San Bernardino City Unified

The San Bernardino City Unified district operates 72 schools serving grades K-12 in a high-needs urban area, where most schools have over 90% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch.

While the district faces significant challenges, trailing state averages in academic proficiency, it contains several standout schools that serve as models of success. The top-performing schools are the specialized preparation academies, particularly Richardson PREP High Middle and Colonel Joseph C. Rodriguez PREP Academy, which achieve exceptional test scores in the 90th percentile or higher statewide. Other high performers include Paakuma K-8 and Hillside Elementary at the elementary level, and Middle College High, which boasts a perfect graduation rate. In contrast, schools like Shandin Hills Middle, Del Vallejo Middle, and Lincoln Elementary rank in the lowest percentiles and are identified as needing the most support.

Key district-wide issues include a chronic absenteeism rate far above the state average, especially at alternative high schools like Sierra High, and a significant struggle with mathematics proficiency. However, many comprehensive high schools, such as Cajon High and Arroyo Valley High, achieve graduation rates above 96%, demonstrating effective systems to help students earn diplomas despite academic hurdles.