Photo: OsotedeMonte · CC BY 3.0Modesto’s public schools score below 67% of California districts on tests and graduation
Math proficiency in Modesto’s districts is 22%, below the California average (33%). The grade covers the three public school districts serving Modesto, 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.
Modesto’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 553 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Modesto’s, its schools beat 14%, lower than their 33% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 36% of tested students were proficient in reading and 22% in math, against 47% and 33% statewide; 97% 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 $16,474 per student, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
30 elementary schools, then seven middle and six high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Aspire University Charter, Aspire Vanguard College Preparatory Academy, Great Valley Academy, Connecting Waters Charter School - Central Valley, Stanislaus Alternative Charter, Big Valley Christian (private), Central Catholic High School (private), St. Stanislaus Catholic School (private), Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School (private) and Orangeburg Christian School (private) 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 Modesto’s grade
C: better than 33% of California school districts, #723 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 Modesto, with each school’s own grade.
Parts of Modesto (10%, 8%, 6%, 6%, 6% and 2% of its land) are served by Stanislaus Union Elementary, Ceres Unified, Turlock Unified, Chatom Union Elementary, Empire Union Elementary and Salida Union Elementary instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Three districts serve Modesto
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
Modesto vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Modesto’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Modesto | C | Modesto City Elementary K–8 · Sylvan Union Elementary K–8 · Modesto City High 9–12 |
Every school in Modesto
64 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: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (Yosemite ROP). 1 duplicate private-school records merged.
Questions about Modesto’s schools
Are Modesto’s schools good?
On California’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Modesto children attend score below 67% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C Schools grade, #723 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 14%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Modesto in?
Modesto City High School District, which runs grades 9–12 and enrolls 15,334 students in 8 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Modesto are served by Stanislaus Union Elementary, Ceres Unified, Turlock Unified, Chatom Union Elementary, Empire Union Elementary and Salida Union Elementary.
Where do Modesto kids go to high school?
One of 6 high schools, depending on your address: James C. Enochs High, Modesto High, Thomas Downey High, Grace M. Davis High, Peter Johansen High and Fred C. Beyer High.
What is Modesto’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 Modesto spend per student?
$16,474 in Sylvan Union Elementary School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Modesto?
Yes: Big Valley Christian (religious, grades PK–12, 902 students), Central Catholic High School (Catholic, grades 9–12, 397 students), St. Stanislaus Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 222 students), Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 209 students) and Orangeburg Christian School (religious, grades PK–K, 58 students). Modesto also has 5 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Modesto families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Modesto → 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.