Photo: Dicklyon · CC BY-SA 4.0Richmond’s public schools score below 56% of California districts on tests and graduation
In Richmond, 25% of tested students are proficient in math, below the California average (33%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Richmond, 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.
Richmond’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 584 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Richmond’s, its schools beat 31%, lower than their 44% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 36% of tested students were proficient in reading and 25% 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
Acalanes Union High spends $20,081 per student and West Contra Costa Unified $21,597, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
Making Waves Academy, Aspire Richmond Technology Academy, Richmond Charter Elementary-Benito Juarez, Richmond College Preparatory, John Henry High, Leadership Public Schools: Richmond, Voices College-Bound Language Acad at W. Contra Costa Co, Summit Public School: Tamalpais, Richmond Charter Academy, Manzanita Middle, Aspire Richmond Ca. College Preparatory Academy, Salesian College Preparatory (private), St. David School (private), A Better Chance School (private) and Pattys Montessori School (private) are in town. Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy, an online school, is based here too; it isn’t counted as a local school. 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 Richmond’s grade
C+: better than 44% of California school districts, #561 of 847 California towns. Both inputs trail the California average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Richmond, with each school’s own grade.
7th grade in Richmond · depends on your address
Peres Elementary
Grades K–8 · 538 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Lovonya DeJean Middle
Grades 7–8 · 381 students · 20:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Richmond · depends on your address
Peres Elementary
Grades K–8 · 538 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Lovonya DeJean Middle
Grades 7–8 · 381 students · 20:1 students per teacher
Richmond runs its own schools through grade 12 (West Contra Costa Unified School District). From grade 9, students attend the Acalanes Union High School District, shared with Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda and Walnut Creek. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Richmond
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
Richmond vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Richmond’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond | C+ | West Contra Costa Unified K–12 · Acalanes Union High 9–12 |
| El Cerrito | C+ | West Contra Costa Unified |
| Pinole | C+ | West Contra Costa Unified |
| Albany | A | Albany City Unified |
| San Rafael | B+ | San Rafael City Elementary K–8 · Dixie Elementary K–8 · San Rafael City High 9–12 |
| San Francisco | B+ | San Francisco Unified |
| San Pablo | C+ | West Contra Costa Unified |
3 of the 6 neighbors share West Contra Costa Unified with Richmond for grades K–12, so their letters differ mainly through the lower grades.
Every school in Richmond
38 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 Richmond’s schools
Are Richmond’s schools good?
On California’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Richmond children attend score below 56% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade, #561 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 31%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Richmond in?
Two districts: West Contra Costa Unified School District runs grades K–12, and Acalanes Union High School District runs grades 9–12, shared with Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda and Walnut Creek.
Where do Richmond kids go to high school?
One of 4 high schools, depending on your address: Richmond High, De Anza High, John F. Kennedy High and Middle College High.
What is Richmond’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 Richmond spend per student?
$20,081 in Acalanes Union High School District and $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 Richmond?
Yes: Salesian College Preparatory (Catholic, grades 9–12, 413 students), St. David School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 170 students), A Better Chance School (special education, grades 3–12, 44 students) and Pattys Montessori School (nonsectarian, grades PK–K, 32 students). Richmond also has 11 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Richmond families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Richmond → 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.