Best High Schools in Zip Code 95485

This analysis covers two public high schools in Upper Lake, California (zip code 95485), serving grades 9-12 within the Upper Lake Unified district, which ranks in the bottom 6% of districts statewide.

The main school, Upper Lake High, serves the vast majority of students with a very high graduation rate of 94.6%, but its academic proficiency in core subjects like math and English is significantly below state averages. The smaller Clover Valley High (Continuation) serves about 14 at-risk students, achieving an 80% graduation rate despite facing extreme challenges with chronic absenteeism. A notable finding is the large disparity in per-student spending, with Upper Lake High's resources being nearly double those of Clover Valley High.

Key takeaways for parents include understanding that while Upper Lake High successfully graduates most of its students, there is a significant gap between graduation rates and measured academic mastery. Both schools serve a predominantly economically disadvantaged population and struggle with chronic absenteeism, which is especially pronounced at the continuation school. The district-wide academic performance is low, particularly in mathematics, indicating systemic challenges that affect both schools in the area.