Best Public Schools in Zip Code 94805

This analysis examines three public schools in Richmond's 94805 zip code, all part of the West Contra Costa Unified district, serving grades K-8 with a total enrollment of over 1,300 students, each serving a significant population of economically disadvantaged students.

Among these schools, Mira Vista Elementary stands out as the highest performer, with proficiency rates in English and math that are the closest to state averages and the lowest chronic absenteeism at 21.1%. In contrast, Lovonya DeJean Middle faces severe challenges, ranking in the bottom 2nd percentile statewide with proficiency rates below 10% in core subjects and a chronic absenteeism rate of 35.4%. Michelle Obama Elementary falls in the middle, showing notable volatility where some grades perform relatively well while others struggle significantly.

The data reveals a critical need for intervention at the middle school level and highlights that higher per-student funding does not automatically translate to better outcomes. Mira Vista's K-8 structure shows an advantage, with student performance improving in its middle grades compared to the standalone middle school. For parents, this indicates substantial differences in school performance within the same neighborhood, with Mira Vista demonstrating stronger academic results and student attendance within the same district context.