For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 8,658 students in Atwater, CA (there are 4 private schools, serving 303 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Atwater, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Atwater, CA are Peggy Heller Elementary School, Elmer Wood Elementary School and Thomas Olaeta Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Atwater, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Atwater have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Atwater, CA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Peggy Heller Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
201 Lake View Dr.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6517
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6517
Gr: K-8 | 712 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #22.
Elmer Wood Elementary School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1271 West Bellevue Rd.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6143
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6143
Gr: K-6 | 514 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #33.
Thomas Olaeta Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2266 High St.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6148
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6148
Gr: K-6 | 374 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #44.
Shaffer Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1434 California St.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6145
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6145
Gr: K-6 | 405 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #55.
Atwater Senior Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1800 Juniper Ave.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6515
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6515
Gr: 6-8 | 5 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
Rank: #66.
Mitchell Elementary School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1761 Grove Ave.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6112
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6112
Gr: K-6 | 528 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #77.
Aileen Colburn Elementary School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2201 Heller St.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6136
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6136
Gr: K-6 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #88.
Bellevue Elementary School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1020 East Bellevue Rd.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6140
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6140
Gr: K-6 | 599 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #99.
Mitchell Intermediate
(Math: 21% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1753 Fifth St.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6124
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6124
Gr: 7-8 | 744 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #1010.
Bellevue Senior Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1020 East Bellevue Rd.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6140
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6140
Gr: 7-8 | 178 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #1111.
Buhach Colony High School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1800 Buhach Rd.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 325-1400
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 325-1400
Gr: 9-12 | 1,704 student Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #1212.
Atwater High School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2201 Fruitland Ave.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 325-1200
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 325-1200
Gr: 9-12 | 2,029 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: n/an/a
661 East Juniper Ave.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-9930
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-9930
Gr: K-6 | 495 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Atwater, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in Atwater, CA include Peggy Heller Elementary School, Elmer Wood Elementary School and Thomas Olaeta Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Atwater?
13 public schools are located in Atwater.
What percentage of students in Atwater go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Atwater are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Atwater?
Atwater public schools minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Atwater are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Atwater include: Buhach Colony High School vs. Atwater High School, Atwater High School vs. Buhach Colony High School
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