Contra Costa County Schools & Education
Contra Costa County, California
School Score
54/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
88.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
88.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,051
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
54/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#31
of 58 counties (1 = best)
Explore Contra Costa County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Contra Costa County, California
A Massive Suburan Education Hub
Contra Costa County features a sprawling network of 278 public schools serving 167,431 students across 40 districts. With 167 elementary schools and 56 high schools, the infrastructure is designed to support a large, diverse population. It is one of the most comprehensive school systems in Northern California.
Strong Success Metrics in the East Bay
The county reports a healthy graduation rate of 88.6%, slightly exceeding the state average of 87.5%. Per-pupil spending sits at $8,051, while the overall school score of 55.1 remains close to state benchmarks. These figures point to a stable and effective educational environment for local families.
Large Unified Districts and Diverse Charters
San Ramon Valley Unified is the largest district with 29,639 students, followed closely by Mt. Diablo Unified. The county also offers 22 charter schools, providing specialized options for nearly 8% of the student population. This variety ensures that families have access to both large-scale resources and niche learning models.
A Predominantly Suburban School Experience
The vast majority of schools—234 out of 278—are located in suburban settings. Average school size is 616 students, though campuses like Pittsburg Senior High can serve nearly 3,500. This environment offers the classic suburban California school experience with large facilities and diverse extracurriculars.
Find Your Home in a Top-Tier District
With high graduation rates and prestigious districts like San Ramon Valley, this county is a magnet for homebuyers. Families prioritize school quality here, and the diverse range of suburban neighborhoods reflects that demand. Explore local listings to find a home that puts your children in some of the state's most established schools.
School Overview
Total Schools
278
in Contra Costa County
Total Enrollment
167,431
students
School Districts
40
districts
Charter Schools
22
8% of total
School Type Breakdown
40 School Districts in Contra Costa County
San Ramon Valley Unified
Mt. Diablo Unified
West Contra Costa Unified
Antioch Unified
Pittsburg Unified
Brentwood Union Elementary
Liberty Union High
Acalanes Union High
Oakley Union Elementary
Martinez Unified
278 Public Schools in Contra Costa County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburg Senior High | Pittsburg Unified | 9–12 | High | 3,494 |
| Dougherty Valley High | San Ramon Valley Unified | 9–12 | High | 3,255 |
| California High | San Ramon Valley Unified | 9–12 | High | 2,879 |
| Liberty High | Liberty Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,786 |
| Heritage High | Liberty Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,559 |
| Freedom High | Liberty Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,527 |
| Clayton Valley Charter High | Clayton Valley Charter High District | 9–12 | Charter | 2,381 |
| Monte Vista High | San Ramon Valley Unified | 9–12 | High | 2,243 |
| San Ramon Valley High | San Ramon Valley Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,981 |
| Antioch High | Antioch Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,960 |
| College Park High | Mt. Diablo Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,956 |
| Deer Valley High | Antioch Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,851 |
| Las Lomas High | Acalanes Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,571 |
| El Cerrito High | West Contra Costa Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,522 |
| Northgate High | Mt. Diablo Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,507 |
| Mt. Diablo High | Mt. Diablo Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,498 |
| Richmond High | West Contra Costa Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,431 |
| Campolindo High | Acalanes Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,343 |
| Pinole Valley High | West Contra Costa Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,280 |
| Acalanes High | Acalanes Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,259 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,051
State avg $8,762
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Contra Costa County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Contra Costa County, California?
Contra Costa County features a sprawling network of 278 public schools serving 167,431 students across 40 districts. With 167 elementary schools and 56 high schools, the infrastructure is designed to support a large, diverse population. It is one of the most comprehensive school systems in Northern California.
How do schools in Contra Costa County perform academically?
The county reports a healthy graduation rate of 88.6%, slightly exceeding the state average of 87.5%. Per-pupil spending sits at $8,051, while the overall school score of 55.1 remains close to state benchmarks. These figures point to a stable and effective educational environment for local families.
What are the major school districts in Contra Costa County, California?
San Ramon Valley Unified is the largest district with 29,639 students, followed closely by Mt. Diablo Unified. The county also offers 22 charter schools, providing specialized options for nearly 8% of the student population. This variety ensures that families have access to both large-scale resources and niche learning models.
What is the school experience like in Contra Costa County?
The vast majority of schools—234 out of 278—are located in suburban settings. Average school size is 616 students, though campuses like Pittsburg Senior High can serve nearly 3,500. This environment offers the classic suburban California school experience with large facilities and diverse extracurriculars.
How can I find homes near good schools in Contra Costa County, California?
With high graduation rates and prestigious districts like San Ramon Valley, this county is a magnet for homebuyers. Families prioritize school quality here, and the diverse range of suburban neighborhoods reflects that demand. Explore local listings to find a home that puts your children in some of the state's most established schools.
Counties with Similar School Profile
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.