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#6456 of 9,533 schools in CA

Modesto High

High School · Modesto City High

18 H St., Modesto, CA 95351

Enrollment

2,405

Student-Teacher

21.7:1

Score

5.6

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Modesto

#41 of 70

public schools

California high schools

#1,383 of 1,892

In district

#3 of 8

Modesto City High

About Modesto High

Modesto High serves 2,405 students in grades 9-12 in Modesto, California, making it one of the larger high schools in Stanislaus County. With 111 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 21.7:1, providing a traditional public high school experience in this mid-size city setting. The school faces academic challenges with room for growth, particularly in mathematics where 12% of students perform at proficient levels or above, while English Language Arts shows stronger performance with 40% of students meeting proficiency standards.

With a MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 out of 10 and ranking in the 29th percentile among California high schools, Modesto High is working to support student achievement across all subject areas. The school draws from a diverse community where the median household income is $52,525 and median home values reach $284,000. The surrounding neighborhood reflects the broader economic challenges of the Central Valley, with a 22.5% poverty rate and 8% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher.

Despite these socioeconomic factors, Modesto High continues to serve as an important educational anchor in this community of nearly 48,000 residents, providing comprehensive high school programming in the heart of California's agricultural region.

What Parents Should Know

Modesto High is a large school with 2,405 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.

The student-teacher ratio at Modesto High is 21.7:1, 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress2.4Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-3.13 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.2Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency11.6%
Reading/ELA Proficiency39.8%
Math vs. State Avg-16.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-16.1 pts
Overall Proficiency26%
Expected (poverty-adj.)29%
vs. Expected-3.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile33th
College Readiness8.6Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation0.1%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment5.7Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.7:1

Modesto High — Students at Modesto High score 26% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

80.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 18.5%
School
State
31.8%
ELA Proficiency 47.1%
School
State
51.5%

Based on 8 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
26%
ELA
56%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
53%
2024
Math
11.6%
ELA
39.8%

* 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: 2.4/10.

How Modesto High Compares

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

Overall Score
5.6/10
32th percentile in CA
Academic
5.2/10
5.2/10
Growth
2.4/10
Below average
Environment
5.7/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
80%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
111 teachers

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs IB Programme
0.1% participation·434 IB enrolled·CRDC 2020-21

Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

18 H St., Modesto, CA 95351

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Modesto High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.8/10, 1.2 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Stanislaus Alternative Charter (rated 4.9/10, 1.0 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Aspire Vanguard College Preparatory Academy (rated 4.4/10, 0.9 miles away, in nearby Oakland), a more accessible option. For more schools in Modesto, see our Modesto schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.9 mi
School Distance Rating
James Marshall Elementary Modesto 0.6 mi 6.3
Aspire University Charter Modesto 0.9 mi 4.4
Aspire Vanguard College Preparatory Academy Oakland 0.9 mi 4.4
Franklin Elementary Modesto 0.8 mi 6.9
Mark Twain Junior High Modesto 0.8 mi 6.6
Stanislaus Alternative Charter Modesto 1.0 mi 4.9
Robertson Road Elementary Modesto 1.3 mi 5.2
Harriette Kirschen Elementary Modesto 1.3 mi 5.4
Burbank Elementary Modesto 1.3 mi 6.1
CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Modesto 1.2 mi 5.8
ST STANISLAUS CATHOLIC SCHOOL Modesto 1.3 mi 6.4
St. Stanislaus School Modesto 1.3 mi
Shackelford Elementary Modesto 1.5 mi 8.0
Enslen Elementary Modesto 1.6 mi 7.9
Evelyn Hanshaw Middle Modesto 1.8 mi 7.0
Bret Harte Elementary Modesto 1.9 mi 7.2
Wilson Elementary Modesto 1.8 mi 5.5
Roosevelt Junior High Modesto 2.2 mi 6.3
John Fremont Elementary Modesto 2.3 mi 8.3
Tuolumne Elementary Modesto 1.9 mi 6.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 95351 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$56,869

Median Home Value

$315,700

Median Rent

$1,376/mo

Population

47,232

College Educated

8.1%

Homeownership

48.7%

Avg Commute

30.6 min

Poverty Rate

21.1%

Median Age

29.6

Community Profile

The community surrounding Modesto High has a median household income of $56,869. It is a community where 8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $315,700, with a median rent of $1,376/month. The area has a poverty rate of 21.1%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 31 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
Anaheim High Anaheim, CA 5.6
Florin High Sacramento, CA 5.6
Franklin High Elk Grove, CA 5.6
Granite Hills High Apple Valley, CA 5.6
Grant Union High Sacramento, CA 5.6
Hillcrest High Riverside, CA 5.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Modesto High

What grades does Modesto High serve?

Modesto High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Modesto High?

Modesto High has an enrollment of approximately 2,405 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Modesto High?

The student-teacher ratio at Modesto High is 21.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Modesto High rank in CA?

Modesto High is ranked #6456 out of 9,533 schools in CA.

What is Modesto High's MySchoolScout rating?

Modesto High has a composite rating of 5.6 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 Modesto High?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Modesto High has 18.5% math proficiency and 47.1% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Modesto High a charter school?

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

Is Modesto High a Title I school?

No, Modesto High is not currently a Title I school.

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

80.4% of students at Modesto 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
79 Very Walkable
Transit Score
49 Some Transit
Bike Score
66 Bikeable
City Safety
High (3,128/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Modesto). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,405
Student-Teacher Ratio
21.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
111
Free/Reduced Lunch
80.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Stanislaus County
Data Year
2023–2024

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.

Read our full methodology

Related reading

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