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#7516 of 9,533 schools in CA

Acalanes Center for Independent Study

High School · Acalanes Union High

1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek, CA 94595

Enrollment

51

Student-Teacher

7.3:1

Score

5.0

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Walnut Creek

#15 of 16

public schools

California high schools

#1,597 of 1,892

In district

#5 of 5

Acalanes Union High

School environment

9.8 / 10

Exceptional

About Acalanes Center for Independent Study

Acalanes Center for Independent Study serves grades 9-12 as an alternative high school in Walnut Creek, California, with 51 students and an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio of 7.3:1. This small educational environment allows for individualized attention from 7 full-time equivalent teachers, creating opportunities for personalized learning approaches. The school earns a MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 out of 10 and ranks in the 75th percentile statewide at #2431 out of 9566 California schools.

Academically, students demonstrate solid performance in English Language Arts with 63% scoring proficient or above, while mathematics shows room for growth with 29% achieving proficiency. The alternative school structure likely accommodates students who benefit from non-traditional educational settings and flexible scheduling. Located on Tice Valley Boulevard, the school serves a community where 67% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, reflecting the area's educational values.

The surrounding neighborhood features a median household income of $91,734 and a low poverty rate of 3.9%, indicating a stable, affluent community environment. Acalanes Center for Independent Study operates within Walnut Creek's small city setting, providing an intimate educational alternative for high school students in this prosperous Contra Costa County community.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 51 students, Acalanes Center for Independent Study is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

With a student-teacher ratio of 7.3:1, Acalanes Center for Independent Study offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress1.2Significantly Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-6.03 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.1Above Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency28.6%
Reading/ELA Proficiency63%
Math vs. State Avg+0.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+7.1 pts
Overall Proficiency46%
Expected (poverty-adj.)62%
vs. Expected-16.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile44th
College Readiness4.1Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation15.7%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.8Exceptional20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio7.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,550

Acalanes Center for Independent Study — Students at Acalanes Center for Independent Study score 46% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 62%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

23.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 51.8%
School
State
31.8%
ELA Proficiency 69.0%
School
State
51.5%

Based on 8 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
75%
ELA
75%
2021*
Math
75%
ELA
75%
2024
Math
28.6%
ELA
63%

* 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: 1.2/10.

How Acalanes Center for Independent Study Compares

See how Acalanes Center for Independent Study performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.0/10
21th percentile in CA
Academic
6.1/10
6.1/10
Growth
1.2/10
Below average
Environment
9.8/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
24%
Teaching Staff
7:1 student-teacher ratio
7 teachers

Location

1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek, CA 94595

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Acalanes Center for Independent Study may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Acalanes High (rated 8.3/10, 2.2 miles away, in nearby Lafayette), which scores notably higher. Another option is FUSION ACADEMY WALNUT CREEK DOWNTOWN (rated 7.9/10, 1.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, THE SPRINGSTONE SCHOOL (rated 7.9/10, 1.8 miles away, in nearby Lafayette), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Walnut Creek, see our Walnut Creek schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Parkmead Elementary Walnut Creek 0.8 mi 6.2
Tice Creek Walnut Creek 0.9 mi 7.5
Meher Schools, The Lafayette 1.2 mi
MEHER SCHOOLS Lafayette 1.2 mi 6.7
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Walnut Creek 1.4 mi
ST MARY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Walnut Creek 1.4 mi 5.7
Burton Valley Elementary Lafayette 1.4 mi 7.5
Las Lomas High Walnut Creek 1.5 mi 7.7
LINDAMOOD-BELL LEARNING PROCESSES WALNUT CREEK Walnut Creek 1.8 mi
Building Connections Behavioral Health Walnut Creek 1.8 mi
Fusion Academy Walnut Creek Downtown Walnut Creek 1.9 mi
FUSION ACADEMY WALNUT CREEK DOWNTOWN Walnut Creek 1.9 mi 7.9
Murwood Elementary Walnut Creek 1.6 mi 7.9
The Springstone School Lafayette 1.8 mi
THE SPRINGSTONE SCHOOL Lafayette 1.8 mi 7.9
Walnut Creek Christian Academy Walnut Creek 2.3 mi
Acalanes High Lafayette 2.2 mi 8.3
Cedar Life Academy Walnut Creek 2.3 mi
WALNUT CREEK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Walnut Creek 2.4 mi 6.2
Al Judiy Academy Walnut Creek 2.5 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 94595 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$98,108

Median Home Value

$816,600

Median Rent

$2,677/mo

Population

17,051

College Educated

69.4%

Homeownership

81.6%

Avg Commute

29.7 min

Poverty Rate

3.5%

Median Age

68.8

Community Profile

The community surrounding Acalanes Center for Independent Study has a median household income of $98,108. It is a well-educated community where 69% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $816,600, with a median rent of $2,677/month. The local poverty rate of 3.5% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 30 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Boyle Heights Continuation Los Angeles, CA 5.0
CLETA HARDER DEVELOPMENTAL SCHOOL La Habra, CA 5.0
Canyon Oaks High Monrovia, CA 5.0
Carr Lake Community Day Salinas, CA 5.0
Mountain High Lake Arrowhead, CA 5.0
STELLAR PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL Hayward, CA 5.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Acalanes Center for Independent Study

What grades does Acalanes Center for Independent Study serve?

Acalanes Center for Independent Study serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Acalanes Center for Independent Study?

Acalanes Center for Independent Study has an enrollment of approximately 51 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Acalanes Center for Independent Study?

The student-teacher ratio at Acalanes Center for Independent Study is 7.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Acalanes Center for Independent Study rank in CA?

Acalanes Center for Independent Study is ranked #7516 out of 9,533 schools in CA.

What is Acalanes Center for Independent Study's MySchoolScout rating?

Acalanes Center for Independent Study has a composite rating of 5.0 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Acalanes Center for Independent Study?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Acalanes Center for Independent Study has 51.8% math proficiency and 69.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Acalanes Center for Independent Study a charter school?

No, Acalanes Center for Independent Study is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Acalanes Center for Independent Study a Title I school?

No, Acalanes Center for Independent Study is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Acalanes Center for Independent Study?

23.5% of students at Acalanes Center for Independent Study 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

City Safety
High (3,181/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Walnut Creek). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
51
Student-Teacher Ratio
7.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
7
Free/Reduced Lunch
23.5%
Type
alternative
Setting
Small City
County
Contra Costa County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Acalanes Union High
District Enrollment
5,415
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$19,127
District Rank
#5 of 5

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 methodology

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