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Average

#7255 of 9,539 schools in CA

Academy of Careers and Exploration

High School · Helendale Elementary

PO Box 249, Helendale, CA 92342

Charter

Enrollment

284

Student-Teacher

20.3:1

Score

5.0

Grades

7th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#7,255 of 9,539

In Helendale

#4 of 4

public schools

In district

#4 of 4

Helendale Elementary

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Academy of Careers and Exploration

5.0/10

High School in Helendale · grades 7th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Riverview Middle

6.4/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Helendale Elementary

6.4/10

1.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Academy of Careers and Exploration

Academy of Careers and Exploration is a public high school in Helendale, CA, part of Helendale Elementary. Academy of Careers and Exploration serves approximately 284 students, and covers grades 7th-12th, and has a 20.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Academy of Careers and Exploration has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 out of 10 and ranks #7,255 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Academy of Careers and Exploration show 31% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 53% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.5 pts below CA schools
  • This school 5.0 · Average
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Academy of Careers and Exploration runs 20.3:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Academy of Careers and Exploration is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

31% of students at Academy of Careers and Exploration were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.9Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.08 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.4Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency21.4% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency47.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-6.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-8.8 pts
Overall Proficiency34% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)46% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-11.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile36th
College Readiness4.7Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate84.5%
AP Participation6.3%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.3Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,928
Chronic Absenteeism30.6%

Academy of Careers and Exploration — Students at Academy of Careers and Exploration score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

51.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 30.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 52.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
51.5% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 32 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
44.5%
ELA
54.5%
2010
Math
54.5%
ELA
64.5%
2011
Math
54.5%
ELA
54.5%
2012
Math
44.5%
ELA
64.5%
2013
Math
64.5%
ELA
64.5%
2014
Math
24.5%
ELA
57%
2015
Math
27%
ELA
62%
2016
Math
22%
ELA
52%
2017
Math
12%
ELA
42%
2018
Math
17%
ELA
57%
2019
Math
17%
ELA
57%
2020*
Math
17%
ELA
47%
2021*
Math
17%
ELA
47%
2022
Math
25%
ELA
25%
2024
Math
23.6%
ELA
48.6%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.9/10.

How Academy of Careers and Exploration Compares

See how Academy of Careers and Exploration performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.0/10
24th percentile in CA
Academic
5.4/10
Average
Growth
3.9/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
6.3/10
Average
AP Courses
1
State avg: 2.6
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
51%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
14 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
30.6%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
6.3% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

PO Box 249, Helendale, CA 92342

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Academy of Careers and Exploration may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Gus Franklin Jr. (rated 8.4/10, 13.3 miles away, in nearby Victorville), which scores notably higher. Another option is Melva Davis Academy of Excellence (rated 8.0/10, 13.7 miles away, in nearby Victorville), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Adelanto Virtual Academy (rated 7.4/10, 11.5 miles away, in nearby Victorville), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Helendale, see our Helendale schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 14.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Riverview Middle Helendale 0.0 mi 6.4
Helendale Elementary Helendale 1.6 mi 6.4
Independence Charter Academy Helendale 1.7 mi 5.5
Riverside Preparatory Oro Grande 9.5 mi 5.9
Oro Grande Elementary Oro Grande 9.5 mi 3.8
VERMONT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Victorville 10.6 mi
Dynamic Hope Schools - Adelanto Adelanto 11.2 mi
BRIGHT FUTURES ACADEMY - ADELANTO Adelanto 11.2 mi 5.4
Westside Park Elementary Adelanto 11.1 mi 2.5
Taylion High Desert Academy/Adelanto Adelanto 11.2 mi 4.3
Adelanto Elementary Adelanto 11.3 mi 2.1
Adelanto Virtual Academy Victorville 11.5 mi 7.4
George Visual and Performing Arts Magnet and Middle Adelanto 11.4 mi 6.3
Challenger School of Sports and Fitness Victorville 13.3 mi 3.7
Gus Franklin Jr. Victorville 13.3 mi 8.4
Puesta del Sol Elementary Victorville 13.3 mi 2.7
West Creek Elementary Victorville 13.6 mi 2.6
Melva Davis Academy of Excellence Victorville 13.7 mi 8.0
Victoria Magathan Elementary Adelanto 13.6 mi 2.9
Dr. Ralph H. Baker 21st Century Learning Center Victorville 14.1 mi 6.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 92342 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$110,586

Median Home Value

$339,700

Median Rent

$1,575/mo

Population

6,677

College Educated

22.4%

Homeownership

87.2%

Avg Commute

39.1 min

Poverty Rate

6.5%

Median Age

39.8

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
CANTWELL SACRED HEART OF MARY Montebello, CA 5.0
Gateway College and Career Academy Riverside, CA 5.0
Imperial Pathways Charter El Centro, CA 5.0
Lorin Griset Academy Santa Ana, CA 5.0
Yosemite High (Continuation) Merced, CA 5.0
Central High Los Angeles, CA 5.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Academy of Careers and Exploration

What grades does Academy of Careers and Exploration serve?

Academy of Careers and Exploration serves students in grades 7th through 12th.

How many students attend Academy of Careers and Exploration?

Academy of Careers and Exploration has an enrollment of approximately 284 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Academy of Careers and Exploration?

The student-teacher ratio at Academy of Careers and Exploration is 20.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Academy of Careers and Exploration rank in CA?

Academy of Careers and Exploration ranks #7,255 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Academy of Careers and Exploration's MySchoolScout rating?

Academy of Careers and Exploration has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Academy of Careers and Exploration?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Academy of Careers and Exploration has 31% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 53% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Academy of Careers and Exploration a charter school?

Yes, Academy of Careers and Exploration is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Academy of Careers and Exploration a Title I school?

No, Academy of Careers and Exploration is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Academy of Careers and Exploration?

51.1% of students at Academy of Careers and Exploration qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
5 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
18 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
284
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
14
Free/Reduced Lunch
51.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Town
County
San Bernardino County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
30.6%
4-Year Graduation
84.5%

District

Helendale Elementary
District Enrollment
1,134
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,928
District Rank
#4 of 4

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