Best High Schools in Zip Code 93204

This analysis covers three public high schools in zip code 93204, serving grades 9-12 in the Avenal, California area, all operated by the Reef-Sunset Unified school district, which ranks in the bottom 5% statewide.

Avenal High is the primary comprehensive high school, enrolling over 97% of the area's high school students. It stands out for its very high graduation rate of 95.5%, which is significantly above the state average, and it has shown steady improvement in its statewide ranking over the past three years. However, its academic proficiency rates in math, English, and science are well below state averages. The alternative schools, Sunrise Continuation High and Reef-Sunset Secondary Community Day, serve much smaller populations of students with intensive needs and have very different performance profiles and resource levels.

Comparing the schools reveals a significant difference in resources and outcomes. Sunrise Continuation High, for example, receives more than double the per-student funding of Avenal High and has a very low student-teacher ratio, yet faces substantial challenges with student engagement and academic proficiency. Overall, while the district faces systemic academic challenges, Avenal High demonstrates notable strength in supporting students to graduate, even as improving academic mastery remains a key area for growth across all schools.