Best Schools in Chico, California

Chico's public school system spans 31 ranked schools with an average score of 6.6 out of 10 — a solid baseline that sits comfortably in the middle tier statewide. The spread matters here: 12 of those 31 schools, or 39%, score 7 or higher, meaning parents willing to research specific campuses have real options across the city rather than being concentrated in a single pocket of strong performance.

At the top, Neal Dow Elementary leads with a 9.3 out of 10, making it one of the strongest elementary schools in the region. Sherwood Montessori follows at 8.6, offering a structured alternative learning model for families drawn to that approach. Little Chico Creek Elementary (8.4), Citrus Avenue Elementary (8.1), and Nord Country (8.0) round out the top five, all scoring well above the city average. The concentration of high performers at the elementary level is a pattern worth noting — families entering the system at kindergarten have the most options for landing in a top-rated school.

The 6.6 city average reflects the full range across Chico's schools. With 39% of schools clearing the 7-plus threshold, the top tier is accessible but not automatic — school selection and attendance boundaries will matter to families prioritizing academics. Parents researching middle and high school options should pay particular attention to individual school scores rather than relying on city-wide averages, since the variance across Chico's 31 schools is meaningful.

Practically speaking, Chico rewards parents who do the homework. The gap between Neal Dow's 9.3 and the city average of 6.6 is nearly three full points — large enough to have real consequences for a child's academic trajectory. Start by identifying which schools serve your address, then compare individual scores against the 6.6 baseline. If your neighborhood school scores above 7, you're already in the stronger tier. If not, Chico's open enrollment policies may be worth exploring. The presence of a Montessori option among the top-rated schools also gives families a structural choice, not just a geographic one.