Summary:
In the Calistoga area (zip code 94515), three public schools within the Calistoga Joint Unified district serve about 770 students from kindergarten through 12th grade, featuring a unique configuration with no standalone middle school and a high concentration of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
For families, Calistoga Elementary shows a relative strength in math, performing near the state average, while Calistoga Junior/Senior High stands out for its exceptionally high graduation rate, significantly exceeding state averages, though its students struggle with math and science proficiency. The small Palisades High (Continuation) provides an alternative setting with a very low student-teacher ratio for students needing a different path.
Overall, the district invests heavily per student, and chronic absenteeism is lower than the state average. However, key challenges include declining school performance rankings over recent years and a significant, district-wide gap in science achievement. The elementary school's stronger math performance compared to the junior/senior high suggests a critical transition point where students may need additional support as they move between schools.
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