School district · Butte County

Chico Unified schools

Chico Unified’s 18 public elementary schools have Scope Scores from 67 to 86. Its 8 middle schools have Scope Scores from 65 to 82. Its 5 high schools have Scope Scores from 57 to 82.

75 is the typical California school. 100 is the best result in the state.

Inspire School of Arts and Sciences · campus drawing © OpenStreetMap contributors

Schools

29

listed public schools. We score 18 elementary, eight middle and five high.

Students

14,351

in the October 2024–25 enrollment count.

Spending

$17,653

per student in 2024–25. The typical California district spent $20,491.

The path

What is the path through the district?

Chico Unified has 18 elementary schools, eight middle schools and five high schools that we score.

Elementary

18schools

Scope Scores from 67 to 86.

See the elementary schools ↓

Middle

8schools

Scope Scores from 65 to 82.

See the middle schools ↓

High · 5 schools

Each score compares a school with California schools at its own level. The levels are not one ranking. Confirm the school for your address, grade and program with the district.

Elementary schools

Which elementary schools in Chico Unified score highest?

Parkview Elementary is highest, with a Scope Score of 86. That is higher than 88 in 100 California elementary schools we score.

AdvancedProficientBelow the standardEnglish and math tests combined

  1. Rank 1

    Parkview Elementary

    Chico · Grades K–5 · 406 students

    39% below the standard

    Scope Score 86Strong · 88th percentile

  2. Rank 2

    Nord CountryCharter

    Chico · Grades K–8 · 213 students · Check how it admits students.

    23% below the standard

    Scope Score 86Strong · 86th percentile

  3. Rank 3

    Shasta Elementary

    Chico · Grades K–5 · 621 students

    43% below the standard

    Scope Score 81Solid · 74th percentile

  4. Rank 4

    Hooker Oak Elementary

    Chico · Grades K–5 · 337 students · Check how it admits students.

    43% below the standard

    Scope Score 80Solid · 73rd percentile

  5. Rank 5

    Sierra View Elementary

    Chico · Grades K–5 · 428 students · Check how it admits students.

    35% below the standard

    Scope Score 80Solid · 72nd percentile

  6. Rank 6

    Emma Wilson Elementary

    Chico · Grades K–5 · 597 students

    52% below the standard

    Scope Score 80Solid · 72nd percentile

  7. Rank 7

    Neal Dow Elementary

    Chico · Grades K–5 · 364 students

    46% below the standard

    Scope Score 80Solid · 71st percentile

  8. Rank 8

    Chico Country DayCharter

    Chico · Grades K–8 · 585 students · Check how it admits students.

    45% below the standard

    Scope Score 79Solid · 68th percentile

  9. Rank 9

    Wildflower Open ClassroomCharter

    Chico · Grades K–8 · 183 students · Check how it admits students.

    49% below the standard

    Scope Score 78Solid · 63rd percentile

  10. Rank 10

    Marigold Elementary

    Chico · Grades Pre–K–5 · 571 students

    58% below the standard

    Scope Score 77Solid · 58th percentile

Show the other 8 elementary schools

  1. Rank 11

    Rosedale Elementary

    Chico · Grades K–5 · 563 students

    55% below the standard

    Scope Score 74Developing · 45th percentile

  2. Rank 12

    Sherwood MontessoriCharter

    Chico · Grades K–8 · 116 students · Check how it admits students.

    65% below the standard

    Scope Score 73Developing · 39th percentile

  3. Rank 13

    Chapman Elementary

    Chico · Grades K–5 · 311 students

    72% below the standard

    Scope Score 73Developing · 36th percentile

  4. Rank 14

    Forest Ranch CharterCharter

    Forest Ranch · Grades K–8 · 110 students · Check how it admits students.

    60% below the standard

    Scope Score 72Developing · 29th percentile

  5. Rank 15

    Citrus Avenue Elementary

    Chico · Grades K–5 · 383 students

    71% below the standard

    Scope Score 71Developing · 26th percentile

  6. Rank 16

    Little Chico Creek Elementary

    Chico · Grades K–5 · 471 students

    58% below the standard

    Scope Score 71Needs Support · 22nd percentile

  7. Rank 17

    Blue Oak CharterCharter

    Chico · Grades K–8 · 219 students · Check how it admits students.

