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#4822 of 9,539 schools in CA

Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning

High School · Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning District

505 Main St., Nevada City, CA 95959

Charter

Enrollment

197

Student-Teacher

14.1:1

Score

6.3

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#4,822 of 9,539

In Nevada City

#6 of 8

public schools

School environment

9.6 / 10

Excellent

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Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning

6.3/10

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

Forest Charter

6.6/10

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

Seven Hills Intermediate

6.7/10

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

About Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning

Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning is a public high school in Nevada City, CA, part of Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning District. Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning serves approximately 197 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 14.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.3 out of 10 and ranks #4,822 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning show 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 78% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

How it comparesOn par with CA schools
  • This school 6.3 · Average
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

At 197 students, Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning 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.

Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress1.7Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-3.34 pts/yr
Data Period2018–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics8.1Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency35.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency66.7% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg+7.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+10.8 pts
Overall Proficiency51% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)44% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+6.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile71th
College Readiness6.3Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
AP Participation13.2%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.6Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,122
Chronic Absenteeism25.4%

Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning — Students at Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning score 51% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

53.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 42.3% (multi-year average, 2018-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 78.3% (multi-year average, 2018-2024)
School
State
51.5% (2024 CAASPP)

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.

2018
Math
49.5%
ELA
90%
2019
Math
49.5%
ELA
90%
2024
Math
35.1%
ELA
66.7%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.7/10.

How Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning Compares

See how Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.3/10
50th percentile in CA
Academic
8.1/10
Excellent
Growth
1.7/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
9.6/10
Excellent
AP Courses
2
State avg: 2.6
Sports
4
2 boys' · 2 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
54%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
14 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
25.4%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
13.2% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics4sports offered
2 boys'·2 girls'·4 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 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

505 Main St., Nevada City, CA 95959

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning may also want to explore other high schools in the area. William & Marian Ghidotti High (rated 8.8/10, 2.5 miles away, in nearby Grass Valley), which scores notably higher. Another option is Bitney Prep High (rated 7.4/10, 2.6 miles away, in nearby Grass Valley), which scores notably higher. Additionally, North Point Academy (rated 6.5/10, 2.7 miles away, in nearby Grass Valley), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Nevada City, see our Nevada City schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Forest Charter Nevada City 0.7 mi 6.6
Seven Hills Intermediate Nevada City 1.0 mi 6.7
Nevada County Special Education Nevada City 1.0 mi 4.9
Twin Ridges Home Study Charter Nevada City 1.2 mi 7.1
Deer Creek Elementary Nevada City 1.1 mi 6.9
Earle Jamieson Educational Options Nevada City 1.3 mi
Bitney Prep High Grass Valley 2.6 mi 7.4
William & Marian Ghidotti High Grass Valley 2.5 mi 8.8
Echo Ridge Christian School Nevada City 2.3 mi
ECHO RIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Nevada City 2.3 mi 5.5
Nevada Union High Grass Valley 2.6 mi 5.0
North Point Academy Grass Valley 2.7 mi 6.5
Union Hill Elementary Grass Valley 4.3 mi 5.5
Union Hill Middle Grass Valley 4.3 mi 8.2
Grass Valley Charter Grass Valley 4.1 mi 5.3
Bell Hill Academy Grass Valley 4.3 mi 8.7
Silver Springs High (Continuation) Grass Valley 4.4 mi 6.3
Lyman Gilmore Middle Grass Valley 4.2 mi 5.2
Mount St. Mary Academy Grass Valley 4.4 mi
Margaret G. Scotten Elementary Grass Valley 4.3 mi 5.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 95959 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$79,509

Median Home Value

$603,200

Median Rent

$1,715/mo

Population

18,017

College Educated

45.4%

Homeownership

77.4%

Avg Commute

21 min

Poverty Rate

10.2%

Median Age

54.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Alliance Tennenbaum Family Technology High Los Angeles, CA 6.3
Alta Vista Alternative High Santa Barbara, CA 6.3
Black Diamond High (Continuation) Pittsburg, CA 6.3
Ferndale High Ferndale, CA 6.3
GRAUER SCHOOL THE Encinitas, CA 6.3
MISSION COLLEGE PREP HIGH SCHOOL San Luis Obispo, CA 6.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning

What grades does Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning serve?

Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning?

Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning has an enrollment of approximately 197 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning?

The student-teacher ratio at Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning is 14.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning rank in CA?

Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning ranks #4,822 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning's MySchoolScout rating?

Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.3 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 Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning has 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 78% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

Is Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning a charter school?

Yes, Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning a Title I school?

No, Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning?

53.8% of students at Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning 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
78 Very Walkable
Bike Score
33 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
197
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
14
Free/Reduced Lunch
53.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Town
County
Nevada County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
25.4%
4-Year Graduation
90%+

District

Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning District
District Enrollment
197
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,122
District Rank
#1 of 1

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