Summary:
Zip code 91786 in Upland, California, is served by two public high schools within the Upland Unified district, offering grades 9-12 and presenting a stark contrast in performance and student experience.
Upland High is the district's standout comprehensive high school, ranked in the top 22% of California schools with a 4-star rating, a strong 97% graduation rate, and academic proficiency that exceeds district and state averages, particularly in English. In sharp contrast, Hillside High is a much smaller alternative school facing significant challenges, ranking in the bottom 8% of the state with a 0-star rating and very low academic proficiency, despite having more funding per student and a lower student-teacher ratio.
The most critical finding is the severe chronic absenteeism at Hillside High, affecting 72% of students, which is a primary driver of its academic struggles. Interestingly, both schools maintain high graduation rates above 94%, suggesting Hillside supports students to completion through different pathways. For parents, this area offers one high-performing traditional school and one alternative school serving high-needs students, with the district overall performing above the state average.
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