Photo: Biriosciwasco · CC BY-SA 4.0Wasco’s public schools score below 74% of California districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 17% of Wasco’s students scored proficient, below the California average (33%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Wasco, 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 99% 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.
Wasco’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 36% of tested students were proficient in reading and 17% in math, against 47% and 33% statewide; 99% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
91% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86% across California. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
Wasco Union Elementary spends $20,303 per student and Wasco Union High $19,295, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
North Kern Christian School (private) is 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 Wasco’s grade
C: better than 26% of California school districts, #781 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 Wasco, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Wasco · depends on your address
Palm Avenue Middle
Grades 6–8 · 631 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Thomas Jefferson Middle
Grades 6–8 · 591 students · 22:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Wasco · depends on your address
Palm Avenue Middle
Grades 6–8 · 631 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Thomas Jefferson Middle
Grades 6–8 · 591 students · 22:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Wasco · depends on your address
Palm Avenue Middle
Grades 6–8 · 631 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Thomas Jefferson Middle
Grades 6–8 · 591 students · 22:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Wasco
Wasco High
Grades 9–12 · 1,672 students · 21:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Wasco
Wasco High
Grades 9–12 · 1,672 students · 21:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Wasco
Wasco High
Grades 9–12 · 1,672 students · 21:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Wasco
Wasco High
Grades 9–12 · 1,672 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Wasco runs its own schools through grade 8 (Wasco Union Elementary School District). From grade 9, students attend the Wasco Union High School District. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Wasco
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
Wasco vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Wasco’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Wasco | C | Wasco Union Elementary K–8 · Wasco Union High 9–12 |
Every school in Wasco
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 Wasco’s schools
Are Wasco’s schools good?
On California’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Wasco children attend score below 74% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C Schools grade, #781 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 28%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Wasco in?
Two districts: Wasco Union Elementary School District runs grades K–8, and Wasco Union High School District runs grades 9–12.
Where do Wasco kids go to high school?
Wasco High, with 1,672 students; its own test results earn a B−.
What is Wasco’s graduation rate?
91% of the class of 2023 in Wasco Union High School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does Wasco spend per student?
$20,303 in Wasco Union Elementary School District and $19,295 in Wasco Union High School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Wasco?
Yes: North Kern Christian School (religious, grades K–12, 92 students).
Parents talk
What Wasco families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Wasco → 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.