Tuolumne County Schools & Education
Tuolumne County, California
School Score
49/100
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
$8,703
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
49/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#42
of 58 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Tuolumne County, California
Education in the Sierra Foothills
Tuolumne County supports 5,832 students across 30 public schools in 13 different districts. The county features 10 elementary schools and 11 high schools, with several specialized 'other' schools filling the gaps. This distribution ensures that students in remote foothill communities still have access to consistent education.
Competitive Performance in the Foothills
The county maintains a graduation rate of 84.8%, sitting slightly below the 87% national benchmark. Per-pupil spending is $8,703, which almost perfectly matches the California state average. With a school score of 54.5, the county provides a standard of education that is consistent with national medians.
Sonora Union High Takes the Lead
Sonora Union High is the county's largest district by enrollment, serving 1,087 students across three schools. Charter schools are rare in the region, making up only 6.7% of the total school count with just two active campuses. Summerville Union High also serves as a key district for the northern part of the county with 667 students.
Town-Centered and Rural Learning
Every school in Tuolumne County is located in either a rural setting or a designated town, with no urban or suburban campuses. The average school size is 233 students, though Sonora High acts as a larger hub with 919 students. This small-scale environment creates a personal feel for most students attending primary and secondary schools.
Discover Foothill Living Near Schools
Tuolumne County offers a unique lifestyle where small-town schools are the heart of the community. Homes in Sonora or near Summerville High are highly sought after by families who value tight-knit educational environments. Explore local real estate today to find a home that offers both mountain beauty and solid school options.
School Overview
Total Schools
30
in Tuolumne County
Total Enrollment
5,832
students
School Districts
13
districts
Charter Schools
2
7% of total
School Type Breakdown
13 School Districts in Tuolumne County
Sonora Union High
Sonora Elementary
Summerville Union High
Soulsbyville Elementary
Curtis Creek Elementary
Columbia Union
Gold Rush Charter District
Summerville Elementary
Jamestown Elementary
Big Oak Flat-Groveland Unified
30 Public Schools in Tuolumne County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonora High | Sonora Union High | 9–12 | High | 919 |
| Sonora Elementary | Sonora Elementary | KG–8 | Primary | 724 |
| Soulsbyville Elementary | Soulsbyville Elementary | KG–8 | Primary | 484 |
| Summerville High | Summerville Union High | 9–12 | High | 457 |
| Curtis Creek Elementary | Curtis Creek Elementary | KG–8 | Primary | 440 |
| Columbia Elementary | Columbia Union | KG–8 | Primary | 437 |
| Gold Rush Home Study Charter | Gold Rush Charter District | KG–12 | Charter | 416 |
| Summerville Elementary | Summerville Elementary | KG–8 | Primary | 416 |
| Jamestown Elementary | Jamestown Elementary | KG–8 | Primary | 350 |
| Twain Harte | Twain Harte | KG–8 | Primary | 254 |
| Connections Visual and Performing Arts Academy | Summerville Union High | 7–12 | Charter | 194 |
| Tenaya Elementary | Big Oak Flat-Groveland Unified | KG–8 | Primary | 179 |
| Belleview Elementary | Belleview Elementary | KG–8 | Primary | 173 |
| Theodore Bird High | Sonora Union High | 9–12 | Alternative | 104 |
| Dario Cassina High | Sonora Union High | 10–12 | Alternative | 64 |
| Don Pedro High | Big Oak Flat-Groveland Unified | 9–12 | High | 50 |
| Tioga High | Big Oak Flat-Groveland Unified | 9–12 | High | 47 |
| Tuolumne County Special Education | Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools | KG–12 | Special Education | 45 |
| Chinese Camp Elementary | Jamestown Elementary | 3–6 | Primary | 30 |
| Tuolumne County Community/ISP | Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools | KG–12 | Alternative | 23 |
Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,703
State avg $8,762
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Tuolumne County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Tuolumne County, California?
Tuolumne County supports 5,832 students across 30 public schools in 13 different districts. The county features 10 elementary schools and 11 high schools, with several specialized 'other' schools filling the gaps. This distribution ensures that students in remote foothill communities still have access to consistent education.
How do schools in Tuolumne County perform academically?
The county maintains a graduation rate of 84.8%, sitting slightly below the 87% national benchmark. Per-pupil spending is $8,703, which almost perfectly matches the California state average. With a school score of 54.5, the county provides a standard of education that is consistent with national medians.
What are the major school districts in Tuolumne County, California?
Sonora Union High is the county's largest district by enrollment, serving 1,087 students across three schools. Charter schools are rare in the region, making up only 6.7% of the total school count with just two active campuses. Summerville Union High also serves as a key district for the northern part of the county with 667 students.
What is the school experience like in Tuolumne County?
Every school in Tuolumne County is located in either a rural setting or a designated town, with no urban or suburban campuses. The average school size is 233 students, though Sonora High acts as a larger hub with 919 students. This small-scale environment creates a personal feel for most students attending primary and secondary schools.
How can I find homes near good schools in Tuolumne County, California?
Tuolumne County offers a unique lifestyle where small-town schools are the heart of the community. Homes in Sonora or near Summerville High are highly sought after by families who value tight-knit educational environments. Explore local real estate today to find a home that offers both mountain beauty and solid school 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.