso Robles Joint Unified −10.4 pts 23.4% 38%

322

SangerSanger Unified −10.4 pts 18.1% 43.3%

323

CudahyLos Angeles Unified −10.4 pts 17% 44.5%

324 RiverdaleRiverdale Joint Unified −10.4 pts 22.7% 38.7%

325 RichmondMaking Waves Academy District −10.7 pts 17.3% 43.6%

326

El MonteEl Monte City −10.7 pts 30.4% 30.4%

327

Rancho San DiegoCajon Valley Union −10.7 pts 24.5% 36.3%

328

OrovilleOroville Union High −10.7 pts 22% 38.8%

329

El RioOxnard Union High −10.7 pts 22.3% 38.5%

330 FontanaFontana Unified −10.8 pts -2.1% 62.6%

331

Grass ValleyGrass Valley Elementary −10.8 pts 21.7% 38.9%

332 Orange CoveKings Canyon Joint Unified −10.8 pts 19.6% 41%

333

Spring ValleyGrossmont Union High −10.9 pts 20.7% 39.7%

334 HeberHeber Elementary −10.9 pts 24.6% 35.8%

335 CuttenEureka City Schools −10.9 pts 25.2% 35.1%

336

PomonaPomona Unified −11.1 pts 19.9% 40.1%

337 GoshenVisalia Unified −11.1 pts 30% 30%

338

ConcordMt. Diablo Unified −11.2 pts 18.2% 41.6%

339 Happy ValleyHappy Valley Union Elementary −11.2 pts 26.5% 33.3%

340

Sutter CreekAmador County Unified −11.2 pts 22.1% 37.7%

341

WeedSiskiyou Union High −11.4 pts 15% 44.5%

342 El CajonCajon Valley Union −11.5 pts 23.8% 35.3%

343

PerrisPerris Union High −11.5 pts 18.4% 40.7%

344

HanfordHanford Elementary −11.5 pts 21.9% 37.4%

345

KermanKerman Unified −11.5 pts 18.2% 41%

346 South Monrovia IslandDuarte Unified −11.6 pts 24% 35%

347

LockefordLodi Unified −11.6 pts 22% 37%

348 BayviewSouth Bay Union Elementary −11.6 pts 34.5% 24.5%

349 RialtoRialto Unified −11.8 pts 23.7% 34.9%

350

MontebelloMontebello Unified −11.9 pts 18.5% 40%

351 Menlo ParkMenlo Park City Elementary −11.9 pts 26.8% 31.7%

352

ChowchillaChowchilla Union High −11.9 pts 17.5% 40.8%

353 Costa MesaNewport-Mesa Unified −12.0 pts 32.8% 25.3%

354

OrangeOrange Unified −12.4 pts 22.7% 34.8%

355 Borrego SpringsBorrego Springs Unified −12.4 pts 23.2% 34.2%

356 WintonWinton −12.5 pts 21.3% 35.8%

357 Golden HillsTehachapi Unified −12.6 pts 23% 34%

358

Big Bear LakeBear Valley Unified −12.6 pts 20% 37%

359 National CitySweetwater Union High −12.7 pts 18.4% 38.3%

360 EurekaEureka City Schools −12.7 pts 23% 33.7%

361 SusanvilleLassen Union High −12.7 pts 17.6% 39.3%

362 OrosiCutler-Orosi Joint Unified −12.7 pts 18% 38.9%

363

CoalingaCoalinga-Huron Unified −12.8 pts 16.3% 40.3%

364 McKinleyvilleNorthern Humboldt Union High −12.9 pts 9.4% 47%

365

Fort BraggFort Bragg Unified −13.1 pts 12% 43.9%

366

Santa ClaritaWilliam S. Hart Union High −13.2 pts 25.6% 30.2%

367

Rancho CordovaFolsom-Cordova Unified −13.2 pts 27% 28.8%

368 TulareTulare City −13.4 pts 16.5% 38.9%

369

ParamountParamount Unified −13.4 pts 17.7% 37.6%

370

LivingstonLivingston Union −13.4 pts 19.9% 35.4%

371

FirebaughFirebaugh-Las Deltas Unified −13.4 pts 12.4% 43%

