For the 2026 school year, there are 35 public schools serving 15,483 students in Chico, CA (there are 8 private schools, serving 964 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Chico, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Chico, CA are Sierra View Elementary School, Inspire School Of Arts And Sciences and Pleasant Valley High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Chico, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Chico have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Chico, CA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sierra View Elementary School
Alternative School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1598 Hooker Oak Ave.
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3117
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3117
Gr: K-5 | 428 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #22.
Inspire School Of Arts And Sciences
Charter School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
335 West Sacramento Ave.
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3090
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3090
Gr: 9-12 | 332 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #33.
Pleasant Valley High School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1475 East Ave.
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3050
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3050
Gr: 9-12 | 1,978 student Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #44.
Parkview Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1770 East Eighth St.
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 891-3114
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 891-3114
Gr: K-5 | 406 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #55.
Nord Country
Charter School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
5554 California St.
Chico, CA 95973
(530) 891-3138
Chico, CA 95973
(530) 891-3138
Gr: K-8 | 213 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #66.
Chico High School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
901 Esplanade
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3026
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3026
Gr: 9-12 | 1,804 student Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #77.
Neal Dow Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1420 Neal Dow Ave.
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3110
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3110
Gr: K-5 | 364 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #88.
Rosedale Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
100 Oak St.
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 891-3104
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 891-3104
Gr: K-5 | 563 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #99.
Shasta Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
169 Leora Ct.
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3141
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3141
Gr: K-5 | 621 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #1010.
Marsh (Harry M.) Junior High School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2253 Humboldt Rd.
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 895-4110
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 895-4110
Gr: 6-8 | 716 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #1111.
Wildflower Open Classroom
Charter School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2414 Cohasset Rd. Ste. 3
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 892-1676
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 892-1676
Gr: K-8 | 183 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #1212.
Paradise Charter Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
6473 Clark Rd.
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 872-7277
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 872-7277
Gr: 6-8 | 143 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #1313.
Chico Country Day
Charter School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
102 West 11th St.
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 895-2650
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 895-2650
Gr: K-8 | 585 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #1414.
Academy For Change
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
290 East Ave.
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3092
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3092
Gr: 6-12 | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #1515.
Bidwell Junior High School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2376 North Ave.
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3080
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3080
Gr: 6-8 | 1,012 student Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #1616.
Chico Junior High School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
280 Memorial Way
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3066
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3066
Gr: 6-8 | 861 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #1717.
Marigold Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2446 Marigold Ave.
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3121
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3121
Gr: K-5 | 571 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #18 - 1918. - 19.
Achieve Charter School Of Chico
Charter School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1494 East Ave.
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 872-4100
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 872-4100
Gr: K-8 | 222 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #18 - 1918. - 19.
Hooker Oak Elementary School
Alternative School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1238 Arbutus Ave.
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3119
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3119
Gr: K-5 | 337 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #2020.
Blue Oak Charter
Charter School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
450 West East Ave.
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 879-7483
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 879-7483
Gr: K-8 | 219 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #2121.
Emma Wilson Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1530 West Eighth Ave.
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3297
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3297
Gr: K-5 | 597 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #2222.
Core Butte Charter
Charter School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2847 Notre Dame Blvd.
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 894-3952
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 894-3952
Gr: K-12 | 916 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #2323.
Little Chico Creek Elementary School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2090 Amanda Way
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 891-3285
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 891-3285
Gr: K-5 | 471 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #2424.
Sherwood Montessori
Charter School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1010 Cleveland Ave.
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 345-6600
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 345-6600
Gr: K-8 | 116 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #2525.
Oak Bridge Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1350 East Lassen Ave.
Chico, CA 95973
(530) 897-8877
Chico, CA 95973
(530) 897-8877
Gr: K-12 | 188 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #2626.
Achieve Charter School Of Paradise Inc.
Charter School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
771 Elliott Rd.
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 762-2599
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 762-2599
Gr: K-8 | 169 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #2727.
Pivot Charter School North Valley Ii
Charter School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1350 East Ninth St. Ste. 150
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 636-4479
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 636-4479
Gr: 6-12 | 105 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #28 - 2928. - 29.
Citrus Avenue Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1350 Citrus Ave.
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3107
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3107
Gr: K-5 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #28 - 2928. - 29.
Mcmanus (John A.) Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
988 East Ave.
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3128
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3128
Gr: K-5 | 397 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #3030.
Butte County Community
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
500 Orient St. Ste. 105
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 879-7411
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 879-7411
Gr: K-12 | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #3131.
Chapman Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1071 East 16th St.
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 891-3100
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 891-3100
Gr: K-5 | 311 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #3232.
Center For Alternative Learning
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
290 East Ave.
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3092
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3092
Gr: 6-12 | 34 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #3333.
Oakdale
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
290 East Ave.
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3092
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3092
Gr: K-12 | 92 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #3434.
Fair View High (Continuation School)
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
290 East Ave.
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3092
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3092
Gr: 9-12 | 95 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: n/an/a
Butte County Rop
Vocational School
2491 Carmichael Dr. Ste. 100
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 879-7462
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 879-7462
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Chico, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in Chico, CA include Sierra View Elementary School, Inspire School Of Arts And Sciences and Pleasant Valley High School.
How many public schools are located in Chico?
35 public schools are located in Chico.
What percentage of students in Chico go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Chico are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Chico?
Chico public schools minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Chico are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Chico include: Pleasant Valley High School vs. Chico High School, Chico High School vs. Pleasant Valley High School, Marsh (Harry M.) Junior High School vs. Bidwell Junior High School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
