Sierra County Schools & Education
Sierra County, California
School Score
83/100
Higher = better
Rating
High Performing
Graduation Rate
95.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
95.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,124
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
83/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#2
of 58 counties (1 = best)
Explore Sierra County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Sierra County, California
Intimate Learning in the High Sierra
Sierra County operates one of the smallest public school systems in California, with just 7 schools serving 400 total students. The system consists of 2 elementary schools and 4 high schools managed by 3 districts. This small scale ensures that every student is a known member of the community.
Exceptional Graduation Rates in a Rural Setting
Sierra County achieves a remarkable 95.0% graduation rate, far exceeding both the state average of 87.5% and the national 87.0% benchmark. This success is supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $9,124, which is higher than the California average. The county's school score of 60.7 is among the highest in the region.
Sierra-Plumas Unified Leads the Way
The Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified district is the primary educational provider, managing 5 schools and all 400 of the county's students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, as the existing traditional schools serve the entire population. Loyalton Elementary is the largest campus, with an enrollment of 191 students.
True Rural Education with Personal Attention
Every single school in Sierra County is located in a rural setting, offering a unique mountain town educational experience. With an average school size of only 80 students, the learning environment is extremely personalized. Schools like Downieville Junior-Senior High serve as few as 20 students, creating a tight-knit family atmosphere.
Quiet Living with Top-Tier Results
If you are looking for a small-town atmosphere where your child won't get lost in the crowd, Sierra County is unmatched. The 95% graduation rate is a testament to the effectiveness of these small rural schools. Homes in the Loyalton area offer the closest proximity to the county's largest educational facilities and most consistent academic outcomes.
School Overview
Total Schools
7
in Sierra County
Total Enrollment
400
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Sierra County
Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified
WIlliam (R) Rouse ROP
Sierra County Office of Education
7 Public Schools in Sierra County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loyalton Elementary | Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 191 |
| Loyalton High | Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified | 7–12 | High | 161 |
| Downieville Elementary | Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified | KG–5 | Primary | 22 |
| Downieville Junior-Senior High | Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified | 6–12 | High | 20 |
| Sierra Pass (Continuation) | Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified | 9–12 | Alternative | 6 |
| William R. Rouse ROP | WIlliam (R) Rouse ROP | 10–12 | Vocational | 0 |
| Sierra County Special Education | Sierra County Office of Education | KG–12 | Special Education | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,124
State avg $8,762
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Sierra County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Sierra County, California?
Sierra County operates one of the smallest public school systems in California, with just 7 schools serving 400 total students. The system consists of 2 elementary schools and 4 high schools managed by 3 districts. This small scale ensures that every student is a known member of the community.
How do schools in Sierra County perform academically?
Sierra County achieves a remarkable 95.0% graduation rate, far exceeding both the state average of 87.5% and the national 87.0% benchmark. This success is supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $9,124, which is higher than the California average. The county's school score of 60.7 is among the highest in the region.
What are the major school districts in Sierra County, California?
The Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified district is the primary educational provider, managing 5 schools and all 400 of the county's students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, as the existing traditional schools serve the entire population. Loyalton Elementary is the largest campus, with an enrollment of 191 students.
What is the school experience like in Sierra County?
Every single school in Sierra County is located in a rural setting, offering a unique mountain town educational experience. With an average school size of only 80 students, the learning environment is extremely personalized. Schools like Downieville Junior-Senior High serve as few as 20 students, creating a tight-knit family atmosphere.
How can I find homes near good schools in Sierra County, California?
If you are looking for a small-town atmosphere where your child won't get lost in the crowd, Sierra County is unmatched. The 95% graduation rate is a testament to the effectiveness of these small rural schools. Homes in the Loyalton area offer the closest proximity to the county's largest educational facilities and most consistent academic outcomes.
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.