Best High Schools in Zip Code 95351

This analysis examines two public high schools serving grades 9-12 in the 95351 zip code of Modesto, California, which together enroll nearly 2,900 students from predominantly economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Parents in this area will find two distinct options: Modesto High, a large comprehensive school in the Modesto City High district, and the smaller Aspire Vanguard College Preparatory Academy, a charter school in its own district. Modesto High demonstrates stronger current academic results, with higher proficiency rates in English, math, and science, and a solid 89.7% graduation rate. Aspire Vanguard, while having lower test scores, holds a higher statewide ranking and showed a perfect record with 0% dropout rate in the most recent data, suggesting strengths in student support and persistence.

Both schools face significant challenges, particularly in mathematics achievement and chronic student absenteeism, which are areas for potential improvement. A notable finding is that Aspire Vanguard achieves its higher ranking and lower dropout rate while spending over $2,000 less per student than Modesto High, indicating different approaches to resource use. For parents, the choice may come down to prioritizing a larger school with stronger current test scores (Modesto High) or a smaller school with a high ranking and excellent student retention (Aspire Vanguard), both operating within similar economic contexts.