Imperial County Schools & Education
Imperial County, California
School Score
56/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
86.8%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
86.8%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,181
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
56/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#27
of 58 counties (1 = best)
Explore Imperial County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Imperial County, California
Border Region Education Infrastructure
Imperial County serves 37,420 students through a network of 75 public schools and 19 districts. The system includes 38 elementary schools and 21 high schools, along with 14 alternative schools to support diverse learning needs. Charter schools are less common here, representing only 4% of the total educational facilities.
Above-Average Investment in Student Success
Imperial County invests $9,181 per pupil, which exceeds the California state average of $8,762. The graduation rate of 86.8% is nearly identical to the national average of 87.0%. With a school score of 56.6, the county slightly outperforms the state average score, showing solid returns on its educational spending.
Large Districts Powering the Valley
Calexico Unified is the county's largest district, managing 12 schools and 8,353 students. El Centro Elementary also plays a major role with 13 schools and over 5,000 students. Calexico High stands out as the largest individual campus, providing a comprehensive high school experience for 2,836 local students.
A Mix of Suburban and Urban Learning
The county offers a diverse mix of locales, with 22 schools in suburban areas and 21 in city centers. The average school size is 513 students, though secondary schools like Central Union High and Brawley Union High are significantly larger, each enrolling nearly 2,000 students. This variety allows families to choose between different neighborhood feels while remaining in the same region.
Explore Neighborhoods with Strong Schools
With per-pupil spending above the state average, Imperial County demonstrates a clear commitment to its public schools. Families often look for homes near the Calexico or El Centro districts to take advantage of these well-funded programs. Consider the proximity to high-performing high schools when researching your next home in the Imperial Valley.
School Overview
Total Schools
75
in Imperial County
Total Enrollment
37,420
students
School Districts
19
districts
Charter Schools
3
4% of total
School Type Breakdown
19 School Districts in Imperial County
Calexico Unified
El Centro Elementary
Imperial Unified
Central Union High
Brawley Elementary
Brawley Union High
Holtville Unified
McCabe Union Elementary
Heber Elementary
Calipatria Unified
75 Public Schools in Imperial County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calexico High | Calexico Unified | 9–12 | High | 2,836 |
| Central Union High | Central Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,957 |
| Southwest High | Central Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,889 |
| Brawley Union High | Brawley Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,868 |
| Imperial High | Imperial Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,362 |
| McCabe Elementary | McCabe Union Elementary | KG–8 | Primary | 1,209 |
| Frank M. Wright Middle | Imperial Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 1,023 |
| Barbara Worth Junior High | Brawley Elementary | 7–8 | Middle | 933 |
| Phil D. Swing Elementary | Brawley Elementary | KG–6 | Primary | 849 |
| Ben Hulse Elementary | Imperial Unified | KG–5 | Primary | 794 |
| Cesar Chavez Elementary | Calexico Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 790 |
| Myron D. Witter Elementary | Brawley Elementary | KG–6 | Primary | 781 |
| J. W. Oakley Elementary | Brawley Elementary | KG–6 | Primary | 740 |
| Imperial Cross Elementary | Imperial Unified | KG–5 | Primary | 710 |
| Enrique Camarena Jr. High | Calexico Unified | 7–8 | Middle | 669 |
| Sea View Elementary | Coachella Valley Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 652 |
| Dogwood Elementary | Heber Elementary | KG–4 | Primary | 646 |
| Dool Elementary | Calexico Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 645 |
| William Moreno Junior High | Calexico Unified | 7–8 | Middle | 643 |
| Jefferson Elementary | Calexico Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 631 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,181
State avg $8,762
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Imperial County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Imperial County, California?
Imperial County serves 37,420 students through a network of 75 public schools and 19 districts. The system includes 38 elementary schools and 21 high schools, along with 14 alternative schools to support diverse learning needs. Charter schools are less common here, representing only 4% of the total educational facilities.
How do schools in Imperial County perform academically?
Imperial County invests $9,181 per pupil, which exceeds the California state average of $8,762. The graduation rate of 86.8% is nearly identical to the national average of 87.0%. With a school score of 56.6, the county slightly outperforms the state average score, showing solid returns on its educational spending.
What are the major school districts in Imperial County, California?
Calexico Unified is the county's largest district, managing 12 schools and 8,353 students. El Centro Elementary also plays a major role with 13 schools and over 5,000 students. Calexico High stands out as the largest individual campus, providing a comprehensive high school experience for 2,836 local students.
What is the school experience like in Imperial County?
The county offers a diverse mix of locales, with 22 schools in suburban areas and 21 in city centers. The average school size is 513 students, though secondary schools like Central Union High and Brawley Union High are significantly larger, each enrolling nearly 2,000 students. This variety allows families to choose between different neighborhood feels while remaining in the same region.
How can I find homes near good schools in Imperial County, California?
With per-pupil spending above the state average, Imperial County demonstrates a clear commitment to its public schools. Families often look for homes near the Calexico or El Centro districts to take advantage of these well-funded programs. Consider the proximity to high-performing high schools when researching your next home in the Imperial Valley.
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.