Best Public Schools in Hanford, CA

The city of Hanford, California is home to 29 schools, including 16 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 7 high schools, and 3 alternative schools. The schools in Hanford serve a diverse student population and face a range of challenges, from high rates of economic disadvantage to disparities in academic performance.

Among the standout schools in Hanford, Sierra Pacific High stands out with the highest statewide ranking, a 96.5% graduation rate, and the lowest dropout rate at 0.4%. Kings River-Hardwick Elementary is another high-performing school, ranking in the top 22% of California elementary schools and earning a 4-out-of-5-star rating from SchoolDigger. Jefferson Academy also impresses with the highest test scores in the district, with 67-75% of students proficient or better in English Language Arts and 59-69% in Math.

However, the data also reveals significant disparities in performance and outcomes between the higher-performing and lower-performing schools in the Hanford district. The alternative schools, such as Kings Valley Academy II and J.C. Montgomery, face particularly daunting challenges, with low graduation rates, high dropout rates, and poor academic performance. Addressing these disparities and supporting the most vulnerable student populations will be crucial for improving educational outcomes and ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students in Hanford.