Bernardo Fernandez House · Photo: Sanfranman59 · CC BY-SA 3.0Pinole’s public schools score below 64% of California districts on tests and graduation
Math proficiency in Pinole’s districts is 21%, below the California average (33%). The grade covers the public school district serving Pinole, 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.
Pinole’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 438 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Pinole’s, its schools beat 12%, 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 ↓
Five elementary schools, then three middle and one high school
Which school depends on the address at every step. Enrollment is down 8% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Joseph Elementary School (private) and Big Minds (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 Pinole’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 Pinole, with each school’s own grade.
7th grade in Pinole · depends on your address
West County Mandarin
Grades K–8 · 528 students · 23:1 students per teacher
Pinole Middle
Grades 7–8 · 381 students · 25:1 students per teacher
Stewart Elementary
Grades K–8 · 379 students · 20:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Pinole · depends on your address
West County Mandarin
Grades K–8 · 528 students · 23:1 students per teacher
Pinole Middle
Grades 7–8 · 381 students · 25:1 students per teacher
Stewart Elementary
Grades K–8 · 379 students · 20:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Pinole
Pinole Valley High
Grades 9–12 · 1,245 students · 25:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Pinole
Pinole Valley High
Grades 9–12 · 1,245 students · 25:1 students per teacher
Pinole’s public schools are run by West Contra Costa Unified School District, which also serves El Cerrito, Hercules, Richmond and San Pablo. 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
Pinole vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Pinole’s borders.
Every school in Pinole
9 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 Pinole’s schools
Are Pinole’s schools good?
On California’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Pinole 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 12%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Pinole in?
West Contra Costa Unified School District, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 25,133 students in 52 schools (2024–25).
Where do Pinole kids go to high school?
Pinole Valley High, with 1,245 students.
What is Pinole’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 Pinole 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.
Are there private schools in Pinole?
Yes: St. Joseph Elementary School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 351 students) and Big Minds (nonsectarian, grades 2–8, 36 students).
Parents talk
What Pinole families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Pinole → 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.