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Below Average

#7618 of 9,539 schools in CA

Mesquite Continuation High

High School · Sierra Sands Unified

140 West Drummond, Ridgecrest, CA 93555

Enrollment

103

Student-Teacher

20.6:1

Score

4.8

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#7,618 of 9,539

In Ridgecrest

#4 of 10

public schools

In district

#5 of 10

Sierra Sands Unified

Academic growth

8.7 / 10

Excellent

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Mesquite Continuation High

4.8/10

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

Heritage Montessori School

5.9/10

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

Ridgecrest Montessori Children's House

Nearby

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

About Mesquite Continuation High

Mesquite Continuation High is a public high school in Ridgecrest, CA, part of Sierra Sands Unified. Mesquite Continuation High serves approximately 103 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 20.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Mesquite Continuation High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10 and ranks #7,618 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Mesquite Continuation High show 8% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 18% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.8 pts below district
  • This school 4.8 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.5
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

At 103 students, Mesquite Continuation High is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Test scores at Mesquite Continuation High sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

Mesquite Continuation 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 metrics
Student Progress8.7Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data11
Annual Change-0.49 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics2.2Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency4.7% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency13.6% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-23.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-42.3 pts
Overall Proficiency9% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)28% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-18.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile6th
College Readiness3.5Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate37%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment5.1Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,168

Mesquite Continuation High — Students at Mesquite Continuation High score 9% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 28%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

82.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 8.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 18.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
51.5% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 24 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
10%
ELA
24.5%
2010
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2011
Math
10%
ELA
10%
2015
Math
5%
ELA
24.5%
2016
Math
5%
ELA
15%
2017
Math
5%
ELA
5%
2018
Math
10%
ELA
30%
2019
Math
10%
ELA
30%
2020*
Math
5%
ELA
15%
2021*
Math
5%
ELA
15%
2024
Math
4.7%
ELA
13.6%

* 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: 8.7/10.

How Mesquite Continuation High Compares

See how Mesquite Continuation High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.8/10
20th percentile in CA
Academic
2.2/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
8.7/10
Excellent
Environment
5.1/10
Average
Advanced STEM
1/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
83%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
5 teachers

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses1 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

140 West Drummond, Ridgecrest, CA 93555

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Mesquite Continuation High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. ST ANN SCHOOL (rated 7.2/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is IMMANUEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 7.0/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Burroughs High (rated 6.3/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Ridgecrest, see our Ridgecrest schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.4 mi
School Distance Rating
HERITAGE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Ridgecrest 0.1 mi 5.9
Ridgecrest Montessori Children's House Ridgecrest 0.4 mi
Richmond Elementary Ridgecrest 0.5 mi 5.9
IMMANUEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Ridgecrest 0.6 mi 7.0
Murray Middle Ridgecrest 0.6 mi 4.8
St. Thomas Ridgecrest 0.8 mi
Burroughs High Ridgecrest 0.7 mi 6.3
RIDGECREST ADVENTIST ELEMENTARY Ridgecrest 0.8 mi
Ridgecrest Adventist Elementary Ridgecrest 0.8 mi
Las Flores Elementary Ridgecrest 0.9 mi 5.0
Pierce Elementary Ridgecrest 1.0 mi 3.1
Long Point Academy Ridgecrest 1.0 mi
HERITAGE MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Ridgecrest 1.1 mi
James Monroe Middle Ridgecrest 1.3 mi 4.3
St. Ann Ridgecrest 1.4 mi
ST ANN SCHOOL Ridgecrest 1.4 mi 7.2
Balas Montessori Home School Ridgecrest 1.7 mi
Ridgecrest Elem Acad for Language Music and Sci Ridgecrest 1.7 mi 4.7
Gateway Elementary Ridgecrest 2.0 mi 4.5
Faller Elementary Ridgecrest 2.4 mi 4.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 93555 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$84,141

Median Home Value

$235,400

Median Rent

$1,180/mo

Population

33,629

College Educated

30.5%

Homeownership

62.7%

Avg Commute

16.3 min

Poverty Rate

12.1%

Median Age

35.9

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
John Finney High (Continuation) Vallejo, CA 4.8
SAN GABRIEL MISSION HIGH SCHOOL San Gabriel, CA 4.8
Shasta County Independent Study Redding, CA 4.8
Tamiscal High (Alternative) Larkspur, CA 4.8
William Tell Aggeler Opportunity High Chatsworth, CA 4.8
Audeo Charter School III San Diego, CA 4.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Mesquite Continuation High

What grades does Mesquite Continuation High serve?

Mesquite Continuation High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Mesquite Continuation High?

Mesquite Continuation High has an enrollment of approximately 103 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Mesquite Continuation High?

The student-teacher ratio at Mesquite Continuation 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 Mesquite Continuation High rank in CA?

Mesquite Continuation High ranks #7,618 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Mesquite Continuation High's MySchoolScout rating?

Mesquite Continuation High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 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 Mesquite Continuation High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Mesquite Continuation High has 8% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 18% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Mesquite Continuation High a charter school?

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

Is Mesquite Continuation High a Title I school?

No, Mesquite Continuation High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Mesquite Continuation High?

82.5% of students at Mesquite Continuation 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
53 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
70 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
103
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
5
Free/Reduced Lunch
82.5%
Type
alternative
Setting
Remote Town
County
Kern County
4-Year Graduation
37.0%

District

Sierra Sands Unified
District Enrollment
5,122
Schools in District
11
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,168
District Rank
#5 of 10

How we rate schools

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