California Heritage Youthbuild Academy II

California Heritage Youthbuild Academy II is a small, alternative high school serving 140 students in grades 9-12 in Redding, operating as its own California Heritage Youthbuild Academy II District and serving a student population where over 80% are economically disadvantaged.

The school faces significant challenges, with academic proficiency rates far below state averages and an extremely high chronic absenteeism rate of 91.1%, which is notably higher than even other local alternative schools like Oakview High (Alternative). Its graduation rate is 42.3%, compared to a state average of 86.4%, and it spends more per student than most nearby schools while achieving poorer outcomes. Performance has declined since 2020-2021, and the school shows severe performance disparities for specific student subgroups, with female and special education students ranking in the bottom percentiles statewide.

Comparisons with nearby schools highlight potential for different outcomes in the region. For instance, University Preparatory achieves much higher academic proficiency, and Anderson High has a graduation rate over 96%. Even the alternative Oakview High (Alternative) has higher test scores, a much higher graduation rate, and lower per-student spending, suggesting the challenges at California Heritage Youthbuild Academy II are significant but not necessarily reflective of all schools serving similar populations in the area.