Best Public Schools in Zip Code 95136

In the 95136 zip code of San Jose, there are six public schools serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, including four elementary schools and two high schools, all serving economically disadvantaged communities with significant free lunch eligibility.

Among these schools, Hayes Elementary stands out as the top performer, particularly in science, and has the lowest chronic absenteeism among elementary schools. In contrast, Liberty Alternative is a school of concern with critically low math proficiency and very high chronic absenteeism, though it reports a high graduation rate. Schools in the Oak Grove Elementary district, like Hayes and Parkview Elementary, generally outperform those in the San Jose Unified district within this zip code.

Key findings show a surprising lack of correlation between high spending and strong academic results, as seen at Rachel Carson Elementary, which spends the most per student but has average performance. There is a strong link between chronic absenteeism and lower school ratings. Most schools have seen their statewide rankings decline over the past few years, indicating shared challenges across the area.