372 Santa RosaPivot Charter School - North Bay District −13.5 pts 15% 40.2%

373 GreenfieldSouth Monterey County Joint Union High −13.6 pts 13% 42%

374

MarysvilleMarysville Joint Unified −13.6 pts 16.4% 38.5%

375

San JacintoSan Jacinto Unified −14.1 pts 20.9% 33.1%

376 FortunaFortuna Elementary −14.1 pts 18.9% 35.1%

377

WintersWinters Joint Unified −14.1 pts 17% 37%

378 CrestDehesa Elementary −14.1 pts 22% 32%

379

CorcoranCorcoran Joint Unified −14.2 pts 13.9% 39.9%

380 Twentynine PalmsMorongo Unified −14.3 pts 20.1% 33.5%

381

Red BluffRed Bluff Union Elementary −14.4 pts 21.2% 32.3%

382 ColtonColton Joint Unified −14.5 pts 19% 34.2%

383 North Fair OaksKIPP Excelencia Community Preparatory District −14.5 pts 22.9% 30.3%

384

Rancho MiragePalm Springs Unified −14.6 pts 15% 38%

385 Santa VenetiaSan Rafael City Elementary −14.6 pts 20% 33%

386 OxnardOxnard Union High −14.7 pts 17.1% 35.7%

387 Desert Hot SpringsPalm Springs Unified −14.7 pts 17.8% 35.1%

388 AvalonLong Beach Unified −15.1 pts 20% 32%

389

HemetHemet Unified −15.2 pts 18.4% 33.3%

390

FallbrookFallbrook Union Elementary −15.2 pts 19.8% 32.1%

391

WillitsWillits Unified −15.2 pts 18.4% 33.4%

392

IoneAmador County Unified −15.3 pts 18.7% 32.8%

393 LompocLompoc Unified −15.4 pts 14.6% 36.7%

394

GonzalesGonzales Unified −15.5 pts 14% 37.2%

395

Dos PalosDos Palos Oro Loma Joint Unified −15.5 pts 11.1% 40%

396

CherrylandKnowledge Enlightens You (KEY) Academy District −15.6 pts 23% 28%

397 Garden AcresStockton Unified −15.6 pts 13% 38%

398 Yuba CityYuba City Unified −15.8 pts 13.8% 36.8%

399

Bell GardensMontebello Unified −15.8 pts 14.9% 35.7%

400

OildaleKern High −15.8 pts 0.9% 49.8%

401 Buena ParkFullerton Joint Union High −15.9 pts 20.9% 29.6%

402 FlorinElk Grove Unified −16.0 pts 20.2% 30.1%

403 ShafterRichland Union Elementary −16.0 pts 6.1% 44.1%

404 St. HelenaSaint Helena Unified −16.4 pts 13.1% 36.2%

405

ModestoModesto City Elementary −16.6 pts 17.6% 31.5%

406 FolsomFolsom-Cordova Unified −16.6 pts 24.5% 24.5%

407

CeresCeres Unified −16.6 pts 13.1% 35.9%

408 North HighlandsSan Juan Unified −16.6 pts 24.5% 24.5%

409

Rancho Palos VerdesPalos Verdes Peninsula Unified −16.6 pts 24.5% 24.5%

410

MarinaMonterey Peninsula Unified −16.6 pts 24.5% 24.5%

411 Winter GardensLakeside Union Elementary −16.6 pts 24.5% 24.5%

412

Port HuenemeHueneme Elementary −16.6 pts 24.5% 24.5%

413 Valle VistaHemet Unified −16.6 pts 24.5% 24.5%

414 Lemon HillSacramento City Unified −16.6 pts 24.5% 24.5%

415 Rolling Hills EstatesPalos Verdes Peninsula Unified −16.6 pts 24.5% 24.5%

416

ActoniLEAD Hybrid District −16.6 pts 24.5% 24.5%

417 Oroville EastOroville City Elementary −16.6 pts 24.5% 24.5%

418 Piñon HillsSnowline Joint Unified −16.6 pts 24.5% 24.5%

