Stanislaus County Schools & Education
Stanislaus County, California
School Score
49/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
84.9%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
84.9%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,694
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
49/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#41
of 58 counties (1 = best)
Explore Stanislaus County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Stanislaus County, California
Educating the Heart of the Valley
Stanislaus County supports a massive student population of 106,771 across 189 public schools. The system is managed by 38 districts and features a diverse mix of 109 elementary schools and 40 high schools. This infrastructure is designed to serve a rapidly growing region with significant educational demands.
Steady Performance on a Lean Budget
With a graduation rate of 84.9%, the county sits just below the state average of 87.5%. Funding remains efficient at $8,694 per pupil, nearly matching the California average but staying well below the national $13,000 benchmark. The county’s 54.5 school score reflects a performance level consistent with neighboring Central Valley regions.
Modesto and Ceres Lead the Way
Modesto City Elementary is the largest district, overseeing 26 schools and 14,030 students, closely followed by Ceres Unified with 13,867 students. Charter schools also play a role in the local mix, representing 13.8% of the county's total school count. These large districts manage massive high schools, including Modesto High which serves over 2,500 students.
Suburban Focus with Large Campus Feel
Most students attend schools in suburban or city locales, which account for 135 of the county's 189 campuses. The average school size is 574 students, significantly larger than many coastal California counties. Large high schools like Turlock High and James C. Enochs High dominate the landscape with enrollments exceeding 2,400 students each.
Move Near Your Ideal School
Choosing a home in Stanislaus County often means balancing commute times with access to specific school districts. Families frequently prioritize neighborhoods within the Turlock Unified or Ceres Unified boundaries for their comprehensive programs. Start your home search now to find a property that aligns with your family’s academic goals.
School Overview
Total Schools
189
in Stanislaus County
Total Enrollment
106,771
students
School Districts
38
districts
Charter Schools
26
14% of total
School Type Breakdown
38 School Districts in Stanislaus County
Modesto City High
Modesto City Elementary
Ceres Unified
Turlock Unified
Sylvan Union Elementary
Patterson Joint Unified
Oakdale Joint Unified
Stanislaus Union Elementary
Newman-Crows Landing Unified
Riverbank Unified
189 Public Schools in Stanislaus County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modesto High | Modesto City High | 9–12 | High | 2,516 |
| Turlock High | Turlock Unified | 9–12 | High | 2,475 |
| James C. Enochs High | Modesto City High | 9–12 | High | 2,420 |
| Joseph A. Gregori High | Modesto City High | 9–12 | High | 2,332 |
| Central Valley High | Ceres Unified | 9–12 | High | 2,309 |
| Thomas Downey High | Modesto City High | 9–12 | High | 2,145 |
| John H. Pitman High | Turlock Unified | 9–12 | High | 2,082 |
| Grace M. Davis High | Modesto City High | 9–12 | High | 2,059 |
| Peter Johansen High | Modesto City High | 9–12 | High | 1,984 |
| Patterson High | Patterson Joint Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,888 |
| Ceres High | Ceres Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,777 |
| Oakdale High | Oakdale Joint Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,644 |
| Fred C. Beyer High | Modesto City High | 9–12 | High | 1,575 |
| Turlock Junior High | Turlock Unified | 7–8 | Middle | 1,257 |
| Orestimba High | Newman-Crows Landing Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,045 |
| Elizabeth Ustach Middle | Sylvan Union Elementary | 6–8 | Middle | 1,008 |
| Somerset Middle | Sylvan Union Elementary | 6–8 | Middle | 974 |
| Creekside Middle | Patterson Joint Unified | 7–8 | Middle | 920 |
| Daniel J. Savage Middle | Sylvan Union Elementary | 6–8 | Middle | 863 |
| Bret Harte Elementary | Modesto City Elementary | KG–6 | Primary | 852 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,694
State avg $8,762
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Stanislaus County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Stanislaus County, California?
Stanislaus County supports a massive student population of 106,771 across 189 public schools. The system is managed by 38 districts and features a diverse mix of 109 elementary schools and 40 high schools. This infrastructure is designed to serve a rapidly growing region with significant educational demands.
How do schools in Stanislaus County perform academically?
With a graduation rate of 84.9%, the county sits just below the state average of 87.5%. Funding remains efficient at $8,694 per pupil, nearly matching the California average but staying well below the national $13,000 benchmark. The county’s 54.5 school score reflects a performance level consistent with neighboring Central Valley regions.
What are the major school districts in Stanislaus County, California?
Modesto City Elementary is the largest district, overseeing 26 schools and 14,030 students, closely followed by Ceres Unified with 13,867 students. Charter schools also play a role in the local mix, representing 13.8% of the county's total school count. These large districts manage massive high schools, including Modesto High which serves over 2,500 students.
What is the school experience like in Stanislaus County?
Most students attend schools in suburban or city locales, which account for 135 of the county's 189 campuses. The average school size is 574 students, significantly larger than many coastal California counties. Large high schools like Turlock High and James C. Enochs High dominate the landscape with enrollments exceeding 2,400 students each.
How can I find homes near good schools in Stanislaus County, California?
Choosing a home in Stanislaus County often means balancing commute times with access to specific school districts. Families frequently prioritize neighborhoods within the Turlock Unified or Ceres Unified boundaries for their comprehensive programs. Start your home search now to find a property that aligns with your family’s academic goals.
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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.