Best High Schools in Zip Code 95482

This analysis examines four high schools serving grades 9-12 in Ukiah, California (zip code 95482), revealing a diverse educational landscape with one traditional comprehensive high school, a charter academy, and two alternative schools for at-risk students.

Redwood Collegiate Academy stands out as the top academic performer, exceeding state averages in English and Science and reporting a 100% graduation rate, all while having the lowest per-student spending. The largest school, Ukiah High (part of Ukiah Unified), shows a strong 94.4% graduation rate but has notably low math proficiency at 13.49%. In contrast, the alternative schools—South Valley High (Continuation) and Mendocino County Community (under the Mendocino County Office of Education)—have very low test scores and extremely high chronic absenteeism, reflecting their mission to serve high-need, at-risk populations.

Key takeaways for parents include that school models and outcomes vary significantly: Redwood Collegiate offers a high-achieving charter option, Ukiah High provides a solid comprehensive program with a math performance concern, and the alternative schools fulfill a critical, high-support role for struggling students. High economic need is common across all schools, with free/reduced lunch rates ranging from 60% to over 90%.