Best Public Schools in Norco, CA

Norco, California, has nine schools: five elementary schools, one middle school, two high schools, and one alternative school, serving students from elementary through high school. Eight schools have reported 2025–2026 test scores; their average proficiency was 55% in English language arts (ELA), 40% in math, and 35% in science, compared with state figures of 49%, 38%, and 36%. The most important finding is that results vary widely by school, especially in science: reported scores range from 18% at Sierra Vista Elementary to 85% at John F. Kennedy Middle College High.

Kennedy is the clearest overall standout, with 94% in ELA and 85% in science; its 58% in math is nearly tied with Highland Elementary at 58%. Highland is the strongest elementary school overall in ELA and math, leading the other elementary schools in both subjects in 3rd, 4th, and 6th grades. At the other end, Riverview Elementary has the lowest All Grades results in ELA, math, and science: 37%, 26%, and 26%. Still, Riverview leads the elementary schools in 5th-grade ELA and math, showing how results can differ by grade. SchoolDigger ranks Kennedy in the 98th statewide percentile and Riverview in the 37th.

Recent trends are mixed, with science the clearest concern: the eight-school average fell 6 percentage points from the previous year while the state rose 3 points; six schools declined, while Kennedy increased 8 points. In ELA, the school average slipped 1 point, and in math it rose 1 point. SchoolDigger’s rankings also moved in different directions from 2023–2024 to 2025–2026: Riverview rose from the 17th to the 37th percentile, while Norco High fell from the 71st to the 53rd. As context, the reported low-income measure is free/reduced lunch eligible (FRL), school year 2024–2025: Highland was at 63% and Riverview at 84%; these figures do not explain school results. All Grades comparisons span different grade ranges, so grade-specific results are more useful where available.