Chester’s public schools score below 57% of California districts on tests and graduation
In Chester, 28% of tested students are proficient in math, below the California average (33%). The grade covers the public school district serving Chester, 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 91% 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.
Chester’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 220 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Chester’s, its schools beat 62%, higher than their 43% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 40% of tested students were proficient in reading and 28% in math, against 47% and 33% statewide; 91% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
75–79% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86% across California (the state reports Chester’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $22,102 per student, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle school
From grade 7 the district’s path is Chester Junior/Senior High. Enrollment is up 6% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Andrew's Academy (private) 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 Chester’s grade
C+: better than 43% of California school districts. Both inputs trail the California average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Chester, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Chester
Chester Elementary
Grades K–6 · 171 students · 22:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Chester
Chester Elementary
Grades K–6 · 171 students · 22:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Chester
Chester Elementary
Grades K–6 · 171 students · 22:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Chester
Chester Elementary
Grades K–6 · 171 students · 22:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Chester
Chester Elementary
Grades K–6 · 171 students · 22:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Chester
Chester Elementary
Grades K–6 · 171 students · 22:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Chester
Chester Elementary
Grades K–6 · 171 students · 22:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Chester
Chester Junior/Senior High
Grades 7–12 · 124 students · 10:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Chester
Chester Junior/Senior High
Grades 7–12 · 124 students · 10:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Chester
Chester Junior/Senior High
Grades 7–12 · 124 students · 10:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Chester
Chester Junior/Senior High
Grades 7–12 · 124 students · 10:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Chester
Chester Junior/Senior High
Grades 7–12 · 124 students · 10:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Chester
Chester Junior/Senior High
Grades 7–12 · 124 students · 10:1 students per teacher
Chester’s public schools are run by Plumas Unified School District, which also serves Portola. 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
Chester vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Chester’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Chester | C+ | Plumas Unified |
Every school in Chester
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).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (Almanor High (Continuation)).
Questions about Chester’s schools
Are Chester’s schools good?
On California’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Chester children attend score below 57% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 62%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Chester in?
Plumas Unified School District, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 1,668 students in 8 schools (2024–25).
What is Chester’s graduation rate?
75–79% of the class of 2023 in Plumas Unified School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does Chester spend per student?
$22,102 in Plumas Unified School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Chester?
Yes: St. Andrew's Academy (religious, grades , 1 students).
Parents talk
What Chester families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Chester → 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.