Madera County Schools & Education
Madera County, California
School Score
51/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
87.9%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.9%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,979
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
51/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#38
of 58 counties (1 = best)
Explore Madera County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Madera County, California
Madera County's Growing Academic Infrastructure
Madera County serves 32,125 students through a network of 81 public schools across 16 districts. The system is balanced between 37 elementary, 10 middle, and 24 high schools to serve a growing population. Ten charter schools provide additional variety, making up roughly 12% of the county's total schools.
Graduation Rates Outpace State Averages
Madera County achieves a graduation rate of 87.9%, outperforming both the California state average of 87.5% and the national rate of 87.0%. This success occurs despite per-pupil spending of $7,979, which is about 9% lower than the state average. The county's school score of 54.5 sits comfortably above the national median.
Madera Unified Dominates the Region
Madera Unified is the county's primary provider, educating 20,138 students across 28 different schools. Golden Valley Unified and Chawanakee Unified also contribute significant infrastructure, serving 2,566 and 1,432 students respectively. These districts offer a range of traditional and alternative educational paths.
A Predominantly Rural Learning Environment
Nearly half of Madera’s schools are located in rural locales, creating a distinct Central Valley educational feel. The average school size is 417 students, though large high schools like Matilda Torres High serve over 2,000 students. This mix of small rural campuses and large secondary schools offers parents diverse choices.
Moving Near Madera's Top Schools
The strong graduation performance in Madera County makes it an attractive destination for families moving to the Central Valley. Consider homes within the Madera Unified boundaries for access to large, modern high school facilities. As you search, look for properties that offer the perfect balance of rural living and school accessibility.
School Overview
Total Schools
81
in Madera County
Total Enrollment
32,125
students
School Districts
16
districts
Charter Schools
10
12% of total
School Type Breakdown
16 School Districts in Madera County
Madera Unified
Golden Valley Unified
Chowchilla Elementary
Chawanakee Unified
Yosemite Unified
Chowchilla Union High
Bass Lake Joint Union Elementary
Madera County Superintendent of Schools
Ezequiel Tafoya Alvarado Academy District
Alview-Dairyland Union Elementary
81 Public Schools in Madera County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matilda Torres High | Madera Unified | 9–12 | High | 2,001 |
| Madera South High | Madera Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,994 |
| Madera High | Madera Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,858 |
| Chowchilla Union High | Chowchilla Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,078 |
| Thomas Jefferson Middle | Madera Unified | 7–8 | Middle | 968 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Middle | Madera Unified | 7–8 | Middle | 919 |
| Lincoln Elementary | Madera Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 855 |
| Jack G. Desmond Middle | Madera Unified | 7–8 | Middle | 761 |
| Berenda Elementary | Madera Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 752 |
| John Adams Elementary | Madera Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 742 |
| Nishimoto Elementary | Madera Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 742 |
| Virginia Lee Rose Elementary | Madera Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 742 |
| John J. Pershing Elementary | Madera Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 731 |
| Cesar Chavez Elementary | Madera Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 716 |
| Alpha Elementary | Madera Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 702 |
| Sierra Vista Elementary | Madera Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 700 |
| Liberty High | Golden Valley Unified | 9–12 | High | 672 |
| James Monroe Elementary | Madera Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 661 |
| Ezequiel Tafoya Alvarado Academy | Ezequiel Tafoya Alvarado Academy District | KG–8 | Charter | 650 |
| Parkwood Elementary | Madera Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 641 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,979
State avg $8,762
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Madera County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Madera County, California?
Madera County serves 32,125 students through a network of 81 public schools across 16 districts. The system is balanced between 37 elementary, 10 middle, and 24 high schools to serve a growing population. Ten charter schools provide additional variety, making up roughly 12% of the county's total schools.
How do schools in Madera County perform academically?
Madera County achieves a graduation rate of 87.9%, outperforming both the California state average of 87.5% and the national rate of 87.0%. This success occurs despite per-pupil spending of $7,979, which is about 9% lower than the state average. The county's school score of 54.5 sits comfortably above the national median.
What are the major school districts in Madera County, California?
Madera Unified is the county's primary provider, educating 20,138 students across 28 different schools. Golden Valley Unified and Chawanakee Unified also contribute significant infrastructure, serving 2,566 and 1,432 students respectively. These districts offer a range of traditional and alternative educational paths.
What is the school experience like in Madera County?
Nearly half of Madera’s schools are located in rural locales, creating a distinct Central Valley educational feel. The average school size is 417 students, though large high schools like Matilda Torres High serve over 2,000 students. This mix of small rural campuses and large secondary schools offers parents diverse choices.
How can I find homes near good schools in Madera County, California?
The strong graduation performance in Madera County makes it an attractive destination for families moving to the Central Valley. Consider homes within the Madera Unified boundaries for access to large, modern high school facilities. As you search, look for properties that offer the perfect balance of rural living and school accessibility.
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.