Best High Schools in Zip Code 95401

This analysis examines two public high schools serving grades 9-12 in Santa Rosa, California (zip code 95401), both part of the Santa Rosa High district: the comprehensive Santa Rosa High and the alternative Ridgway High (Continuation).

Santa Rosa High is the larger, traditional high school with over 1,500 students. It boasts a strong 92.3% graduation rate and excels in 12th-grade science, but its statewide academic ranking has declined, and its math proficiency is notably below state averages. Chronic absenteeism is also a concern at 24.1%. In contrast, Ridgway High (Continuation) serves about 250 students who benefit from a much smaller setting, with a low student-teacher ratio and significantly higher per-student funding to provide intensive support. While its test scores are low, which is typical for its mission of serving at-risk youth, it successfully graduates 88.4% of its students and has a lower dropout rate than both the district and state.

For parents, this highlights two distinct educational paths within the same Santa Rosa High district. The traditional high school offers a broad program with some academic strengths but faces challenges in math and attendance. The continuation school provides a specialized, supportive environment focused on helping struggling students earn a diploma. The district itself faces broader challenges, ranking below average statewide, which affects both schools' contexts.