Summary:
The Chico Unified district encompasses 22 schools serving approximately 12,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade, including traditional elementary, middle, and high schools as well as alternative programs, ranking it in the middle tier of California districts overall.
Academic performance varies widely across the district, with standout schools like Sierra View Elementary (ranking in the 91st percentile) and the two comprehensive high schools, Pleasant Valley High and Chico High, both earning 4-star ratings and boasting graduation rates above 91%. In contrast, schools such as Chapman Elementary and McManus (John A.) Elementary face significant challenges, ranking in the bottom 15% of schools statewide.
Key factors influencing school performance include chronic absenteeism, which ranges from just 4% at Rosedale Elementary to over 90% at the Academy for Change, and a notable performance gap at the middle school level where Marsh (Harry M.) Junior High significantly outpaces its peers. The district's alternative schools present a mixed picture, with Oak Bridge Academy achieving a remarkable 98.3% graduation rate while others struggle despite very high per-student spending.
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