Skip to main content

Average

#4353 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 46% in state

Horizons School: Independent Study

School · Mt. Diablo Unified

1 Santa Barbara Rd., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Enrollment

216

Student-Teacher

12:1

Score

6.6

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#4,353 of 9,539

In Pleasant Hill

#1 of 12

public schools

In district

#6 of 47

Mt. Diablo Unified

Academic growth

8.3 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Horizons School: Independent Study?

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.

Horizons School: Independent Study

6.6/10

School in Pleasant Hill · grades Kindergarten – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Pleasant Hill Middle

6.1/10

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

Prospect High (continuation)

5.2/10

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

About Horizons School: Independent Study

Horizons School: Independent Study is a public school in Pleasant Hill, CA, part of Mt. Diablo Unified. Horizons School: Independent Study serves approximately 216 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-12th, and has a 12:1 student-teacher ratio.

Horizons School: Independent Study has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 out of 10 and ranks #4,353 of 9,539 schools in CA. Structured state assessment records for Horizons School: Independent Study show 37% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.6 pts above district
  • This school 6.6 · Average
  • District avg 5.0
  • CA avg 6.3

What Parents Should Know

96% of students at Horizons School: Independent Study were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.3Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-0.66 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics4.5Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency26.6% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency34.8% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-19.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-8 pts
Overall Proficiency31% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)52% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-21.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile26th
College Readiness8.1Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate74.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.7Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,421
Chronic Absenteeism95.8%

Horizons School: Independent Study — Students at Horizons School: Independent Study score 31% 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

39.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 37.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
35.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 55.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
47.0% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 36 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
44.5%
ELA
64.5%
2010
Math
44.5%
ELA
64.5%
2011
Math
54.5%
ELA
74.5%
2015
Math
24.5%
ELA
54.5%
2016
Math
34.5%
ELA
54.5%
2017
Math
34.5%
ELA
64.5%
2018
Math
34.5%
ELA
74.5%
2019
Math
34.5%
ELA
74.5%
2020*
Math
69.5%
ELA
90%
2021*
Math
69.5%
ELA
90%
2022
Math
42.4%
ELA
50.6%
2024
Math
25.8%
ELA
33.5%

* 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: 8.3/10.

How Horizons School: Independent Study Compares

See how Horizons School: Independent Study performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.6/10
54th percentile in CA
Academic
4.5/10
Below Average
Growth
8.3/10
Excellent
Environment
4.7/10
Below Average
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
39%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
18 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
95.8%

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

1 Santa Barbara Rd., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Horizons School: Independent Study may also want to explore other schools in the area. PLEASANT HILL ADVENTIST ACADEMY (rated 7.8/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is CONTRA COSTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 7.3/10, 1.3 miles away, in nearby Walnut Creek), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, WELLSPRING EDUCATIONAL SERVICES INC (rated 6.7/10, 0.6 miles away, in nearby Walnut Creek), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Pleasant Hill, see our Pleasant Hill schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Pleasant Hill Middle Pleasant Hill 0.0 mi 6.1
Prospect High (Continuation) Pleasant Hill 0.0 mi 5.2
Sequoia Elementary Pleasant Hill 0.5 mi 6.1
Sequoia Middle Pleasant Hill 0.5 mi 6.4
WELLSPRING EDUCATIONAL SERVICES INC Walnut Creek 0.6 mi 6.7
Wellspring Educational Services Inc Walnut Creek 0.6 mi
Fusion Academy Walnut Creek Walnut Creek 0.7 mi
CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC SCHOOL Pleasant Hill 0.9 mi 6.5
Christ the King Elementary Pleasant Hill 0.9 mi
Strandwood Elementary Pleasant Hill 1.1 mi 5.8
Pleasant Hill Elementary Pleasant Hill 1.0 mi 5.0
Fair Oaks Elementary Pleasant Hill 1.0 mi 3.1
Contra Costa Christian Schools Walnut Creek 1.2 mi
Grayson Creek Academy Pleasant Hill 1.1 mi
CONTRA COSTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Walnut Creek 1.3 mi 7.3
Sonder Creek Academy Walnut Creek 1.3 mi
Gregory Gardens Elementary Pleasant Hill 1.6 mi 4.9
The Seven Hills School Walnut Creek 1.4 mi
SEVEN HILLS SCHOOL Walnut Creek 1.4 mi 7.4
PLEASANT HILL ADVENTIST ACADEMY Pleasant Hill 1.4 mi 7.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 94523 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$142,622

Median Home Value

$1,038,400

Median Rent

$2,479/mo

Population

34,789

College Educated

55.9%

Homeownership

63.5%

Avg Commute

30.3 min

Poverty Rate

6.4%

Median Age

42.6

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Hearthstone Oroville, CA 6.6
LEROY HAYNES EDUCATIONAL CENTER La Verne, CA 6.6
PROVIDENCE SCHOOL Santa Barbara, CA 6.6
STOCKTON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Stockton, CA 6.6
SUMMERFIELD WALDORF SCHOOL AND FARM Santa Rosa, CA 6.6
Snowline Academy Phelan, CA 6.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Horizons School: Independent Study

What grades does Horizons School: Independent Study serve?

Horizons School: Independent Study serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend Horizons School: Independent Study?

Horizons School: Independent Study has an enrollment of approximately 216 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Horizons School: Independent Study?

The student-teacher ratio at Horizons School: Independent Study is 12:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Horizons School: Independent Study rank in CA?

Horizons School: Independent Study ranks #4,353 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Horizons School: Independent Study's MySchoolScout rating?

Horizons School: Independent Study has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 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 Horizons School: Independent Study?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Horizons School: Independent Study has 37% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Horizons School: Independent Study a charter school?

No, Horizons School: Independent Study is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Horizons School: Independent Study a Title I school?

No, Horizons School: Independent Study is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Horizons School: Independent Study?

39.4% of students at Horizons School: Independent Study 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
53 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
34 Some Transit
Bike Score
77 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
216
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
Teachers (FTE)
18
Free/Reduced Lunch
39.4%
Type
alternative
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Contra Costa County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
95.8%
4-Year Graduation
74.5%

District

Mt. Diablo Unified
District Enrollment
29,356
Schools in District
52
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,421
District Rank
#6 of 47

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 rate

Related reading

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.