419 GreenacresFruitvale Elementary −16.6 pts 24.5% 24.5%

420

Indian WellsDesert Sands Unified −16.6 pts 24.5% 24.5%

421

Lake NacimientoSan Miguel Joint Union −16.6 pts 24.5% 24.5%

422

CampoMountain Empire Unified −16.6 pts 17% 32%

423 RiverbankRiverbank Unified −16.7 pts 12.9% 35.9%

424 LakeportLakeport Unified −16.7 pts 15.2% 33.5%

425 InglewoodInglewood Unified −16.8 pts 17.2% 31.5%

426 HaywardImpact Academy of Arts & Technology District −16.9 pts 15.7% 32.8%

427

AlturasModoc Joint Unified −16.9 pts 20.4% 27.9%

428

FresnoFresno Unified −17.0 pts 13.8% 34.4%

429

Imperial BeachSouth Bay Union −17.0 pts 16.4% 31.7%

430 Lincoln VillageLincoln Unified −17.0 pts 16.4% 31.8%

431

WillowsWillows Unified −17.1 pts 17.6% 30.4%

432 IvanhoeVisalia Unified −17.1 pts 23% 25%

433 BurneyFall River Joint Unified −17.2 pts 21.9% 25.9%

434

MantecaManteca Unified −17.3 pts 10.9% 36.7%

435 Vandenberg AFBManzanita Public Charter District −17.3 pts 20.7% 26.9%

436 Lakeland VillageLake Elsinore Unified −17.4 pts 15.7% 31.8%

437

WoodlakeWoodlake Unified −17.4 pts 15.8% 31.6%

438

San BernardinoSan Bernardino City Unified −17.5 pts 15.4% 31.7%

439

Signal HillLong Beach Unified −17.5 pts 27.9% 19.3%

440 DelhiDelhi Unified −17.5 pts 15.1% 32%

441 Florence-GrahamLos Angeles Unified −17.6 pts 12.7% 34.3%

442 LynwoodLynwood Unified −17.7 pts 14.9% 31.8%

443 Hawaiian GardensABC Unified −17.7 pts 10.8% 36.1%

444

OrlandOrland Joint Unified −17.7 pts 12.5% 34.3%

445

CampbellCampbell Union −17.9 pts 32.5% 13.8%

446 Lake ArrowheadRim of the World Unified −18.0 pts 12.8% 33.4%

447 ArmonaArmona Union Elementary −18.3 pts 17.6% 27.9%

448

ChinoChino Valley Unified −18.4 pts 8.9% 36.4%

449

LawndaleCentinela Valley Union High −18.6 pts 13.3% 31.8%

450 CutlerCutler-Orosi Joint Unified −18.6 pts 15% 30%

451

CorningCorning Union Elementary −18.9 pts 15.2% 29.1%

452

East HemetHemet Unified −19.0 pts 15.3% 28.9%

453 AngelsBret Harte Union High −19.0 pts 10.1% 34.1%

454

LucerneLucerne Elementary −19.1 pts 17% 27%

455

JamestownJamestown Elementary −19.1 pts 17% 27%

456 BrawleyBrawley Elementary −19.2 pts 17.1% 26.6%

457

HesperiaHesperia Unified −19.4 pts 15% 28.5%

458 McFarlandMcFarland Unified −20.1 pts 13% 29%

459

ThermalitoThermalito Union Elementary −20.1 pts 15.9% 26.1%

460

MoradaLodi Unified −20.1 pts 15.1% 27%

461

BarstowBarstow Unified −20.2 pts 13.9% 27.9%

462

IndioDesert Sands Unified −20.3 pts 12.6% 28.9%

463 PortervillePorterville Unified −20.3 pts 10.4% 31.2%

464

LancasterAssurance Learning Academy District −20.5 pts 7.4% 33.8%

465

CalipatriaCalipatria Unified −20.6 pts 9.2% 31.7%

466 WestmontLos Angeles Unified −20.7 pts 6.9% 33.9%

467 CommerceMontebello Unified −20.7 pts 15.5% 25.3%

468 EspartoEsparto Unified −20.7 pts 16.2% 24.7%

469

