Best Public Schools in Zip Code 95987

Zip code 95987 in Williams, California, is served by six public schools across two districts—Williams Unified and Colusa County Office of Education—educating over 1,300 students from kindergarten through 12th grade in a community with very high economic need.

The traditional schools in the Williams Unified district show a notable pattern: while academic test scores are below state averages, graduation rates are strong. Williams Junior/Senior High, the largest school, has a 96% graduation rate despite lower test scores, and Williams Primary Elementary posts the area's best math scores. However, chronic absenteeism is a significant challenge, particularly at the high school level. The two alternative schools present a stark contrast: Mid Valley High (Continuation) reports a 100% graduation rate, while S. William Abel Academy struggles with very high absenteeism and lower graduation despite high per-student spending.

For parents, key considerations include the focus on student support and graduation success at the traditional Williams Unified schools, the smaller class size at Coastal Buttes Academy, and the very different outcomes between the alternative high school programs. Mathematics proficiency is an area for improvement across all schools, and addressing student attendance appears to be a critical need for boosting overall academic performance in the area.