Empire’s public schools score below 64% of California districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 17% of Empire’s students scored proficient, below the California average (33%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Empire, 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 95% 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.
Empire’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 274 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Empire’s, its schools beat 46%, higher than their 36% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 39% of tested students were proficient in reading and 17% in math, against 47% and 33% statewide; 95% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
90% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86% across California. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $20,567 per student, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count 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 Empire’s grade
C+: better than 36% of California school districts, #665 of 847 California towns. Graduation is above the California average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Empire, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Empire
Empire Elementary
Grades K–6 · 384 students · 24:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Empire
Norman N. Glick Middle
Grades 7–8 · 602 students · 21:1 students per teacher · in Modesto
8th grade in Empire
Norman N. Glick Middle
Grades 7–8 · 602 students · 21:1 students per teacher · in Modesto
Empire runs its own schools through grade 8 (Empire Union Elementary School District). From grade 9, students attend the Modesto City High School District, shared with Ceres, Modesto and Riverbank. Its high school is in Modesto. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Empire
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
Empire vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Empire’s borders.
Every school in Empire
10 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 Empire’s schools
Are Empire’s schools good?
On California’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Empire children attend score below 64% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade, #665 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 46%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Empire in?
Two districts: Empire Union Elementary School District runs grades K–8, and Modesto City High School District runs grades 9–12, shared with Ceres, Modesto and Riverbank.
Where do Empire kids go to high school?
One of 7 high schools, depending on your address: Joseph A. Gregori High, James C. Enochs High, Modesto High, Thomas Downey High, Grace M. Davis High, Peter Johansen High and Fred C. Beyer High.
What is Empire’s graduation rate?
90% of the class of 2023 in Modesto City High School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does Empire spend per student?
$20,567 in Empire Union Elementary School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Empire families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Empire → 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.