Best Public Schools in Zip Code 96088

In the rural area of Shingletown, CA (zip code 96088), there are two public schools—Black Butte Elementary (grades K-5) and Black Butte Junior High (grades 6-8)—both part of the Black Butte Union Elementary district, which ranks in the bottom 16% of California elementary districts.

Both schools face significant academic challenges, with student proficiency rates in English, math, and science consistently below state averages. Black Butte Elementary shows a relative strength in 5th grade English, while Black Butte Junior High has a lower rate of chronic student absenteeism, though both schools' absenteeism is much higher than the state average. A notable difference is in per-student spending, which is significantly higher at the elementary school compared to the junior high.

Key concerns for parents to consider include chronically high absenteeism that likely impacts learning, a large achievement gap especially in mathematics, and the fact that both schools have ranked in the bottom quartile statewide for several years. The district serves a community with high economic need, and addressing these issues would require comprehensive support targeting both attendance and classroom instruction.