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Very Good

#2431 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 26% in state

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

7.5

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#2,431 of 9,539

In Walnut Creek

#7 of 16

public schools

In district

#5 of 5

Acalanes Union High

School environment

9.8 / 10

Excellent

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Acalanes Center for Independent Study

7.5/10

High School in Walnut Creek · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Parkmead Elementary

7.4/10

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

Tice Creek

8.8/10

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

About Acalanes Center for Independent Study

Acalanes Center for Independent Study is a public high school in Walnut Creek, CA, part of Acalanes Union High. Acalanes Center for Independent Study serves approximately 51 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 7.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Acalanes Center for Independent Study has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 out of 10 and ranks #2,431 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Acalanes Center for Independent Study show 53% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 70% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.9 pts below district
  • This school 7.5 · Very Good
  • District avg 8.4
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

At 51 students, Acalanes Center for Independent Study is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

At 7.3:1 students to teachers, Acalanes Center for Independent Study sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.9Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data11
Annual Change-0.39 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics6.1Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency28.6% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency63% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg+0.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+7.1 pts
Overall Proficiency46% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)61% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-15.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile45th
College Readiness5.8Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate80%+
AP Participation15.7%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.8Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio7.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,127
Chronic Absenteeism25.5%

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: 61%).

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 53.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 70.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
51.5% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 24 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
49.5%
ELA
69.5%
2010
Math
75%
ELA
75%
2011
Math
75%
ELA
75%
2015
Math
10%
ELA
30%
2016
Math
24.5%
ELA
75%
2017
Math
49.5%
ELA
90%
2018
Math
75%
ELA
75%
2019
Math
75%
ELA
75%
2020*
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: 8.9/10.

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
7.5/10
75th percentile in CA
Academic
6.1/10
Average
Growth
8.9/10
Excellent
Environment
9.8/10
Excellent
AP Courses
2
State avg: 2.6
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
24%
Teaching Staff
7:1 student-teacher ratio
7 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
25.5%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
15.7% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

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

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 8.6/10, 2.2 miles away, in nearby Lafayette), which scores notably higher. Another option is Las Lomas High (rated 8.1/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, FUSION ACADEMY WALNUT CREEK DOWNTOWN (rated 7.9/10, 1.9 miles away), which scores slightly 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 7.4
Tice Creek Walnut Creek 0.9 mi 8.8
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 7.9
Las Lomas High Walnut Creek 1.5 mi 8.1
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 7.8
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 8.6
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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF SAN DIEGO San Diego, CA 7.5
Centinela Valley Independent Study Lawndale, CA 7.5
Dunsmuir High Dunsmuir, CA 7.5
FUSION SAN DIEGO SCRIPPS RANCH San Diego, CA 7.5
Millennium High Alternative Piedmont, CA 7.5
Sanhedrin Alternative Willits, CA 7.5

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 ranks #2,431 of 9,539 schools in CA.

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

Acalanes Center for Independent Study has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 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 Acalanes Center for Independent Study?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Acalanes Center for Independent Study has 53% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 70% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

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

Walk Score
31 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
19 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
23 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
25.5%
4-Year Graduation
80%+

District

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

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