Best Public Schools in Zip Code 94530

The 94530 zip code in El Cerrito, CA, is served by seven public schools—three elementary, one middle, and three high schools—primarily within the West Contra Costa Unified district, with two charter schools operating independently.

Madera Elementary stands out as a top performer, ranking in the 95th percentile statewide with exceptional test scores and a very low chronic absenteeism rate of 5.4%. In contrast, the charter high schools show mixed results; Summit Public School K2 and Invictus Academy of Richmond spend significantly more per student but struggle with low test scores and, in Invictus's case, a very high chronic absenteeism rate of 43.3%.

Overall, schools here generally perform better than their West Contra Costa Unified district averages but often trail behind state averages. El Cerrito High maintains a strong 93.5% graduation rate, though its statewide ranking has declined in recent years. The middle school, Fred T. Korematsu Middle, shows stable, mid-range performance, while Fairmont Elementary and Harding Elementary perform solidly within the district context.