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Very Good

#2978 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 31% in state

EL Cerrito High

High School · West Contra Costa Unified

540 Ashbury Ave., EL Cerrito, CA 94530

Enrollment

1,476

Student-Teacher

22.4:1

Score

7.3

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#2,978 of 9,539

In EL Cerrito

#4 of 7

public schools

In district

#11 of 52

West Contra Costa Unified

Academic growth

7.8 / 10

Very Good

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EL Cerrito High

7.3/10

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

Harding Elementary

7.9/10

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

Golestan School

Nearby

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

About EL Cerrito High

EL Cerrito High is a public high school in EL Cerrito, CA, part of West Contra Costa Unified. EL Cerrito High serves approximately 1,476 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 22.4:1 student-teacher ratio. EL Cerrito High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.3 out of 10 and ranks #2,978 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for EL Cerrito High show 36% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 49% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.9 pts above district
  • This school 7.3 · Very Good
  • District avg 6.4
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

EL Cerrito High runs 22.4:1 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 metrics
Student Progress7.8Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-0.88 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics6.1Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency30.6% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency52.4% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg+2.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-3.5 pts
Overall Proficiency41% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)52% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-10.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile44th
College Readiness7.5Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%
AP Participation31.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment7.7Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,205
Chronic Absenteeism19.9%

EL Cerrito High — Students at EL Cerrito High score 41% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 52%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

39.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 36.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 48.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
51.5% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 26 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
40%
ELA
48%
2010
Math
51%
ELA
54%
2011
Math
47%
ELA
51%
2012
Math
47%
ELA
49%
2013
Math
55%
ELA
52%
2014
Math
30%
ELA
55%
2015
Math
21%
ELA
43%
2016
Math
26%
ELA
42%
2017
Math
29%
ELA
40%
2018
Math
31%
ELA
48%
2019
Math
31%
ELA
48%
2024
Math
30.6%
ELA
52.4%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.8/10.

How EL Cerrito High Compares

See how EL Cerrito High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.3/10
69th percentile in CA
Academic
6.1/10
Average
Growth
7.8/10
Very Good
Environment
7.7/10
Very Good
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.6
Sports
22
11 boys' · 11 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
40%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
66 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
19.9%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
31.4% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics22sports offered
11 boys'·11 girls'·25 teams (incl. JV)·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

540 Ashbury Ave., EL Cerrito, CA 94530

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering EL Cerrito High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Albany High (rated 9.1/10, 0.8 miles away, in nearby Albany), which scores notably higher. Another option is TILDEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL (rated 6.2/10, 1.2 miles away, in nearby Albany), a more accessible option. Additionally, Invictus Academy of Richmond (rated 5.6/10, 0.7 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in EL Cerrito, see our EL Cerrito schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Harding Elementary El Cerrito 0.3 mi 7.9
Golestan School El Cerrito 0.4 mi
GOLESTAN SCHOOL El Cerrito 0.4 mi 5.7
PROSPECT SIERRA SCHOOL El Cerrito 0.6 mi 8.5
Prospect Sierra School El Cerrito 0.6 mi
Albany Middle Albany 0.6 mi 9.0
Fairmont Elementary El Cerrito 0.6 mi 7.1
Invictus Academy of Richmond El Cerrito 0.7 mi 5.6
Albany High Albany 0.8 mi 9.1
MacGregor High (Continuation) Albany 0.8 mi
GROWING LIGHT MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF KENSINGTON Kensington 0.8 mi
Tilden Preparatory School Albany 1.2 mi
TILDEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL Albany 1.2 mi 6.2
Kensington Elementary Kensington 1.0 mi 8.4
Fred T. Korematsu Middle El Cerrito 1.1 mi 7.9
Cornell Elementary Albany 1.2 mi 9.1
Thousand Oaks Elementary Berkeley 1.3 mi 7.5
Marin Elementary Albany 1.4 mi 8.2
Madera Elementary El Cerrito 1.4 mi 7.5
Ocean View Elementary Albany 1.5 mi 7.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 94530 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$127,731

Median Home Value

$1,097,300

Median Rent

$2,434/mo

Population

26,229

College Educated

66.4%

Homeownership

57.8%

Avg Commute

33.2 min

Poverty Rate

7.6%

Median Age

42.5

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Archie Williams High San Anselmo, CA 7.3
Bellflower High Bellflower, CA 7.3
Brawley Union High Brawley, CA 7.3
El Diamante High Visalia, CA 7.3
Enterprise High Redding, CA 7.3
Escondido High Escondido, CA 7.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about EL Cerrito High

What grades does EL Cerrito High serve?

EL Cerrito High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend EL Cerrito High?

EL Cerrito High has an enrollment of approximately 1,476 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at EL Cerrito High?

The student-teacher ratio at EL Cerrito High is 22.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does EL Cerrito High rank in CA?

EL Cerrito High ranks #2,978 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is EL Cerrito High's MySchoolScout rating?

EL Cerrito High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.3 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 EL Cerrito High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, EL Cerrito High has 36% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 49% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is EL Cerrito High a charter school?

No, EL Cerrito High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is EL Cerrito High a Title I school?

No, EL Cerrito High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for EL Cerrito High?

39.6% of students at EL Cerrito 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
66 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
56 Good Transit
Bike Score
72 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,476
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
66
Free/Reduced Lunch
39.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Contra Costa County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
19.9%
4-Year Graduation
90.0%

District

West Contra Costa Unified
District Enrollment
25,575
Schools in District
54
Per-Pupil Spending
$19,205
District Rank
#11 of 52

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