Summary:
The Hemet Unified school district serves around 19,000 students across 22 schools from kindergarten through 12th grade in a community with high economic need, where most schools have over 80% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch.
Academic performance across the district generally lags behind state averages, particularly in math, but there are standout schools that offer very different experiences. Western Center Academy is a top-tier 6-12 STEM school ranked in the 99th percentile statewide with exceptional test scores and near-perfect attendance, while Hemet Dual Language Academy (K-8) and Cawston Elementary also perform above district averages with strong attendance records.
Chronic absenteeism, which is much higher than the state average, is a major challenge strongly linked to lower academic outcomes at many schools. Despite academic struggles, most comprehensive high schools like Hemet High, West Valley High, and Tahquitz High maintain graduation rates above 94%, though middle schools are a particular area of concern for academic performance and attendance.
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