Below Average
#7767 of 9,533 schools in CA
Nevada Union High
High School · Nevada Joint Union High
11761 Ridge Rd., Grass Valley, CA 95945
Enrollment
1,457
Student-Teacher
23.9:1
Score
4.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,457
Student-Teacher
23.9:1
Score
4.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Grass Valley
#19 of 21
public schools
California high schools
#1,646 of 1,892
In district
#4 of 5
Nevada Joint Union High
About Nevada Union High
Nevada Union High serves 1,457 students in grades 9-12 in Grass Valley, California, operating with 61 full-time equivalent teachers and a student-teacher ratio of 23.9:1. This regular public high school holds a MySchoolScout rating of 5.8 out of 10 and ranks in the 53rd percentile statewide, placing it at #4,477 among California's 9,566 schools. Academically, the school shows solid performance in English Language Arts, with 58% of students achieving proficiency or above across grade levels.
Mathematics presents more significant challenges, with 29% of students meeting proficiency standards, indicating room for growth in STEM subjects. The school's overall academic score of 6.7 out of 10 reflects these mixed results. Nevada Union High sits in a community where the median household income is $59,943 and about one-third of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher.
The local poverty rate stands at 12.5%, while median home values reach $474,100, suggesting a mix of economic circumstances among families in the area. Located on Ridge Road in this Nevada County town of nearly 27,400 residents, the school serves a community nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, where students experience both small-town familiarity and access to the natural beauty of Northern California.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Nevada Union High is 23.9:1, 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
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Nevada Union High — Students at Nevada Union High score 43% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 53%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
39.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 8 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: 3.7/10.
How Nevada Union High Compares
See how Nevada Union High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 39% (2019) to 28.53% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 71% (2019) to 57.74% (2024).
Location
11761 Ridge Rd., Grass Valley, CA 95945
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Nevada Union High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Bitney Prep High (rated 8.3/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is William & Marian Ghidotti High (rated 7.6/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Silver Springs High (Continuation) (rated 6.7/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Grass Valley, see our Grass Valley schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| North Point Academy Grass Valley | 0.1 mi | 4.2 |
| ECHO RIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Nevada City | 0.4 mi | 5.5 |
| Echo Ridge Christian School Nevada City | 0.4 mi | — |
| William & Marian Ghidotti High Grass Valley | 0.5 mi | 7.6 |
| Bitney Prep High Grass Valley | 0.8 mi | 8.3 |
| Grass Valley Charter Grass Valley | 1.7 mi | 6.7 |
| Lyman Gilmore Middle Grass Valley | 1.6 mi | 6.3 |
| Earle Jamieson Educational Options Nevada City | 1.5 mi | — |
| Bell Hill Academy Grass Valley | 1.8 mi | 8.1 |
| Nevada County Special Education Nevada City | 1.6 mi | 6.0 |
| Deer Creek Elementary Nevada City | 1.6 mi | 5.3 |
| Seven Hills Intermediate Nevada City | 1.6 mi | 5.9 |
| Margaret G. Scotten Elementary Grass Valley | 1.7 mi | 4.5 |
| Mount St. Mary Academy Grass Valley | 1.9 mi | — |
| Silver Springs High (Continuation) Grass Valley | 2.0 mi | 6.7 |
| Yuba River Charter Grass Valley | 1.8 mi | 7.5 |
| Forest Charter Nevada City | 2.0 mi | 4.6 |
| John Muir Charter Grass Valley | 2.3 mi | 6.4 |
| Union Hill Elementary Grass Valley | 2.6 mi | 6.7 |
| Union Hill Middle Grass Valley | 2.6 mi | 7.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 95945 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$61,068
Median Home Value
$496,600
Median Rent
$1,420/mo
Population
27,675
College Educated
32.4%
Homeownership
56.4%
Avg Commute
20.1 min
Poverty Rate
14.1%
Median Age
49.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Nevada Union High has a median household income of $61,068. It is an area where 32% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $496,600, with a median rent of $1,420/month. The area has a poverty rate of 14.1%. The average commute for residents is 20 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 |
|---|---|
| Arleta High Arleta, CA | 4.9 |
| CHRISTIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL Sacramento, CA | 4.9 |
| Cabrillo High Lompoc, CA | 4.9 |
| Center High Antelope, CA | 4.9 |
| Cesar Chavez High Stockton, CA | 4.9 |
| Grace M. Davis High Modesto, CA | 4.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Nevada Union High
What grades does Nevada Union High serve?
Nevada Union High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Nevada Union High?
Nevada Union High has an enrollment of approximately 1,457 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Nevada Union High?
The student-teacher ratio at Nevada Union High is 23.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Nevada Union High rank in CA?
Nevada Union High is ranked #7767 out of 9,533 schools in CA.
What is Nevada Union High's MySchoolScout rating?
Nevada Union High has a composite rating of 4.9 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 Nevada Union High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Nevada Union High has 30.3% math proficiency and 59.9% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Nevada Union High a charter school?
No, Nevada Union High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Nevada Union High a Title I school?
No, Nevada Union High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Nevada Union High?
39.3% of students at Nevada Union 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,457
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 23.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 61
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 39.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Nevada County
- Phone
- (530) 273-4431
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Nevada Joint Union High- District Enrollment
- 2,544
- Schools in District
- 5
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $19,126
- District Rank
- #4 of 5
Other Schools in This District
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.
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