Best Schools in Atwater, California
12 schools · 7 Elementary · 3 Middle · 2 High
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 6.3/10
- Median household income
- $66,669
- Median home value
- $367,800
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 16%
- Avg commute
- 28 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 57%
27% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Atwater compares
California rank
#299 of 596
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
+0.0
above California avg (6.3)
Median household income
$67k
67% of California median
Schools in this city
11
About Schools in Atwater, California
Atwater, California is home to 12 schools, including 12 public schools. The city's schools span 7 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 2 high schools.
With an average rating of 6.3 out of 10, schools in Atwater show moderate performance on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
The highest-performing school in Atwater is Thomas Olaeta Elementary with a composite score of 7.4/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.
Atwater is served by 2 school districts: Atwater Elementary, Merced Union High. These districts collectively serve 16,079 students.
Atwater's community shows 16% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $66,669. The poverty rate in the area is 17.6%.
Browse the schools below to compare ratings, test scores, enrollment, and other key metrics. Use the filters to focus on specific school levels or types that match your family's needs.
Elementary Schools
7 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 387 students · Kindergarten–6th | 7.4 |
| 2 | 383 students · Kindergarten–6th | 7.3 |
| 3 | 621 students · Kindergarten–6th | 6.9 |
| 4 | 550 students · Kindergarten–6th | 6.9 |
| 5 | 507 students · Kindergarten–6th | 5.9 |
| 6 | 422 students · Kindergarten–6th | 5.7 |
| 7 | 707 students · Kindergarten–8th | 5.5 |
Middle Schools
3 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 197 students · 7th–8th | 7.0 |
| 2 | 757 students · 7th–8th | 6.1 |
| 3 | 8 students · 6th–8th | — |
High Schools
2 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2,051 students · 9th–12th | 5.7 |
| 2 | 1,658 students · 9th–12th | 5.3 |
Schools in Atwater
Atwater, California · 12 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 1 ZIP code
Median Income
$66,669
Median Home Value
$367,800
Median Rent
$1,215/mo
Population
42,374
College Educated
16%
Homeownership
57%
Avg Commute
28 min
Poverty Rate
17.6%
Community Profile
Atwater has a median household income of $66,669. It is a community where 16% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $367,800, with a median rent of $1,215/month. The area has a poverty rate of 17.6%. The average commute for residents is 28 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Quick Facts
- State
- California
- Total Schools
- 12
- Elementary
- 7
- Middle
- 3
- High
- 2
- Districts
- 2
- Avg Rating
- 6.3/10
Resources
Nearby Cities
Other Major Cities in California
Top metros statewide by school count.
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Atwater, California
How many schools are in Atwater, California?
Atwater has 12 schools, including 12 public and 0 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Atwater, California?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Atwater is 6.3 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
What is the top-ranked school in Atwater, California?
The top-ranked school in Atwater on MySchoolScout is Thomas Olaeta Elementary with a composite score of 7.4/10.
What is the best elementary school in Atwater, California?
The top-ranked elementary school in Atwater on MySchoolScout is Thomas Olaeta Elementary with a composite score of 7.4/10.
What is the best middle school in Atwater, California?
The top-ranked middle school in Atwater on MySchoolScout is Bellevue Senior Elementary with a composite score of 7.0/10.
What is the best high school in Atwater, California?
The top-ranked high school in Atwater on MySchoolScout is Atwater High with a composite score of 5.7/10.
How many school districts serve Atwater, California?
Atwater is served by 2 school districts: Atwater Elementary, Merced Union High.
What is the education level in Atwater, California?
According to Census data, 16% of adults in Atwater have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Atwater, California?
The median household income in Atwater is approximately $66,669 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Atwater, California?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Atwater is 21.7:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Atwater, California?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.
Related reading
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, California Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.