Best Public Schools in Zip Code 95949

This analysis examines seven schools serving grades K-12 in the Grass Valley, CA area (zip code 95949), revealing a diverse educational landscape with significant performance differences between institutions.

Among standout schools, Bear River High is the clear academic leader, with a high graduation rate and test scores well above state averages, while Clear Creek Elementary and Alta Sierra Elementary are top-performing elementary schools with strong ratings. In contrast, John Muir Charter faces considerable challenges, including very low graduation and high absenteeism rates. The other schools in the Pleasant Ridge Union Elementary district, Cottage Hill Elementary, Magnolia Intermediate, and Arete Charter Academy, show mid-range performance, with Arete notably having an exceptionally low chronic absenteeism rate.

Key takeaways show a strong link between attendance and achievement, and that per-student spending does not guarantee success, as some higher-funded schools struggle while others with lower spending perform well. The data presents a mixed picture, with high-performing schools demonstrating what is possible in the community alongside schools that would benefit from targeted support.