Photo: JMora24 · CC BY-SA 4.0Tulare’s public schools score below 73% of California districts on tests and graduation
Math proficiency in Tulare’s districts is 18%, below the California average (33%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Tulare, 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.
Tulare’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 499 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Tulare’s, its schools beat 11%, lower than their 27% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 34% of tested students were proficient in reading and 18% in math, against 47% and 33% statewide; 98% 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
Tulare Joint Union High spends $19,872 per student and Tulare City Elementary $17,502, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Aloysius Elementary School (private) is in town. Sierra Vista Charter High, 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 Tulare’s grade
C: better than 27% of California school districts, #772 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 Tulare, with each school’s own grade.
9th grade in Tulare · depends on your address
Tulare Western High
Grades 9–12 · 1,927 students · 22:1 students per teacher
Mission Oak High
Grades 9–12 · 1,678 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Tulare Union High
Grades 9–12 · 1,616 students · 21:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Tulare · depends on your address
Tulare Western High
Grades 9–12 · 1,927 students · 22:1 students per teacher
Mission Oak High
Grades 9–12 · 1,678 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Tulare Union High
Grades 9–12 · 1,616 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Tulare runs its own schools through grade 8 (Tulare City Elementary School District). From grade 9, students attend the Tulare Joint Union High School District, shared with Visalia. Parts of Tulare (7%, 3% and 2% of its land) are served by Palo Verde Union Elementary, Liberty Elementary and Buena Vista Elementary instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Tulare
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
Tulare vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Tulare’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Tulare | C | Tulare City Elementary K–8 · Tulare Joint Union High 9–12 |
Every school in Tulare
23 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 (Tulare City Community Day, Tulare Support and Countryside Community Day).
Questions about Tulare’s schools
Are Tulare’s schools good?
On California’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Tulare children attend score below 73% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C Schools grade, #772 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 11%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Tulare in?
Two districts: Tulare City Elementary School District runs grades K–8, and Tulare Joint Union High School District runs grades 9–12, shared with Visalia.
Where do Tulare kids go to high school?
One of 3 high schools, depending on your address: Tulare Western High, Mission Oak High and Tulare Union High.
What is Tulare’s graduation rate?
96% of the class of 2023 in Tulare Joint Union High School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does Tulare spend per student?
$19,872 in Tulare Joint Union High School District and $17,502 in Tulare City Elementary School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Tulare?
Yes: St. Aloysius Elementary School (Catholic, grades K–8, 174 students).
Parents talk
What Tulare families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Tulare → 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.