Inyo County Schools & Education
Inyo County, California
School Score
53/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
84.8%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
84.8%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,510
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
53/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#33
of 58 counties (1 = best)
Explore Inyo County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Inyo County, California
Small and Specialized Mountain Schools
Inyo County supports a small but vital student population of 2,590 across 20 public schools and seven districts. The system is unique, featuring 11 high schools and only one middle school, alongside seven elementary campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with the public system providing all local education.
High Per-Pupil Investment in Remote Areas
The county spends $9,510 per pupil, significantly more than the California state average of $8,762. While the graduation rate of 84.8% is below the national average, the county maintains a solid school score of 56.2. This high level of funding helps support the unique challenges of educating students in a vast, sparsely populated geographic area.
Bishop Unified Leads the County
Bishop Unified is the dominant district in the region, enrolling 1,928 students across six schools—nearly 75% of the county's total enrollment. Bishop Elementary is the largest campus with 859 students, followed by Bishop Union High. Other districts like Lone Pine and Death Valley Unified serve much smaller, more isolated communities.
Intimate Rural and Town Settings
Schooling in Inyo County is an intimate affair, with an average school size of just 144 students. Fourteen of the county's schools are in rural settings, while the remaining six are in small towns. This translates to small class sizes and a close-knit community feel, especially in remote areas like Death Valley or Lone Pine.
Quiet Living with Personalized Education
For families who prefer small-scale schools and high per-student funding, Inyo County offers a rare opportunity. Homes in the Bishop area provide access to the county's largest and most diverse academic programs. The local school environment is a perfect match for those seeking a slower pace of life with dedicated educators.
School Overview
Total Schools
20
in Inyo County
Total Enrollment
2,590
students
School Districts
7
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
7 School Districts in Inyo County
Bishop Unified
Lone Pine Unified
Big Pine Unified
Owens Valley Unified
Round Valley Joint Elementary
Death Valley Unified
Inyo County Office of Education
20 Public Schools in Inyo County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bishop Elementary | Bishop Unified | KG–5 | Primary | 859 |
| Bishop Union High | Bishop Unified | 9–12 | High | 602 |
| Home Street Middle | Bishop Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 418 |
| Lo-Inyo Elementary | Lone Pine Unified | KG–8 | Primary | 211 |
| Big Pine Elementary | Big Pine Unified | KG–8 | Primary | 125 |
| Lone Pine High | Lone Pine Unified | 9–12 | High | 107 |
| Owens Valley Elementary | Owens Valley Unified | KG–8 | Primary | 69 |
| Round Valley Elementary | Round Valley Joint Elementary | KG–5 | Primary | 63 |
| Palisade Glacier High (Continuation) | Bishop Unified | 9–12 | Alternative | 35 |
| Big Pine High | Big Pine Unified | 9–12 | High | 32 |
| Owens Valley High | Owens Valley Unified | 9–12 | High | 19 |
| Shoshone Elementary | Death Valley Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 17 |
| Bishop Independent Study | Bishop Unified | 9–12 | Alternative | 12 |
| Sierra Alternative Learning Academy | Lone Pine Unified | 7–12 | Alternative | 7 |
| Death Valley High Academy | Death Valley Unified | 7–12 | High | 5 |
| Jill Kinmont Boothe | Inyo County Office of Education | 6–12 | Alternative | 5 |
| Keith B. Bright High (Juvenile Hall) | Bishop Unified | 6–12 | Alternative | 2 |
| Shoshone High (Continuation) | Death Valley Unified | 9–12 | Alternative | 2 |
| Tecopa-Francis Elementary | Death Valley Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 0 |
| Inyo Co Small Steps Infant Toddler and PreSch Program | Inyo County Office of Education | — | Other | — |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,510
State avg $8,762
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Inyo County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Inyo County, California?
Inyo County supports a small but vital student population of 2,590 across 20 public schools and seven districts. The system is unique, featuring 11 high schools and only one middle school, alongside seven elementary campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with the public system providing all local education.
How do schools in Inyo County perform academically?
The county spends $9,510 per pupil, significantly more than the California state average of $8,762. While the graduation rate of 84.8% is below the national average, the county maintains a solid school score of 56.2. This high level of funding helps support the unique challenges of educating students in a vast, sparsely populated geographic area.
What are the major school districts in Inyo County, California?
Bishop Unified is the dominant district in the region, enrolling 1,928 students across six schools—nearly 75% of the county's total enrollment. Bishop Elementary is the largest campus with 859 students, followed by Bishop Union High. Other districts like Lone Pine and Death Valley Unified serve much smaller, more isolated communities.
What is the school experience like in Inyo County?
Schooling in Inyo County is an intimate affair, with an average school size of just 144 students. Fourteen of the county's schools are in rural settings, while the remaining six are in small towns. This translates to small class sizes and a close-knit community feel, especially in remote areas like Death Valley or Lone Pine.
How can I find homes near good schools in Inyo County, California?
For families who prefer small-scale schools and high per-student funding, Inyo County offers a rare opportunity. Homes in the Bishop area provide access to the county's largest and most diverse academic programs. The local school environment is a perfect match for those seeking a slower pace of life with dedicated educators.
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.