Average
#5473 of 9,539 schools in CA
Golden Valley High
High School · Merced Union High
PO Box 2188, Merced, CA 95344
Enrollment
1,955
Student-Teacher
20.6:1
Score
6.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,955
Student-Teacher
20.6:1
Score
6.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#5,473 of 9,539
In Merced
#10 of 37
public schools
In district
#4 of 9
Merced Union High
School environment
7.3 / 10
Very Good
Shortlisting around Golden Valley 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.
Golden Valley High
High School in Merced · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Charles Wright Elementary
0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Our Lady of Mercy
1.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Golden Valley High
Golden Valley High is a public high school in Merced, CA, part of Merced Union High. Golden Valley High serves approximately 1,955 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 20.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Golden Valley High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 out of 10 and ranks #5,473 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for Golden Valley High show 30% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 6.0 · Average
- District avg 5.7
- CA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
Golden Valley High runs 20.6:1 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
Golden Valley High — Students at Golden Valley High score 30% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 27%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
84.6%
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: 4.1/10.
How Golden Valley High Compares
See how Golden Valley 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 2188, Merced, CA 95344
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Golden Valley High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Independence High (Alternative) (rated 6.7/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Sequoia High (rated 6.3/10, 1.4 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Yosemite High (Continuation) (rated 5.0/10, 1.5 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Merced, see our Merced schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Wright Elementary Merced | 0.9 mi | 4.1 |
| Our Lady of Mercy Merced | 1.0 mi | — |
| Ada Givens Elementary Merced | 1.2 mi | 5.1 |
| Pioneer Elementary Merced | 1.0 mi | 5.6 |
| Weaver Middle Merced | 1.0 mi | 5.1 |
| Herbert Hoover Middle Merced | 1.4 mi | 5.7 |
| ST PAUL SCHOOL Merced | 1.7 mi | 5.8 |
| St. Paul Lutheran School Merced | 1.7 mi | — |
| Sequoia High Merced | 1.4 mi | 6.3 |
| Don Stowell Elementary Merced | 1.4 mi | 3.5 |
| Yosemite High (Continuation) Merced | 1.5 mi | 5.0 |
| Independence High (Alternative) Merced | 1.5 mi | 6.7 |
| Luther Burbank Elementary Merced | 2.0 mi | 7.5 |
| John Muir Elementary Merced | 1.9 mi | 3.5 |
| Donn B. Chenoweth Elementary Merced | 2.2 mi | 4.4 |
| Farmdale Elementary Merced | 2.0 mi | 6.1 |
| Merced County Special Education Merced | 2.2 mi | 3.3 |
| Merced High Merced | 2.5 mi | 4.7 |
| Allan Peterson Elementary Merced | 2.8 mi | 4.4 |
| Tenaya Middle Merced | 2.4 mi | 5.3 |
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Anaheim High Anaheim, CA | 6.0 |
| Andrew P. Hill High San Jose, CA | 6.0 |
| Castaic High Castaic, CA | 6.0 |
| Centennial High Bakersfield, CA | 6.0 |
| Century High Santa Ana, CA | 6.0 |
| Ceres High Ceres, CA | 6.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Golden Valley High
What grades does Golden Valley High serve?
Golden Valley High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Golden Valley High?
Golden Valley High has an enrollment of approximately 1,955 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Golden Valley High?
The student-teacher ratio at Golden Valley High is 20.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Golden Valley High rank in CA?
Golden Valley High ranks #5,473 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is Golden Valley High's MySchoolScout rating?
Golden Valley High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 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 Golden Valley High?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Golden Valley High has 30% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Golden Valley High a charter school?
No, Golden Valley High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Golden Valley High a Title I school?
No, Golden Valley High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Golden Valley High?
84.6% of students at Golden Valley 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
- 1,955
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 20.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 95
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 84.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Merced County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 26.5%
- Phone
- (209) 325-1800
- 4-Year Graduation
- 97.0%
Resources & Links
District
Merced Union High- District Enrollment
- 11,120
- Schools in District
- 9
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,578
- District Rank
- #4 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.