El Dorado County Schools & Education
El Dorado County, California
School Score
63/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
93.3%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
93.3%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,327
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
63/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#16
of 58 counties (1 = best)
Explore El Dorado County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in El Dorado County, California
A Mountainous Education Infrastructure
El Dorado County supports 33,316 students across a network of 68 public schools and 24 individual districts. The landscape includes 34 elementary schools and 11 high schools, providing a comprehensive pipeline from kindergarten through graduation. Over 19% of these institutions are charter schools, offering diverse educational pathways for local families.
Superior Graduation Rates Above State Averages
The county boasts an impressive 93.3% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the California average of 87.5% and the national mark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure sits at $7,327—lower than the state average of $8,762—the county maintains a school score of 56.0. This indicates high academic efficiency despite more modest local investment per student.
Leading Districts and Charter Options
Buckeye Union Elementary is the largest district, serving 4,259 students across nine different schools. Large-scale charter schools like Cottonwood and Sky Mountain Charter each enroll over 2,000 students, representing a significant portion of the county's specialized educational landscape. El Dorado Union High also manages major campuses like Oak Ridge High, which serves 2,516 students.
Rural Roots and Mid-Sized Classrooms
The educational experience here is primarily rural, with 33 schools situated in rural settings and another 19 in towns. Schools average 505 students each, ranging from massive campuses like Cottonwood to much smaller localized facilities. This mix ensures that families can find both large comprehensive high schools and intimate rural learning environments.
Put Down Roots Near Top Schools
High graduation rates make El Dorado County an attractive destination for families seeking academic success. Explore homes in the Buckeye Union or Lake Tahoe Unified districts to secure a spot in some of the region's most established systems. School quality remains a primary driver for home values in these sought-after Sierra Foothill communities.
School Overview
Total Schools
68
in El Dorado County
Total Enrollment
33,316
students
School Districts
24
districts
Charter Schools
13
19% of total
School Type Breakdown
24 School Districts in El Dorado County
El Dorado Union High
Buckeye Union Elementary
Lake Tahoe Unified
Rescue Union Elementary
Cottonwood District
Sky Mountain Charter District
Clarksville Charter District
Black Oak Mine Unified
John Adams Academy - El Dorado Hills District
Placerville Union Elementary
68 Public Schools in El Dorado County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottonwood | Cottonwood District | KG–12 | Charter | 2,798 |
| Oak Ridge High | El Dorado Union High | 8–12 | High | 2,516 |
| Sky Mountain Charter | Sky Mountain Charter District | KG–12 | Charter | 2,138 |
| Clarksville Charter | Clarksville Charter District | KG–12 | Charter | 1,937 |
| Ponderosa High | El Dorado Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,648 |
| El Dorado High | El Dorado Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,224 |
| John Adams Academy - El Dorado Hills | John Adams Academy - El Dorado Hills District | KG–12 | Charter | 1,217 |
| South Tahoe High | Lake Tahoe Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,141 |
| Union Mine High | El Dorado Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,066 |
| Rolling Hills Middle | Buckeye Union Elementary | 6–8 | Middle | 817 |
| South Tahoe Middle | Lake Tahoe Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 798 |
| Marina Village Middle | Rescue Union Elementary | 6–8 | Middle | 736 |
| Charter Montessori Valley View Campus | Buckeye Union Elementary | KG–8 | Charter | 694 |
| Lakeview Elementary | Rescue Union Elementary | KG–5 | Primary | 545 |
| California Montessori Project-Shingle Springs Campus | CA Montessori Project-Shingle Springs Campus District | KG–8 | Charter | 515 |
| Rescue Elementary | Rescue Union Elementary | KG–5 | Primary | 497 |
| Oak Meadow Elementary | Buckeye Union Elementary | KG–5 | Primary | 496 |
| Golden Sierra Junior Senior High | Black Oak Mine Unified | 7–12 | High | 488 |
| Blue Oak Elementary | Buckeye Union Elementary | KG–5 | Primary | 485 |
| Camerado Springs Middle | Buckeye Union Elementary | 6–8 | Middle | 479 |
John Adams Academy - El Dorado Hills District
CA Montessori Project-Shingle Springs Campus District
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,327
State avg $8,762
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in El Dorado County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in El Dorado County, California?
El Dorado County supports 33,316 students across a network of 68 public schools and 24 individual districts. The landscape includes 34 elementary schools and 11 high schools, providing a comprehensive pipeline from kindergarten through graduation. Over 19% of these institutions are charter schools, offering diverse educational pathways for local families.
How do schools in El Dorado County perform academically?
The county boasts an impressive 93.3% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the California average of 87.5% and the national mark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure sits at $7,327—lower than the state average of $8,762—the county maintains a school score of 56.0. This indicates high academic efficiency despite more modest local investment per student.
What are the major school districts in El Dorado County, California?
Buckeye Union Elementary is the largest district, serving 4,259 students across nine different schools. Large-scale charter schools like Cottonwood and Sky Mountain Charter each enroll over 2,000 students, representing a significant portion of the county's specialized educational landscape. El Dorado Union High also manages major campuses like Oak Ridge High, which serves 2,516 students.
What is the school experience like in El Dorado County?
The educational experience here is primarily rural, with 33 schools situated in rural settings and another 19 in towns. Schools average 505 students each, ranging from massive campuses like Cottonwood to much smaller localized facilities. This mix ensures that families can find both large comprehensive high schools and intimate rural learning environments.
How can I find homes near good schools in El Dorado County, California?
High graduation rates make El Dorado County an attractive destination for families seeking academic success. Explore homes in the Buckeye Union or Lake Tahoe Unified districts to secure a spot in some of the region's most established systems. School quality remains a primary driver for home values in these sought-after Sierra Foothill communities.
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.