Photo: Publichall · CC BY-SA 3.0Merced’s public schools score below 70% of California districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 18% of Merced’s students scored proficient, below the California average (33%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Merced, 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.
Merced’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 410 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Merced’s, its schools beat 22%, lower than their 30% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 35% of tested students were proficient in reading and 18% in math, against 47% and 33% statewide; 97% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
96% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86% across California. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
Merced Union High spends $18,331 per student and Merced City Elementary $17,666, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
Merced Scholars Charter and Come Back Charter 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 Merced’s grade
C: better than 30% of California school districts, #750 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 Merced, with each school’s own grade.
9th grade in Merced · depends on your address
Merced High
Grades 9–12 · 1,943 students · 23:1 students per teacher
Golden Valley High
Grades 9–12 · 1,917 students · 21:1 students per teacher
El Capitan High
Grades 9–12 · 1,793 students · 21:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Merced · depends on your address
Merced High
Grades 9–12 · 1,943 students · 23:1 students per teacher
Golden Valley High
Grades 9–12 · 1,917 students · 21:1 students per teacher
El Capitan High
Grades 9–12 · 1,793 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Merced runs its own schools through grade 8 (Merced City Elementary School District). From grade 9, students attend the Merced Union High School District, shared with Atwater and Livingston. Parts of Merced (20% and 8% of its land) are served by Weaver Union Elementary and McSwain Union Elementary instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Merced
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
Merced vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Merced’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Merced | C | Merced City Elementary K–8 · Merced Union High 9–12 |
Every school in Merced
29 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: 3 public programs with fewer than 25 students (Merced County ROP, Merced City School District Community Day and Weaver Preschool).
Questions about Merced’s schools
Are Merced’s schools good?
On California’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Merced children attend score below 70% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C Schools grade, #750 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 22%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Merced in?
Two districts: Merced City Elementary School District runs grades K–8, and Merced Union High School District runs grades 9–12, shared with Atwater and Livingston.
Where do Merced kids go to high school?
One of 3 high schools, depending on your address: Merced High, Golden Valley High and El Capitan High.
What is Merced’s graduation rate?
96% of the class of 2023 in Merced Union High School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does Merced spend per student?
$18,331 in Merced Union High School District and $17,666 in Merced City Elementary School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Merced families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Merced → 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.