Best Public Schools in Zip Code 96073

In the Palo Cedro area (zip code 96073), four public schools serve approximately 2,400 students across grades K-12, featuring three K-8 elementary schools and one high school, each operating under a separate district.

Among these schools, Foothill High stands out for its strong academic performance, ranking in the top 12% of California high schools with a 97.6% graduation rate and test scores well above the state average. For elementary and middle grades, North Cow Creek Elementary demonstrates exceptional student attendance and cost efficiency, while Junction Elementary and Chrysalis Charter also perform solidly, with all schools in the area exceeding state averages in English, math, and science proficiency.

Key insights for parents show that higher per-student spending does not automatically correlate with better outcomes, as seen in the strong attendance and academic results at the lower-spending North Cow Creek. Regular school attendance is closely linked to higher test scores across all schools. Furthermore, the local structure of K-8 schools feeding into the high-performing Foothill High appears effective, with the high school significantly outperforming its feeder schools' averages, suggesting students are well-prepared for success in later grades.