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Needs Improvement

#9388 of 9,533 schools in CA

Theodore Bird High

High School · Sonora Union High

251 South Barretta St., Sonora, CA 95370

Enrollment

90

Student-Teacher

30:1

Score

3.2

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Sonora

#8 of 8

public schools

California high schools

#1,882 of 1,892

In district

#3 of 3

Sonora Union High

About Theodore Bird High

Theodore Bird High is an alternative high school located in the remote town of Sonora, California. With a student body of just 90 students and a teacher-student ratio of 30 to 1, Theodore Bird offers a more personalized learning environment where teachers can provide individualized attention. The school's setting in Tuolumne County adds to its unique character, situated away from the hustle and bustle of larger urban centers.

While academic performance scores are currently low, with a MySchoolScout rating of 1.3 out of 10 and state rankings at the bottom percentile, Theodore Bird High is focusing on student development and offering tailored educational paths that meet diverse needs. The ELA proficiency rate stands at 26% and math proficiency at 8%, indicating areas where the school can grow and improve. Theodore Bird High is a part of the community in Sonora, providing students with an intimate learning environment in a remote setting.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 90 students, Theodore Bird High is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

The student-teacher ratio at Theodore Bird High is 30:1, 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 Progress1.7Significantly Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-4.08 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics1.8Significantly Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency5.3%
Reading/ELA Proficiency13.2%
Math vs. State Avg-22.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-42.7 pts
Overall Proficiency9%
Expected (poverty-adj.)43%
vs. Expected-34.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile3th
College Readiness6.5Above Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.8Significantly Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio30:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,368

Theodore Bird High — Students at Theodore Bird High score 9% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 43%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

55.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 7.6%
School
State
31.8%
ELA Proficiency 26.5%
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
10%
ELA
49.5%
2021*
Math
10%
ELA
30%
2024
Math
5.3%
ELA
13.2%

* 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: 1.7/10.

How Theodore Bird High Compares

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

Overall Score
3.2/10
2th percentile in CA
Academic
1.8/10
1.8/10
Growth
1.7/10
Below average
Environment
1.8/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
56%
Teaching Staff
30:1 student-teacher ratio
3 teachers

Location

251 South Barretta St., Sonora, CA 95370

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Theodore Bird High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Dario Cassina High (rated 6.1/10), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Sonora High (rated 4.1/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Sonora, see our Sonora schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 6.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Dario Cassina High Sonora 0.0 mi 6.1
Sonora Elementary Sonora 0.5 mi 4.7
Sonora High Sonora 0.7 mi 4.1
Tuolumne County Community/ISP Sonora 0.7 mi
Tuolumne County Special Education Sonora 0.7 mi 5.9
MOTHER LODE ADVENTIST JR ACADEMY Sonora 0.7 mi 5.5
Mother Lode Adventist Junior Academy Sonora 0.7 mi
Gold Ridge Educational Center Sonora 1.1 mi
Jamestown Elementary Jamestown 2.8 mi 7.2
Vance Elementary School Jamestown 3.2 mi
Columbia Elementary Columbia 3.7 mi 7.2
Safari Learning Academy Sonora 3.8 mi
SAFARI LEARNING ACADEMY Sonora 3.8 mi 5.4
Sierra Waldorf School Jamestown 4.0 mi
SIERRA WALDORF SCHOOL Jamestown 4.0 mi 5.1
Curtis Creek Elementary Sonora 4.1 mi 3.7
Gold Rush Home Study Charter Sonora 5.6 mi 5.9
Soulsbyville Elementary Soulsbyville 6.2 mi 8.2
Cornerstone Family Christian School Soulsbyville 6.3 mi
Belleview Elementary Sonora 6.9 mi 9.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 95370 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$72,433

Median Home Value

$416,200

Median Rent

$1,313/mo

Population

28,373

College Educated

24.4%

Homeownership

70.8%

Avg Commute

29.6 min

Poverty Rate

12.2%

Median Age

49.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Theodore Bird High has a median household income of $72,433. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $416,200, with a median rent of $1,313/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.2%. The average commute for residents is 30 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
Oakdale Charter Oakdale, CA 3.2
Gateway High (Continuation) Chowchilla, CA 3.5
Tehama eLearning Academy Red Bluff, CA 3.5
Elm High Fresno, CA 3.6
Vallecito Continuation High Angels Camp, CA 3.6
YESHIVA OHR ELCHONON CHABAD - WEST COAST Los Angeles, CA 3.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Theodore Bird High

What grades does Theodore Bird High serve?

Theodore Bird High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Theodore Bird High?

Theodore Bird High has an enrollment of approximately 90 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Theodore Bird High?

The student-teacher ratio at Theodore Bird High is 30:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Theodore Bird High rank in CA?

Theodore Bird High is ranked #9388 out of 9,533 schools in CA.

What is Theodore Bird High's MySchoolScout rating?

Theodore Bird High has a composite rating of 3.2 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 Theodore Bird High?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Theodore Bird High has 7.6% math proficiency and 26.5% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Theodore Bird High a charter school?

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

Is Theodore Bird High a Title I school?

No, Theodore Bird High is not currently a Title I school.

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

55.6% of students at Theodore Bird 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

City Safety
High (3,027/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
90
Student-Teacher Ratio
30:1
Teachers (FTE)
3
Free/Reduced Lunch
55.6%
Type
alternative
Setting
Remote Town
County
Tuolumne County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Sonora Union High
District Enrollment
1,092
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,423
District Rank
#3 of 3

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.

Read our full methodology

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