Best Public Schools in Zip Code 94801

This analysis covers seven public schools in Richmond's 94801 zip code, including five elementary schools and two high schools, all serving a high-need community within the West Contra Costa Unified district, except for one standout charter high school.

The educational landscape here is challenging, with most schools ranking in the bottom 10% of the state, particularly the elementary schools where academic proficiency rates are well below state averages. However, Leadership Public Schools: Richmond stands out as a high-performing exception, boasting a 96.8% graduation rate, excellent attendance, and test scores that meet or exceed state averages. Among elementary schools, Washington Elementary shows relatively stronger results compared to its peers like Peres Elementary and Cesar E. Chavez Elementary.

Key concerns include alarmingly high chronic absenteeism at Greenwood Academy (79.4%) and consistently low science proficiency across all schools. There is also a dramatic variation in per-student spending among schools, without a clear correlation to academic outcomes. For parents, this area presents a mix of significant challenges and a clear example of high achievement at the charter high school, suggesting that school-level practices are a major factor in student success.