Best Public Schools in Zip Code 92404

This analysis covers 17 schools in the 92404 zip code of San Bernardino, California, serving grades K-12, all within a high-poverty area where the vast majority of students are economically disadvantaged and belong to the San Bernardino City Unified district, which ranks in the bottom quartile statewide.

Academic performance varies widely, with most schools struggling to meet state averages, but there are clear standouts for parents to consider. The top performer is Colonel Joseph C. Rodriguez PREP Academy, a middle school that earns 5 stars and scores in the 94th percentile, dramatically outperforming others in English, math, and science while also having very low chronic absenteeism. Among high schools, San Gorgonio High has stronger English scores and lower absenteeism than Pacific High, though both have graduation rates above 96%. The charter school iEmpire Academy is also notable for rapid improvement.

Key challenges across the area include very low math and science proficiency, especially in higher grades, and a serious chronic absenteeism problem in most schools. There is a puzzling disconnect where high schools graduate nearly all students despite very low test scores. The exceptional success of Rodriguez PREP Academy shows that high achievement is possible in this community, while the stark differences between the three middle schools—from the 94th percentile Rodriguez to the 6th percentile Del Vallejo Middle—highlight the importance of individual school environment and programs.