Butte County Schools & Education
Butte County, California
School Score
59/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
87.2%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.2%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,336
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
59/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#22
of 58 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Butte County, California
Diverse Educational Pathways in Butte
Butte County hosts 29,191 students across 95 public schools, managed by 31 distinct districts. The system is robust, featuring 49 elementary schools and 22 high schools to serve a growing population. It offers a wide variety of educational settings from urban centers to remote outposts.
Competitive Scores and Increased Investment
The county earns a school score of 57.1, which beats the state average of 56.0 and the national median. Per-pupil spending reaches $9,336, exceeding the state average of $8,762. The graduation rate of 87.2% remains competitive, essentially matching the national benchmark.
Chico Unified Leads a Charter-Rich Area
Chico Unified is the county's largest district, educating 12,087 students across 22 schools. Charter schools are a major part of the landscape here, accounting for nearly 19% of all schools with 18 locations. This provides families with significant choice regarding their children's learning style and environment.
A Blend of Town and City Life
Education in Butte County mostly happens in town and city settings, which account for 79 of the 95 schools. While the average school size is 332 students, Chico High serves nearly 2,000, offering a traditional large-campus experience. This variety allows parents to choose between intimate neighborhood schools and larger, resource-rich campuses.
Settling Near Quality Northern California Schools
With school scores that outpace state averages, Butte County is a prime location for education-focused homebuyers. The high density of charter schools and the strength of Chico Unified offer diverse options for every family. Start your home search here to take advantage of the county's above-average educational investment.
School Overview
Total Schools
95
in Butte County
Total Enrollment
29,191
students
School Districts
31
districts
Charter Schools
18
19% of total
School Type Breakdown
31 School Districts in Butte County
Chico Unified
Oroville Union High
Oroville City Elementary
Gridley Unified
Paradise Unified
Thermalito Union Elementary
Palermo Union Elementary
Durham Unified
CORE Butte Charter District
Chico Country Day District
95 Public Schools in Butte County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chico High | Chico Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,905 |
| Pleasant Valley High | Chico Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,840 |
| Las Plumas High | Oroville Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,287 |
| Bidwell Junior High | Chico Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 990 |
| Oroville High | Oroville Union High | 9–12 | High | 936 |
| Chico Junior High | Chico Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 928 |
| CORE Butte Charter | CORE Butte Charter District | KG–12 | Charter | 848 |
| Marsh (Harry M.) Junior High | Chico Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 732 |
| Gridley High | Gridley Unified | 9–12 | High | 676 |
| Shasta Elementary | Chico Unified | KG–5 | Primary | 646 |
| Marigold Elementary | Chico Unified | KG–5 | Primary | 568 |
| Chico Country Day | Chico Country Day District | KG–8 | Charter | 566 |
| Emma Wilson Elementary | Chico Unified | KG–5 | Primary | 565 |
| Wilson Elementary | Gridley Unified | 2–5 | Primary | 559 |
| Rosedale Elementary | Chico Unified | KG–5 | Primary | 543 |
| Helen M. Wilcox Elementary | Palermo Union Elementary | KG–3 | Primary | 516 |
| Paradise Senior High | Paradise Unified | 9–12 | High | 476 |
| Durham Elementary | Durham Unified | KG–5 | Primary | 461 |
| Nelson Avenue Middle | Thermalito Union Elementary | 6–8 | Middle | 457 |
| Sierra View Elementary | Chico Unified | KG–5 | Alternative | 456 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,336
State avg $8,762
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Butte County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Butte County, California?
Butte County hosts 29,191 students across 95 public schools, managed by 31 distinct districts. The system is robust, featuring 49 elementary schools and 22 high schools to serve a growing population. It offers a wide variety of educational settings from urban centers to remote outposts.
How do schools in Butte County perform academically?
The county earns a school score of 57.1, which beats the state average of 56.0 and the national median. Per-pupil spending reaches $9,336, exceeding the state average of $8,762. The graduation rate of 87.2% remains competitive, essentially matching the national benchmark.
What are the major school districts in Butte County, California?
Chico Unified is the county's largest district, educating 12,087 students across 22 schools. Charter schools are a major part of the landscape here, accounting for nearly 19% of all schools with 18 locations. This provides families with significant choice regarding their children's learning style and environment.
What is the school experience like in Butte County?
Education in Butte County mostly happens in town and city settings, which account for 79 of the 95 schools. While the average school size is 332 students, Chico High serves nearly 2,000, offering a traditional large-campus experience. This variety allows parents to choose between intimate neighborhood schools and larger, resource-rich campuses.
How can I find homes near good schools in Butte County, California?
With school scores that outpace state averages, Butte County is a prime location for education-focused homebuyers. The high density of charter schools and the strength of Chico Unified offer diverse options for every family. Start your home search here to take advantage of the county's above-average educational investment.
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Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.