Skip to main content

Average

#6683 of 9,539 schools in CA

Valley Life Charter

School · Valley Life Charter District

3737 West Walnut Ave., Visalia, CA 93277

Charter

Enrollment

678

Student-Teacher

16.1:1

Score

5.3

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#6,683 of 9,539

In Visalia

#32 of 50

public schools

School environment

9.4 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Valley Life Charter?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Valley Life Charter

5.3/10

School in Visalia · grades Kindergarten – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Visalia Technical Early College

9.1/10

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

Veva Blunt Elementary

6.1/10

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

About Valley Life Charter

Valley Life Charter is a public school in Visalia, CA, part of Valley Life Charter District. Valley Life Charter serves approximately 678 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-12th, and has a 16.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Valley Life Charter has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 out of 10 and ranks #6,683 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Valley Life Charter show 31% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 44% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

What's said publicly about Valley Life Charter

Sources: School's website

Synthesized from public, attributable sources. Updated April 2026. Reviewed for accuracy.

Valley Life Charter is a free public charter school established in 2011 1 . Its mission focuses on providing authentic opportunities for students to apply skill sets for decision-making, emphasizing the whole student through academics and the visual and performing arts 1 . The school incorporates the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People into its educational approach to foster leadership 1 . Academic programs include a Visual and Performing Arts curriculum that begins in transitional kindergarten (TK), offering instruction in music, dance, and visual arts 1 . A Spanish language program also starts in TK and continues through 8th grade 1 . Athletics are available for students in grades 6-8 1 . Additionally, the school offers an Independent Study Program for students from TK through 12th grade, which combines weekly in-person teacher meetings with independent home study 1 .
Sources (1)
  1. www.vlcs.org
Generated by AI from public sources. Every claim is grounded in a cited source. Report inaccuracy
How it compares1.0 pts below CA schools
  • This school 5.3 · Average
  • CA avg 6.3

What Parents Should Know

Valley Life Charter 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 Progress5.5Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data4
Annual Change-1.59 pts/yr
Data Period2018–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.2Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency31.2% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency42.6% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-14.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-0.2 pts
Overall Proficiency37% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)57% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-20.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile34th
College Readiness2.5Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.4Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,607
Chronic Absenteeism11.2%

Valley Life Charter — Students at Valley Life Charter score 37% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 57%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

30.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 31.3% (multi-year average, 2018-2024)
School
State
36.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 44.3% (multi-year average, 2018-2024)
School
State
45.8% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 20 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
36%
ELA
52%
2019
Math
36%
ELA
52%
2022
Math
26.1%
ELA
42.8%
2024
Math
30.7%
ELA
42.4%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.5/10.

How Valley Life Charter Compares

See how Valley Life Charter performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.3/10
30th percentile in CA
Academic
5.2/10
Average
Growth
5.5/10
Average
Environment
9.4/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
31%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
42 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
11.2%

Programs & Offerings

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

3737 West Walnut Ave., Visalia, CA 93277

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Valley Life Charter may also want to explore other schools in the area. University Preparatory High (rated 9.4/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Visalia Technical Early College (rated 9.1/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Visalia Charter Independent Study (rated 8.6/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Visalia, see our Visalia schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.8 mi
School Distance Rating
Visalia Technical Early College Visalia 0.5 mi 9.1
Veva Blunt Elementary Visalia 0.6 mi 6.1
Crestwood Elementary Visalia 0.7 mi 5.1
Royal Oaks Elementary Visalia 0.7 mi 4.0
Linwood Elementary Visalia 0.9 mi 5.6
La Joya Middle Visalia 0.9 mi 5.7
VISALIA MONTESSORI SCHOOL Visalia 1.0 mi 7.2
El Diamante High Visalia 0.9 mi 7.3
Visalia Montessori School Visalia 1.0 mi
University Preparatory High Visalia 1.2 mi 9.4
GREENHOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Visalia 1.4 mi
Visalia Charter Independent Study Visalia 1.3 mi 8.6
Cottonwood Creek Elementary Visalia 1.5 mi 6.5
Central Valley Christian School Society Visalia 1.3 mi
Divisadero Middle Visalia 1.4 mi 5.0
Willow Glen Elementary Visalia 1.6 mi 4.8
Sequoia High Visalia 2.0 mi 5.9
Creekside Community Day Visalia 2.0 mi
Conyer Elementary Visalia 1.8 mi 5.4
GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Visalia 1.8 mi 5.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 93277 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$79,532

Median Home Value

$320,500

Median Rent

$1,406/mo

Population

53,406

College Educated

23.1%

Homeownership

60.5%

Avg Commute

20.5 min

Poverty Rate

10.6%

Median Age

35.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
California Virtual Academy @ Sonoma Simi Valley, CA 5.3
Sage Oak Charter School - South Redlands, CA 5.3
Heartwood Charter Petaluma, CA 5.2
MARANATHA CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS San Diego, CA 5.2
NEWPORT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Newport Beach, CA 5.4
ROSE & ALEX PILIBOS ARMENIAN SCHOOL Los Angeles, CA 5.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Valley Life Charter

What grades does Valley Life Charter serve?

Valley Life Charter serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend Valley Life Charter?

Valley Life Charter has an enrollment of approximately 678 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Valley Life Charter?

The student-teacher ratio at Valley Life Charter is 16.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Valley Life Charter rank in CA?

Valley Life Charter ranks #6,683 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Valley Life Charter's MySchoolScout rating?

Valley Life Charter has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 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 Valley Life Charter?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Valley Life Charter has 31% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 44% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

Is Valley Life Charter a charter school?

Yes, Valley Life Charter is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Valley Life Charter a Title I school?

No, Valley Life Charter is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Valley Life Charter?

30.8% of students at Valley Life Charter 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
57 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
51 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
678
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
42
Free/Reduced Lunch
30.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Tulare County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
11.2%

District

Valley Life Charter District
District Enrollment
678
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,607
District Rank
#1 of 1

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.