El Cerrito’s public schools outscore 74% of California districts
In El Cerrito, 55% of tested students read at a proficient level, above the California average (47%). The grade covers the public school district serving El Cerrito, 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 97% 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.
El Cerrito’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 544 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of El Cerrito’s, its schools beat 80%, higher than their 74% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 55% and math 38% in spring 2022, against 47% and 33% statewide; 95% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $18,317 per student, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
33 elementary schools, then one middle and five high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Olive Branch Christian School (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 El Cerrito’s grade
B+: better than 74% of California school districts, #202 of 847 California towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the California average; graduation is the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve El Cerrito, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in El Cerrito
El Cerrito Middle
Grades 6–8 · 1,218 students · 27:1 students per teacher · in Corona
7th grade in El Cerrito
El Cerrito Middle
Grades 6–8 · 1,218 students · 27:1 students per teacher · in Corona
8th grade in El Cerrito
El Cerrito Middle
Grades 6–8 · 1,218 students · 27:1 students per teacher · in Corona
El Cerrito’s public schools are run by Corona-Norco Unified School District, which also serves Corona, Eastvale and Norco. 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 above the state in reading
El Cerrito vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share El Cerrito’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| El Cerrito | B+ | Corona-Norco Unified |
| Corona | B+ | Corona-Norco Unified |
Every school in El Cerrito
40 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 El Cerrito’s schools
Are El Cerrito’s schools good?
By California’s own tests, yes: the public schools El Cerrito children attend outscore 74% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B+ Schools grade, #202 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 80%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is El Cerrito in?
Corona-Norco Unified School District, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 49,370 students in 51 schools (2024–25).
Where do El Cerrito kids go to high school?
One of 5 high schools, depending on your address: Eleanor Roosevelt High, Santiago High, Centennial High, Corona High and Norco High.
What is El Cerrito’s graduation rate?
95% of the class of 2023 in Corona-Norco Unified School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does El Cerrito spend per student?
$18,317 in Corona-Norco Unified School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in El Cerrito?
Yes: Olive Branch Christian School (religious, grades PK–8, 240 students).
Parents talk
What El Cerrito families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near El Cerrito → 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.