    73% below the standard

    Scope Score 70Needs Support · 22nd percentile

  8. Rank 18

    McManus (John A.) Elementary

    Chico · Grades K–5 · 397 students

    72% below the standard

    Scope Score 67Needs Support · 6th percentile

The average elementary school in Chico Unified had 16 in 100 students chronically absent in 2025–26. The average California elementary school we score had 17 in 100.

Each score compares a school with the 5,726 California elementary schools we score. Source: California Department of Education, state tests (CAASPP), spring 2026. Chronically absent means a student missed 10% or more of school days. Each figure is an average of school rates. Each school counts once.

Middle schools

Which middle schools in Chico Unified score highest?

Nord Country is highest, with a Scope Score of 82. That is higher than 79 in 100 California middle schools we score.

AdvancedProficientBelow the standardEnglish and math tests combined

  1. Rank 1

    Nord CountryCharter

    Chico · Grades K–8 · 213 students · Check how it admits students.

    39% below the standard

    Scope Score 82Strong · 79th percentile

  2. Rank 2

    Marsh (Harry M.) Junior High

    Chico · Grades 6–8 · 716 students

    49% below the standard

    Scope Score 81Strong · 77th percentile

  3. Rank 3

    Bidwell Junior High

    Chico · Grades 6–8 · 1,012 students

    53% below the standard

    Scope Score 80Strong · 76th percentile

  4. Rank 4

    Chico Country DayCharter

    Chico · Grades K–8 · 585 students · Check how it admits students.

    49% below the standard

    Scope Score 80Solid · 72nd percentile

  5. Rank 5

    Wildflower Open ClassroomCharter

    Chico · Grades K–8 · 183 students · Check how it admits students.

    49% below the standard

    Scope Score 79Solid · 70th percentile

  6. Rank 6

    Chico Junior High

    Chico · Grades 6–8 · 861 students

    59% below the standard

    Scope Score 76Solid · 56th percentile

  7. Rank 7

    Blue Oak CharterCharter

    Chico · Grades K–8 · 219 students · Check how it admits students.

    70% below the standard

    Scope Score 75Developing · 48th percentile

  8. Rank 8

    Oakdale

    Chico · Grades K–12 · 92 students · Check how it admits students.

    94% below the standard

    Scope Score 65Needs Support · 1st percentile

The average middle school in Chico Unified had 24 in 100 students chronically absent in 2025–26. The average California middle school we score had 18 in 100.

1 middle school not ranked statewide

It is compared only with other alternative schools, so it is listed apart.

Each score compares a school with the 2,529 California middle schools we score. Source: California Department of Education, state tests (CAASPP), spring 2026.

High schools

Which high schools in Chico Unified score highest?

Inspire School of Arts and Sciences is highest, with a Scope Score of 82. That is higher than 77 in 100 California high schools we score.

AdvancedProficientBelow the standardEnglish and math tests combined

  1. Rank 1

    Inspire School of Arts and SciencesCharter

    Chico · Grades 9–12 · 332 students · Check how it admits students.

    42% below the standard

    Scope Score 82Strong · 77th percentile

  2. Rank 2

    Pleasant Valley High

    Chico · Grades 9–12 · 1,978 students

    40% below the standard

    Scope Score 80Solid · 71st percentile

  3. Rank 3

    Chico High

    Chico · Grades 9–12 · 1,804 students

    43% below the standard

    Scope Score 79Solid · 68th percentile

  4. Rank 4

    Oak Bridge Academy

    Chico · Grades K–12 · 188 students · Check how it admits students.

    73% below the standard

    Scope Score 66Needs Support · 11th percentile

  5. Rank 5

    Oakdale

    Chico · Grades K–12 · 92 students · Check how it admits students.

    94% below the standard

    Scope Score 57Needs Support · bottom 1%

The average high school in Chico Unified had 31 in 100 students chronically absent in 2025–26. The average California high school we score had 22 in 100.

