Arnold’s public schools outscore 73% of California districts
The grade covers the two public school districts serving Arnold, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. In Arnold, 53% of tested students read at a proficient level, above the California average (47%). Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within California, not nationally.
From California state tests taken in spring 2022, when 94% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Arnold’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 591 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Arnold’s, its schools beat 84%, higher than their 73% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Arnold runs its own schools through grade 8, then shares
Hazel Fischer Elementary (K–5) and Avery Middle (6–8) are Arnold’s own. From grade 9, students attend the Bret Harte Union High School District with Angels: Bret Harte Union High in Angels Camp. See the path ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 53% and math 37% across both districts in spring 2022, against 47% and 33% statewide; 90–94% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
Bret Harte Union High spends $26,018 per student and Vallecito Union Elementary $20,247, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Arnold’s grade
B+: better than 73% of California school districts. Test scores and graduation are both above the California average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Arnold, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Arnold
Hazel Fischer Elementary
Grades K–5 · 172 students · 23:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Arnold
Bret Harte Union High
Grades 9–12 · 559 students · 17:1 students per teacher · in Angels Camp
10th grade in Arnold
Bret Harte Union High
Grades 9–12 · 559 students · 17:1 students per teacher · in Angels Camp
Arnold runs its own schools through grade 8 (Vallecito Union Elementary School District). From grade 9, students attend the Bret Harte Union High School District, shared with Angels. Its middle school is in Avery. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Arnold
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Arnold vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Arnold’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Arnold | B+ | Vallecito Union Elementary K–8 · Bret Harte Union High 9–12 |
Every school in Arnold
3 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with California’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Arnold’s schools
Are Arnold’s schools good?
By California’s own tests, yes: the public schools Arnold children attend outscore 73% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B+ Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 84%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Arnold in?
Two districts: Vallecito Union Elementary School District runs grades K–8, and Bret Harte Union High School District runs grades 9–12, shared with Angels.
Where do Arnold kids go to high school?
Bret Harte Union High in Angels Camp, with 559 students.
What is Arnold’s graduation rate?
90–94% of the class of 2023 in Bret Harte Union High School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does Arnold spend per student?
$26,018 in Bret Harte Union High School District and $20,247 in Vallecito Union Elementary School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Arnold families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Arnold → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within California. Stars are from neighbors.