Average
#3699 of 9,533 schools in CA
Top 39% in state
Chico High
High School · Chico Unified
901 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926
Enrollment
1,873
Student-Teacher
22.6:1
Score
6.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,873
Student-Teacher
22.6:1
Score
6.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Chico
#14 of 31
public schools
California high schools
#698 of 1,892
In district
#10 of 20
Chico Unified
Equity
8.0 / 10
Very strong
About Chico High
Chico High serves 1,873 students in grades 9-12 in Chico, California, operating as a comprehensive public high school with 83 full-time teachers and a student-teacher ratio of 22.6:1. The school earns a solid 6.9 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranks in the 71st percentile statewide, placing it at #2751 among California's 9,566 schools. Academically, Chico High shows particular strength in English Language Arts, where 67% of students perform at proficient or above levels across grade levels.
Mathematics presents more of a growth opportunity, with 31% of students achieving proficiency. The school's overall academic score of 7.4 out of 10 reflects a commitment to student achievement with room for continued improvement, particularly in STEM areas. The school draws from a diverse community in the 95926 ZIP code, where the median household income is $60,932 and 44% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher.
The area has a median home value of $433,500, though nearly 26% of residents live below the poverty line, reflecting the economic diversity that characterizes many California communities. Located on Esplanade in the heart of Chico, this mid-size city school serves as an important educational anchor for families throughout Butte County.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Chico High is 22.6:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Score Breakdown
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Chico High — Students at Chico High score 49% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 43%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
55.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 8 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: 4.9/10.
How Chico High Compares
See how Chico High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 40% (2019) to 31.03% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 73% (2019) to 67.26% (2024).
Location
901 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Chico High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Inspire School of Arts and Sciences (rated 7.4/10, 0.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Pivot Charter School North Valley II (rated 6.5/10, 1.2 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Fair View High (Continuation) (rated 6.5/10, 1.8 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Chico, see our Chico schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Inspire School of Arts and Sciences Chico | 0.2 mi | 7.4 |
| Chico Junior High Chico | 0.3 mi | 6.2 |
| Citrus Avenue Elementary Chico | 0.4 mi | 8.1 |
| Notre Dame School Chico | 0.7 mi | — |
| NOTRE DAME SCHOOL Chico | 0.7 mi | 4.5 |
| Butte County Community Chico | 0.7 mi | 6.8 |
| Hooker Oak Elementary Chico | 0.7 mi | 7.4 |
| Rosedale Elementary Chico | 0.9 mi | 6.2 |
| Chico Country Day Chico | 1.0 mi | 4.2 |
| Neal Dow Elementary Chico | 1.2 mi | 9.3 |
| Wildflower Open Classroom Chico | 1.6 mi | 6.1 |
| Pivot Charter School North Valley II Chico | 1.2 mi | 6.5 |
| Bidwell Junior High Chico | 1.6 mi | 7.0 |
| Proverbs 9:9 Academy Chico | 1.4 mi | — |
| Emma Wilson Elementary Chico | 1.4 mi | 5.9 |
| McManus (John A.) Elementary Chico | 1.8 mi | 7.6 |
| Fair View High (Continuation) Chico | 1.8 mi | 6.5 |
| Oakdale Chico | 1.8 mi | 4.1 |
| Academy for Change Chico | 1.8 mi | — |
| Center for Alternative Learning Chico | 1.8 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 95926 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$62,334
Median Home Value
$462,900
Median Rent
$1,418/mo
Population
42,143
College Educated
44.7%
Homeownership
42%
Avg Commute
17.1 min
Poverty Rate
25.5%
Median Age
27.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Chico High has a median household income of $62,334. It is a well-educated community where 45% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $462,900, with a median rent of $1,418/month. The area has a poverty rate of 25.5%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 17 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 |
|---|---|
| Aptos High Aptos, CA | 6.8 |
| Archie Williams High San Anselmo, CA | 6.8 |
| Buena Park High Buena Park, CA | 6.8 |
| Calabasas High Calabasas, CA | 6.8 |
| Carson Senior High Carson, CA | 6.8 |
| Cosumnes Oaks High Elk Grove, CA | 6.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Chico High
What grades does Chico High serve?
Chico High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Chico High?
Chico High has an enrollment of approximately 1,873 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Chico High?
The student-teacher ratio at Chico High is 22.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Chico High rank in CA?
Chico High is ranked #3699 out of 9,533 schools in CA.
What is Chico High's MySchoolScout rating?
Chico High has a composite rating of 6.8 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 Chico High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Chico High has 35.3% math proficiency and 71.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Chico High a charter school?
No, Chico High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Chico High a Title I school?
No, Chico High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Chico High?
55.7% of students at Chico 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,873
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 83
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 55.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Butte County
- Phone
- (530) 891-3026
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Chico Unified- District Enrollment
- 12,317
- Schools in District
- 22
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,423
- District Rank
- #10 of 20
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.
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