Photo: formulanone · CC BY-SA 2.0Madera’s public schools score below 64% of California districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 16% of Madera’s students scored proficient, below the California average (33%). The grade covers the public school district serving Madera, 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 98% 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.
Madera’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 30% of tested students were proficient in reading and 16% in math, against 47% and 33% statewide; 98% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
91% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86% across California. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $19,767 per student, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
12 elementary schools, then four middle and three high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Sherman Thomas Charter High, Liberty Charter, Sherman Thomas STEM Academy, Sherman Thomas Charter, Pioneer Technical Center and Madera County Independent Academy are 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 Madera’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 Madera, with each school’s own grade.
9th grade in Madera · depends on your address
Matilda Torres High
Grades 9–12 · 2,017 students · 20:1 students per teacher
Madera High
Grades 9–12 · 1,869 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Madera South High
Grades 9–12 · 1,859 students · 20:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Madera · depends on your address
Matilda Torres High
Grades 9–12 · 2,017 students · 20:1 students per teacher
Madera High
Grades 9–12 · 1,869 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Madera South High
Grades 9–12 · 1,859 students · 20:1 students per teacher
Madera’s public schools are run by Madera 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
Madera vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Madera’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Madera | C+ | Madera Unified |
Every school in Madera
28 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: 2 public programs with fewer than 25 students (Madera Unified Adult Transition Program and Enterprise Secondary).
Questions about Madera’s schools
Are Madera’s schools good?
On California’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Madera 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 35%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Madera in?
Madera Unified School District, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 19,922 students in 28 schools (2024–25).
Where do Madera kids go to high school?
One of 3 high schools, depending on your address: Matilda Torres High, Madera High and Madera South High.
What is Madera’s graduation rate?
91% of the class of 2023 in Madera Unified School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does Madera spend per student?
$19,767 in Madera Unified School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Madera families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Madera → 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.