Excellent
#1245 of 9,533 schools in CA
Top 13% in state
Colfax High
High School · Placer Union High
24995 Ben Taylor Rd., Colfax, CA 95713
Enrollment
628
Student-Teacher
20.9:1
Score
8.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
628
Student-Teacher
20.9:1
Score
8.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Colfax
#1 of 2
public schools
California high schools
#206 of 1,892
In district
#1 of 6
Placer Union High
Academic growth
8.8 / 10
Exceptional
About Colfax High
Colfax High serves 628 students in grades 9-12 in the rural community of Colfax, California. This public high school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 20.9:1 with 30 full-time equivalent teachers, providing a solid educational foundation in Placer County. The school demonstrates strong academic performance, earning a MySchoolScout rating of 7.9 out of 10 and ranking #1396 among California's 9,566 schools, placing it in the 85th percentile statewide.
Students show particularly strong literacy skills, with 68% achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and reading. Mathematics performance reaches 50% proficiency, indicating ongoing opportunities for growth in STEM subjects. Colfax High's academic success reflects its supportive community environment.
The surrounding area has a median household income of $98,558 and a relatively low poverty rate of 8.5%. Nearly one-third of local residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, creating an education-focused atmosphere that benefits students. The median home value of $484,600 speaks to the area's desirability and stability.
Located on Ben Taylor Road, Colfax High operates in California's scenic Sierra Nevada foothills, where the rural setting provides students with a close-knit learning environment while maintaining access to quality educational opportunities.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Colfax High is 20.9:1, 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.
Located in a rural area, Colfax High may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Colfax High — Students at Colfax High score 59% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 61%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
25.3%
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
→ StableAverage 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: 8.8/10.
How Colfax High Compares
See how Colfax High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 42% (2019) to 49.65% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 72% (2019) to 68.35% (2024).
Location
24995 Ben Taylor Rd., Colfax, CA 95713
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Colfax High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Bitney Prep High (rated 8.3/10, 9.5 miles away, in nearby Grass Valley), with a very similar rating. Another option is WEIMAR ACADEMY (rated 7.2/10, 5.1 miles away, in nearby Weimar), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Silver Springs High (Continuation) (rated 6.7/10, 8.8 miles away, in nearby Grass Valley), a more accessible option. For more schools in Colfax, see our Colfax schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Colfax Elementary Colfax | 0.3 mi | 3.4 |
| Chicago Park Elementary Grass Valley | 2.6 mi | 6.8 |
| Chicago Park Community Charter Grass Valley | 2.6 mi | 8.1 |
| Weimar Hills Weimar | 4.4 mi | 5.6 |
| WEIMAR ACADEMY Weimar | 5.1 mi | 7.2 |
| Alta Sierra Elementary Grass Valley | 4.2 mi | 6.1 |
| LIVE OAK WALDORF SCHOOL Meadow Vista | 6.8 mi | 6.3 |
| Live Oak Waldorf School Meadow Vista | 6.8 mi | — |
| Cottage Hill Elementary Grass Valley | 6.7 mi | 6.2 |
| Magnolia Intermediate Grass Valley | 6.8 mi | 7.4 |
| Union Hill Elementary Grass Valley | 7.7 mi | 6.7 |
| Union Hill Middle Grass Valley | 7.7 mi | 7.5 |
| Bear River High Grass Valley | 7.3 mi | 5.4 |
| Forest Lake Christian School Auburn | 7.8 mi | — |
| Sierra Hills Elementary Meadow Vista | 8.8 mi | 5.9 |
| Christian Encounter High School Grass Valley | 7.3 mi | — |
| CHRISTIAN ENCOUNTER HIGH SCHOOL Grass Valley | 7.3 mi | — |
| Silver Springs High (Continuation) Grass Valley | 8.8 mi | 6.7 |
| Grass Valley Charter Grass Valley | 9.0 mi | 6.7 |
| Bitney Prep High Grass Valley | 9.5 mi | 8.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 95713 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$91,329
Median Home Value
$480,200
Median Rent
$1,520/mo
Population
10,471
College Educated
27.9%
Homeownership
79.6%
Avg Commute
33.8 min
Poverty Rate
9%
Median Age
45.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Colfax High has a median household income of $91,329. It is an area where 28% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $480,200, with a median rent of $1,520/month. The local poverty rate of 9.0% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 34 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 |
|---|---|
| Academy of Medical Arts at Carson High Carson, CA | 8.1 |
| Alliance Collins Family College-Ready High Huntington Park, CA | 8.1 |
| Alliance Patti And Peter Neuwirth Leadership Academy Los Angeles, CA | 8.1 |
| Rancho Campana High Camarillo, CA | 8.1 |
| San Diego Virtual San Diego, CA | 8.1 |
| Animo Jackie Robinson High Los Angeles, CA | 8.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Colfax High
What grades does Colfax High serve?
Colfax High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Colfax High?
Colfax High has an enrollment of approximately 628 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Colfax High?
The student-teacher ratio at Colfax High is 20.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Colfax High rank in CA?
Colfax High is ranked #1245 out of 9,533 schools in CA.
What is Colfax High's MySchoolScout rating?
Colfax High has a composite rating of 8.1 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 Colfax High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Colfax High has 44.6% math proficiency and 68.9% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Colfax High a charter school?
No, Colfax High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Colfax High a Title I school?
No, Colfax High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Colfax High?
25.3% of students at Colfax 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
- 628
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 20.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 30
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 25.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Placer County
- Phone
- (530) 346-2284
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Placer Union High- District Enrollment
- 3,975
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,479
- District Rank
- #1 of 6
Other Schools in This District
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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