Best High Schools in Zip Code 93555

Zip code 93555 in Ridgecrest, California, is served by two public high schools within the Sierra Sands Unified district: a large comprehensive high school and a much smaller continuation school for at-risk students.

Burroughs High is the district's standout performer, ranking in the top 25% of high schools statewide and showing strong improvement. It excels in English Language Arts, where over two-thirds of students are proficient, significantly outpacing both the district and state averages. While its math and science scores are closer to state averages, its graduation rate of 86.1% is solid. In contrast, Mesquite Continuation High serves a distinct population of about 95 students facing significant challenges, including a chronic absenteeism rate over 80%, and its academic outcomes are far lower, with a graduation rate under 50%.

This creates a district performance picture where the average is pulled in opposite directions by these two very different schools. Notably, Mesquite receives substantially more funding per student than Burroughs, reflecting the higher costs of its smaller classes and intensive support services, though this has not yet translated to stronger academic results. For families, Burroughs High represents a strong academic option within the community, while Mesquite serves a critical, alternative role for students who have struggled in the traditional school setting.