Photo: Amin Eshaiker · CC BY-SA 3.0Barstow’s public schools score below 76% of California districts on tests and graduation
Math proficiency in Barstow’s districts is 11%, below the California average (33%). The grade covers the public school district serving Barstow, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. 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 90% 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.
Barstow’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 283 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Barstow’s, its schools beat 19%, lower than their 24% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 23% of tested students were proficient in reading and 11% in math, against 47% and 33% statewide; 90% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
83% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86% across California. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $16,502 per student, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Five elementary schools, then two middle and one high school
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Mojave River Academy - Silver Mountain is in town. Every school ↓
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 Barstow’s grade
C−: better than 24% of California school districts, #801 of 847 California towns. Both inputs trail the California average; graduation is the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Barstow, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Barstow · depends on your address
Barstow Intermediate
Grades 5–6 · 692 students · 24:1 students per teacher
Barstow STEM Academy
Grades 5–8 · 454 students · 30:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Barstow · depends on your address
Barstow Junior High
Grades 7–8 · 646 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Barstow STEM Academy
Grades 5–8 · 454 students · 30:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Barstow · depends on your address
Barstow Junior High
Grades 7–8 · 646 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Barstow STEM Academy
Grades 5–8 · 454 students · 30:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Barstow
Barstow High
Grades 9–12 · 1,558 students · 24:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Barstow
Barstow High
Grades 9–12 · 1,558 students · 24:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Barstow
Barstow High
Grades 9–12 · 1,558 students · 24:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Barstow
Barstow High
Grades 9–12 · 1,558 students · 24:1 students per teacher
Barstow’s public schools are run by Barstow Unified School District. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Barstow vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Barstow’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Barstow | C− | Barstow Unified |
Every school in Barstow
11 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).
Left off: 3 public programs with fewer than 25 students (Challenges Community Day, BUSD School of Opportunity and Independent Study Program).
Questions about Barstow’s schools
Are Barstow’s schools good?
On California’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Barstow children attend score below 76% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C− Schools grade, #801 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 19%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Barstow in?
Barstow Unified School District, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 6,118 students in 13 schools (2024–25).
Where do Barstow kids go to high school?
Barstow High, with 1,558 students; its own test results earn a B−.
What is Barstow’s graduation rate?
83% of the class of 2023 in Barstow Unified School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does Barstow spend per student?
$16,502 in Barstow Unified School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Barstow families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Barstow → 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.