Mendocino County Schools & Education
Mendocino County, California
School Score
43/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
80.8%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
80.8%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,674
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
43/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#53
of 58 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Mendocino County, California
Mendocino County’s Diverse Public School Map
Mendocino County manages 66 public schools across 25 different districts, serving a total of 12,812 students. The network includes 28 elementary schools and 24 high schools spread across a large, varied geography. This structure supports both the coastal and inland communities of the region.
Education Outcomes and Funding Realities
The county's graduation rate is 80.8%, trailing the California state average of 87.5%. Per-pupil expenditure is $8,674, nearly matching the state average but falling short of the national benchmark. Despite these challenges, the county maintains a school score of 52.3, which is above the national median.
Ukiah Unified and Charter Innovations
Ukiah Unified is the largest district by far, educating 5,810 students across 11 schools. The county also features a significant charter presence, with 11 schools representing 16.7% of the total educational landscape. Fort Bragg Unified and Mendocino Unified also serve as key providers for their respective coastal communities.
A Balance of Town and Rural Schools
Mendocino's school locales are split evenly, with 33 schools in towns and 33 in rural settings. The average school size is 207 students, fostering an environment where teachers and students know each other well. Ukiah High is the largest campus in the county, with an enrollment of 1,679 students.
Settling in the Mendocino School Districts
Whether you are looking for a home in the redwoods or near the Pacific, Mendocino's districts provide localized education. Schools like Ukiah High or Fort Bragg High often serve as the heartbeat of these towns. Consider the county's high charter school availability if you are looking for non-traditional educational options.
School Overview
Total Schools
66
in Mendocino County
Total Enrollment
12,812
students
School Districts
25
districts
Charter Schools
11
17% of total
School Type Breakdown
25 School Districts in Mendocino County
Ukiah Unified
Fort Bragg Unified
Willits Unified
Mendocino Unified
Round Valley Unified
Anderson Valley Unified
Laytonville Unified
Potter Valley Community Unified
River Oak Charter District
Arena Union Elementary
66 Public Schools in Mendocino County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ukiah High | Ukiah Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,679 |
| Pomolita Middle | Ukiah Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 767 |
| Eagle Peak Middle | Ukiah Unified | 5–8 | Middle | 539 |
| Fort Bragg High | Fort Bragg Unified | 9–12 | High | 524 |
| Calpella Elementary | Ukiah Unified | KG–4 | Primary | 476 |
| Yokayo Elementary | Ukiah Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 454 |
| Frank Zeek Elementary | Ukiah Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 452 |
| Grace Hudson Elementary | Ukiah Unified | KG–5 | Primary | 416 |
| Willits High | Willits Unified | 9–12 | High | 415 |
| Oak Manor Elementary | Ukiah Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 402 |
| Fort Bragg Middle | Fort Bragg Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 392 |
| Dana Gray Elementary | Fort Bragg Unified | 3–5 | Primary | 365 |
| Brookside Elementary | Willits Unified | KG–2 | Primary | 363 |
| Nokomis Elementary | Ukiah Unified | KG–5 | Primary | 354 |
| Redwood Elementary | Fort Bragg Unified | KG–3 | Primary | 353 |
| Blosser Lane Elementary | Willits Unified | 3–5 | Primary | 351 |
| Round Valley Elementary | Round Valley Unified | KG–8 | Primary | 304 |
| Baechtel Grove Middle | Willits Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 270 |
| Mendocino K-8 | Mendocino Unified | KG–8 | Primary | 250 |
| River Oak Charter | River Oak Charter District | KG–8 | Charter | 236 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,674
State avg $8,762
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Mendocino County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Mendocino County, California?
Mendocino County manages 66 public schools across 25 different districts, serving a total of 12,812 students. The network includes 28 elementary schools and 24 high schools spread across a large, varied geography. This structure supports both the coastal and inland communities of the region.
How do schools in Mendocino County perform academically?
The county's graduation rate is 80.8%, trailing the California state average of 87.5%. Per-pupil expenditure is $8,674, nearly matching the state average but falling short of the national benchmark. Despite these challenges, the county maintains a school score of 52.3, which is above the national median.
What are the major school districts in Mendocino County, California?
Ukiah Unified is the largest district by far, educating 5,810 students across 11 schools. The county also features a significant charter presence, with 11 schools representing 16.7% of the total educational landscape. Fort Bragg Unified and Mendocino Unified also serve as key providers for their respective coastal communities.
What is the school experience like in Mendocino County?
Mendocino's school locales are split evenly, with 33 schools in towns and 33 in rural settings. The average school size is 207 students, fostering an environment where teachers and students know each other well. Ukiah High is the largest campus in the county, with an enrollment of 1,679 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Mendocino County, California?
Whether you are looking for a home in the redwoods or near the Pacific, Mendocino's districts provide localized education. Schools like Ukiah High or Fort Bragg High often serve as the heartbeat of these towns. Consider the county's high charter school availability if you are looking for non-traditional educational options.
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.