Photo: University of California, Berkeley - College of Environmental Design · Public domainKensington’s public schools score below 64% of California districts on tests and graduation
In Kensington, 21% of tested students are proficient in math, below the California average (33%). The grade covers the public school district serving Kensington, 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 92% 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.
Kensington’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 119 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Kensington’s, its schools beat 3%, lower than their 36% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 32% of tested students were proficient in reading and 21% in math, against 47% and 33% statewide; 92% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
84% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86% across California. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $21,597 per student, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then 12 middle and seven high schools
Which school depends on the address at the later steps. Enrollment is down 8% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
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 Kensington’s grade
C+: better than 36% of California school districts, #665 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 Kensington, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Kensington
Kensington Elementary
Grades K–6 · 473 students · 24:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Kensington
Kensington Elementary
Grades K–6 · 473 students · 24:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Kensington
Kensington Elementary
Grades K–6 · 473 students · 24:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Kensington
Kensington Elementary
Grades K–6 · 473 students · 24:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Kensington
Kensington Elementary
Grades K–6 · 473 students · 24:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Kensington
Kensington Elementary
Grades K–6 · 473 students · 24:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Kensington
Kensington Elementary
Grades K–6 · 473 students · 24:1 students per teacher
Kensington’s public schools are run by West Contra Costa Unified School District, which also serves El Cerrito, Hercules, Pinole and Richmond and others. 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
Kensington vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Kensington’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Kensington | C+ | West Contra Costa Unified |
| El Cerrito | C+ | West Contra Costa Unified |
| Berkeley | A | Berkeley Unified |
| Richmond | C+ | West Contra Costa Unified K–12 · Acalanes Union High 9–12 |
| Albany | A | Albany City Unified |
2 of the 4 neighbors share West Contra Costa Unified with Kensington, so their letters differ mainly through other districts.
Every school in Kensington
20 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 Kensington’s schools
Are Kensington’s schools good?
On California’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Kensington 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 3%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Kensington in?
West Contra Costa Unified School District, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 25,133 students in 52 schools (2024–25).
Where do Kensington kids go to high school?
One of 7 high schools, depending on your address: El Cerrito High, Richmond High, Pinole Valley High, De Anza High, Hercules High, John F. Kennedy High and Middle College High.
What is Kensington’s graduation rate?
84% of the class of 2023 in West Contra Costa Unified School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does Kensington spend per student?
$21,597 in West Contra Costa Unified School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Kensington families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Kensington → 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.