Average
#6445 of 9,539 schools in CA
Atwater High
High School · Merced Union High
PO Box 835, Atwater, CA 95301
Enrollment
2,051
Student-Teacher
20.7:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,051
Student-Teacher
20.7:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#6,445 of 9,539
In Atwater
#11 of 11
public schools
In district
#6 of 9
Merced Union High
School environment
7.1 / 10
Very Good
Shortlisting around Atwater High?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Atwater High
High School in Atwater · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Atwater Senior Academy
0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Elmer Wood Elementary
0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Atwater High
Atwater High is a public high school in Atwater, CA, part of Merced Union High. Atwater High serves approximately 2,051 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 20.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Atwater High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10 and ranks #6,445 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for Atwater High show 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 49% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 5.5 · Average
- District avg 5.7
- CA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
Atwater High is a large school: 2,051 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.
Atwater High runs 20.7:1 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.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Atwater High — Students at Atwater High score 28% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
80.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 30 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 3.6/10.
How Atwater High Compares
See how Atwater High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
PO Box 835, Atwater, CA 95301
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Atwater High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Valley Atwater Community (rated 6.2/10, 1.7 miles away, in nearby Merced), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Buhach Colony High (rated 5.8/10, 2.6 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Atwater, see our Atwater schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Atwater Senior Academy Atwater | 0.8 mi | — |
| Elmer Wood Elementary Atwater | 0.7 mi | 7.8 |
| Aileen Colburn Elementary Atwater | 0.8 mi | 7.0 |
| Mitchell Elementary Atwater | 0.9 mi | 5.7 |
| Winton Middle Winton | 1.0 mi | 7.1 |
| Mitchell Intermediate Atwater | 1.0 mi | 6.1 |
| Frank Sparkes Elementary Winton | 1.1 mi | 8.3 |
| Thomas Olaeta Elementary Atwater | 1.3 mi | 6.3 |
| Peggy Heller Elementary Atwater | 1.3 mi | 6.3 |
| Sybil N. Crookham Elementary Winton | 1.7 mi | 5.8 |
| Valley Atwater Community Merced | 1.7 mi | 6.2 |
| Winfield Elementary Winton | 1.8 mi | 7.3 |
| Shaffer Elementary Atwater | 1.7 mi | 5.8 |
| Bellevue Elementary Atwater | 1.8 mi | 6.4 |
| Bellevue Senior Elementary Atwater | 1.8 mi | 7.7 |
| GRACE MENNONITE SCHOOL Winton | 2.6 mi | 4.3 |
| Buhach Colony High Atwater | 2.6 mi | 5.8 |
| Floyd A. Schelby Merced | 4.0 mi | 4.0 |
| Cressey Elementary Ballico | 4.7 mi | 9.4 |
| McSwain Elementary Merced | 5.2 mi | 5.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 95301 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$66,669
Median Home Value
$367,800
Median Rent
$1,215/mo
Population
42,374
College Educated
16%
Homeownership
56.7%
Avg Commute
27.5 min
Poverty Rate
17.6%
Median Age
34.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Channel Islands High Oxnard, CA | 5.5 |
| Glendale High Glendale, CA | 5.5 |
| Heritage High Romoland, CA | 5.5 |
| Hueneme High Oxnard, CA | 5.5 |
| Independence High Bakersfield, CA | 5.5 |
| Mt. Diablo High Concord, CA | 5.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Atwater High
What grades does Atwater High serve?
Atwater High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Atwater High?
Atwater High has an enrollment of approximately 2,051 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Atwater High?
The student-teacher ratio at Atwater High is 20.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Atwater High rank in CA?
Atwater High ranks #6,445 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is Atwater High's MySchoolScout rating?
Atwater High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 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 Atwater High?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Atwater High has 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 49% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Atwater High a charter school?
No, Atwater High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Atwater High a Title I school?
No, Atwater High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Atwater High?
80.4% of students at Atwater High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,051
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 20.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 99
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 80.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize Suburb
- County
- Merced County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 27.6%
- Phone
- (209) 325-1200
- 4-Year Graduation
- 96.0%
Resources & Links
District
Merced Union High- District Enrollment
- 11,120
- Schools in District
- 9
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,578
- District Rank
- #6 of 9
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
- Best Elementary Schools in America: 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Public Schools in California 2026: Top-Ranked Elementary, Middle & High Schoolsbest schools
- Best School Districts to Move To in 2026: A Data-Driven Guidebest schools
- Best Schools in Los Angeles, CA — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in San Diego, CA — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.