CoachellaCoachella Valley Unified −20.8 pts 13.2% 27.5%

470

WascoWasco Union Elementary −21.0 pts 12.8% 27.4%

471 SelmaSelma Unified −21.0 pts 12.2% 28%

472 OlivehurstMarysville Joint Unified −21.0 pts 12.5% 27.7%

473 MendotaMendota Unified −21.0 pts 11.6% 28.5%

474 HighlandEntrepreneur High District −21.1 pts 7.7% 32.3%

475 La PresaLa Mesa-Spring Valley −21.1 pts 13.2% 26.8%

476

NewmanNewman-Crows Landing Unified −21.2 pts 9% 30.7%

477

EmeryvilleEmery Unified −21.4 pts 5% 34.5%

478

PlanadaPlanada Elementary −21.6 pts 11.3% 27.7%

479 RiversideRiverside Unified −22.5 pts 16.6% 20.5%

480 DenairDenair Unified −22.7 pts 8% 28.9%

481

San DiegoSan Diego Unified −23.3 pts 15% 20.7%

482 Citrus HeightsSan Juan Unified −23.6 pts 12.8% 22.2%

483 PixleyPixley Union Elementary −23.6 pts 13.8% 21.2%

484 PalmdaleWestside Union Elementary −23.7 pts 13.2% 21.5%

485

KelseyvilleKelseyville Unified −23.7 pts 11.2% 23.6%

486

TorranceTorrance Unified −24.0 pts 17.1% 17.1%

487

Joshua TreeMorongo Unified −24.1 pts 12% 22%

488 Marin CitySausalito Marin City −24.1 pts 12% 22%

489 AvenalReef-Sunset Unified −24.9 pts 9.9% 22.5%

490 Rio DellRio Dell Elementary −25.5 pts 14.1% 17%

491

Yucca ValleyMorongo Unified −25.6 pts 7.1% 23.8%

492 FarmersvilleFarmersville Unified −25.8 pts 7.2% 23.3%

493 UkiahUkiah Unified −25.9 pts 14.7% 15.6%

494 EarlimartEarlimart Elementary −26.1 pts 8% 22%

495 MaderaMadera County Superintendent of Schools −26.3 pts 9.9% 19.7%

496

Rancho CalaverasCalaveras Unified −26.4 pts 7.5% 22%

497

CoarsegoldYosemite Unified −26.4 pts 7.5% 22%

498

BoronMuroc Joint Unified −26.5 pts 12% 17.2%

499 MyrtletownEureka City Schools −26.6 pts 12% 17%

500 NeedlesNeedles Unified −26.9 pts 8.3% 20.1%

501

LindaMarysville Joint Unified −27.0 pts 10.1% 18.1%

502 ParlierParlier Unified −27.1 pts 7.1% 20.8%

503

HawthorneHawthorne −27.2 pts 6.6% 21.2%

504

La MesaLa Mesa-Spring Valley −27.3 pts 8.7% 19%

505

GuadalupeGuadalupe Union Elementary −27.3 pts 10% 17.5%

506 Laguna NiguelCapistrano Unified −27.5 pts 13.6% 13.6%

507 MeccaCoachella Valley Unified −27.8 pts 8.6% 18.1%

508

OjaiOjai Unified −28.1 pts 8.3% 17.7%

509 Mammoth LakesMammoth Unified −28.2 pts 6.1% 19.8%

510

Bay PointMt. Diablo Unified −28.4 pts 9.8% 15.7%

511 ClearlakeKonocti Unified −29.1 pts 7.4% 16.6%

512

Salton CityCoachella Valley Unified −29.4 pts 7.2% 16.2%

513

SalinasMonterey County Office of Education −29.8 pts 6.4% 16.1%

514 SeasideMonterey Peninsula Unified −29.8 pts 9.2% 13.4%

515 San JoaquinGolden Plains Unified −30.1 pts 9% 13%

516 Pacific GrovePacific Grove Unified −30.4 pts 7% 14.5%

517 Live OakLive Oak Unified −30.4 pts 5.1% 16.4%

518

Apple ValleyApple Valley Unified −31.1 pts 6.8% 13.2%

519 Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara Unified −31.2 pts 6.6% 13.2%

