Del Norte County Schools & Education
Del Norte County, California
School Score
61/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
90.4%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
90.4%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,212
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
61/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#17
of 58 counties (1 = best)
Explore Del Norte County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Del Norte County, California
Coastal Education in California's North
Del Norte County serves 4,156 students through a compact system of 16 public schools. The county infrastructure consists of 8 elementary schools and 4 high schools managed by 4 districts. This small-scale system serves the coastal and forest communities at the edge of the state.
Outperforming State Averages in Graduation
The county boasts a 90.4% graduation rate, notably higher than the state average of 87.5%. The composite school score of 56.4 also edges out the California median. Per-pupil spending of $8,212 shows a dedicated investment in the success of every student.
Unified Management with Charter Options
Del Norte County Unified is the primary district, educating 3,500 students across 11 schools. Charter schools represent 12.5% of the local options, including institutions like Castle Rock which serves over 350 students. This mix provides a balance between a strong central district and alternative learning paths.
Town-Based Learning with a Community Feel
Schools are primarily located in town settings, providing a central gathering point for local families. The average school size is 277 students, though Del Norte High stands out as the major hub with 1,006 students. It is an environment where students enjoy small-town connections alongside modern high school facilities.
A Great Place to Learn and Live
High graduation rates and a focused school system make Del Norte County an excellent choice for relocating families. The community-centric nature of the schools adds significant value to local real estate. Discover homes in the area and enjoy the benefits of a high-performing, small-scale educational system.
School Overview
Total Schools
16
in Del Norte County
Total Enrollment
4,156
students
School Districts
4
districts
Charter Schools
2
13% of total
School Type Breakdown
4 School Districts in Del Norte County
Del Norte County Unified
Del Norte County Office of Education
Uncharted Shores Academy District
Del Norte County ROP
16 Public Schools in Del Norte County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Del Norte High | Del Norte County Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,006 |
| Crescent Elk Middle | Del Norte County Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 491 |
| Redwood Elementary | Del Norte County Unified | KG–8 | Primary | 477 |
| Castle Rock | Del Norte County Office of Education | KG–12 | Charter | 351 |
| Joe Hamilton Elementary | Del Norte County Unified | KG–5 | Primary | 306 |
| Pine Grove Elementary | Del Norte County Unified | KG–5 | Primary | 280 |
| Uncharted Shores Academy | Uncharted Shores Academy District | KG–9 | Charter | 276 |
| Smith River Elementary | Del Norte County Unified | KG–8 | Primary | 245 |
| Bess Maxwell Elementary | Del Norte County Unified | KG–5 | Primary | 233 |
| Mary Peacock Elementary | Del Norte County Unified | KG–5 | Primary | 230 |
| Sunset High | Del Norte County Unified | 9–12 | Alternative | 98 |
| Margaret Keating Elementary | Del Norte County Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 95 |
| Mountain Elementary | Del Norte County Unified | KG–8 | Primary | 39 |
| Del Norte Community | Del Norte County Office of Education | KG–12 | Alternative | 27 |
| Elk Creek | Del Norte County Office of Education | 7–12 | Alternative | 2 |
| Del Norte County ROP | Del Norte County ROP | 9–12 | Vocational | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,212
State avg $8,762
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Del Norte County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Del Norte County, California?
Del Norte County serves 4,156 students through a compact system of 16 public schools. The county infrastructure consists of 8 elementary schools and 4 high schools managed by 4 districts. This small-scale system serves the coastal and forest communities at the edge of the state.
How do schools in Del Norte County perform academically?
The county boasts a 90.4% graduation rate, notably higher than the state average of 87.5%. The composite school score of 56.4 also edges out the California median. Per-pupil spending of $8,212 shows a dedicated investment in the success of every student.
What are the major school districts in Del Norte County, California?
Del Norte County Unified is the primary district, educating 3,500 students across 11 schools. Charter schools represent 12.5% of the local options, including institutions like Castle Rock which serves over 350 students. This mix provides a balance between a strong central district and alternative learning paths.
What is the school experience like in Del Norte County?
Schools are primarily located in town settings, providing a central gathering point for local families. The average school size is 277 students, though Del Norte High stands out as the major hub with 1,006 students. It is an environment where students enjoy small-town connections alongside modern high school facilities.
How can I find homes near good schools in Del Norte County, California?
High graduation rates and a focused school system make Del Norte County an excellent choice for relocating families. The community-centric nature of the schools adds significant value to local real estate. Discover homes in the area and enjoy the benefits of a high-performing, small-scale educational system.
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.