520 PhelanSnowline Joint Unified −31.2 pts 9.9% 9.9%

521

East PortervilleAlta Vista Elementary −31.6 pts 6% 13%

522 Jurupa ValleyJurupa Unified −31.7 pts 9.4% 9.4%

523 San FranciscoSan Francisco Unified −32.1 pts 5.8% 12.2%

524

LenwoodBarstow Unified −32.1 pts 7% 11%

525

Casa de Oro-Mount HelixLa Mesa-Spring Valley −33.0 pts 8.1% 8.1%

526

Redondo BeachRedondo Beach Unified −33.6 pts 7.5% 7.5%

527 BystromModesto City Elementary −33.6 pts 5% 10%

528 OasisCoachella Valley Unified −33.6 pts 5% 10%

529 GoletaSanta Barbara Unified −34.8 pts 6.3% 6.3%

530

BrentwoodBrentwood Union −34.9 pts 6.2% 6.2%

531

NipomoLucia Mar Unified −35.1 pts 6% 6%

532 RosamondSouthern Kern Unified −35.4 pts 5.7% 5.7%

533

UplandUpland Unified −35.5 pts 5.6% 5.6%

534 SoledadSoledad Unified −35.9 pts 1.3% 9.1%

535 West Rancho DominguezBarack Obama Charter District −36.1 pts -0.2% 10.1%

536

PittsburgPittsburg Unified −36.9 pts 4.1% 4.4%

537 FillmoreFillmore Unified −38.0 pts 3.1% 3.1%

538 Los BanosLos Banos Unified −38.7 pts 0.1% 4.7%

539 VictorvilleVictor Elementary −38.9 pts 2.2% 2.2%

540 Santa MonicaSanta Monica-Malibu Unified −39.1 pts 2% 2%

541 Eastern Goleta ValleySanta Barbara Unified −39.1 pts 2% 2%

542

AdelantoAdelanto Elementary −40.3 pts 0.1% 1.4%

543 East Palo AltoRavenswood City Elementary −41.7 pts -2% 0.9%

544

RosemeadRosemead Elementary −44.1 pts -3% -3%

545

La VerneBonita Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

546

GaltGalt Joint Union High −44.1 pts -3% -3%

547

Laguna BeachLaguna Beach Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

548 South El MonteMountain View Elementary −44.1 pts -3% -3%

549 Hermosa BeachHermosa Beach City Elementary −44.1 pts -3% -3%

550 Arroyo GrandeLucia Mar Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

551 BlythePalo Verde Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

552 Discovery BayByron Union Elementary −44.1 pts -3% -3%

553

AlamoSan Ramon Valley Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

554

California CityMojave Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

555 Isla VistaGoleta Union Elementary −44.1 pts -3% -3%

556 Palos Verdes EstatesPalos Verdes Peninsula Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

557 Grover BeachLucia Mar Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

558 Rancho Mission ViejoCapistrano Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

559 RossmoorLos Alamitos Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

560 CalimesaYucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

561

SonomaSonoma Valley Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

562 Pismo BeachLucia Mar Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

563 Bermuda DunesDesert Sands Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

564

HughsonHughson Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

565

Boyes Hot SpringsSonoma Valley Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

566 OceanoLucia Mar Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

567 Camino TassajaraSan Ramon Valley Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

568 MojaveMojave Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

569 Tara HillsCaliber: Beta Academy District −44.1 pts -3% -3%

570 Harbison CanyonCajon Valley Union −44.1 pts -3% -3%

571 CopperopolisMark Twain Union Elementary −44.1 pts -3% -3%

572

Vine HillMartinez Unified −44.1 pts -3% -3%

573 Mountain View AcresVictor Elementary −44.1 pts -3% -3%

574

TiptonTipton Elementary −44.1 pts -3% -3%

How this ranking works

For every public school in a town we take its latest math and reading proficiency and subtract the California average for the same test. The town’s score is the average of those gaps, weighted by each school’s enrollment, so a big high school counts more than a small annex. Private schools aren’t included.

Each state writes its own tests, so these scores compare towns within California only. We don’t rank a town unless at least 150 students in its schools were tested. Test data: EDFacts via Urban Institute Education Data Portal (SY2020-21).

Only towns with at least 2,500 residents are ranked; Census estimates for smaller places are too uncertain. Population and income: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Town photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each town’s page.

Same ranking in other states

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