2 high schools not ranked statewide

Continuation schools and court and community schools enroll students differently from a regular school, so each is compared only with its own kind or not ranked.

Each score compares a school with the 1,498 California high schools we score. Source: California Department of Education, state tests (CAASPP), spring 2025. The state called the top two levels Exceeded and Met in spring 2025.

Against California

How does the district compare with California?

16 in 100 students at the average elementary school here were chronically absent. The California figure is 17 in 100.

Students who miss a lot of school

Average elementary school, students in 100

Chico Unified16 in 100
California17 in 100

Students from low-income families

Qualify for free or reduced-price meals

Chico Unified55%
California63%

Spending per student

Day-to-day spending, 2024–25

Chico Unified$17,653
Typical district$20,491

English learners who moved up a level

On the state’s English test (ELPAC)

Chico Unified53%
California47%

Absence: averages of school rates, each elementary school counted once, 2025–26. Meals: 7,834 of 14,345 students, 2024–25, summed from the state’s meal counts for every school listed under the district, charters included. Spending: day-to-day spending per student in average daily attendance, 2024–25. The typical district is the middle one when California districts are put in order. English learners: From spring 2025 to spring 2026, 53% of the district’s English learners moved up at least one level on the state’s English test (ELPAC), or stayed at the top (303 of 569 students). California: 47%. It counts students moving up the test’s levels, so a student can count here before becoming fluent. Source: California Department of Education, English learner progress files.

The district

Where does Chico Unified’s money go?

About 62 cents of every Chico Unified dollar went to classroom instruction.

$17,653

spent per student in the 2024–25 school year. The typical California district spent $20,491.

Every dollar, by what it paid for

  • Instruction62%
  • Student services12%
  • Buildings & maintenance10%
  • Instruction support9%
  • Administration6%
  • Other1%

The district’s 2026–27 spending plan puts $53.3 million into 34 funded actions in 4 goals. That is 22% of its $240.5 million general fund budget. These are planned amounts. The district reports what it spent in a later plan.

Spending is day-to-day spending per student in average daily attendance, from the district’s annual financial report (SACS) to the California Department of Education, 2024–25. It covers the whole district, including central administration. Shares are rounded so they add up to 100. Planned amounts are from the yearly spending plan (LCAP) as posted to the California School Dashboard.

State records

Who attends, and is the state giving extra help?

14,351 students were enrolled in the October 2024–25 count. The state is giving Chico Unified extra help in 2026, the second year after it qualified on the 2025 Dashboard.

Who goes to the district’s schools

  • White 52%
  • Hispanic or Latino 29%
  • Two or more races 8%
  • Asian 4%
  • Other or not reported 7%
October 2024–25 enrollment count, including the district’s charter schools. Source: California Department of Education.

Is the state giving the district extra help?

The state is giving Chico Unified extra help in 2026, the second year after it qualified on the 2025 Dashboard.

State results from the 2026 California School Dashboard. Source: District help (CDE).

7 schools getting state support, 2025–26

This list covers the district’s own schools; each charter school’s page shows its record. Federal designation under the Every Student Succeeds Act, 2025–26. Source: School support (CDE).

Common questions

What do parents ask about this district?

  • Are the public schools in Chico Unified good?

    Chico Unified’s 18 public elementary schools have Scope Scores from 67 to 86. Of those, 2 are Strong, 8 are Solid, 5 are Developing and 3 are Needs Support. Chico Unified’s 8 public middle schools have Scope Scores from 65 to 82. Of those, 3 are Strong, 3 are Solid, 1 is Developing and 1 is Needs Support. Chico Unified’s 5 public high schools have Scope Scores from 57 to 82. Of those, 1 is Strong, 2 are Solid and 2 are Needs Support. 75 is the typical California school. 100 is the best result in the state. How we score schools.

  • Which public schools in Chico Unified rank highest?

    Parkview Elementary is the highest elementary school, with a Scope Score of 86. It is Strong, at the 88th percentile. Nord Country is the highest middle school, with a Scope Score of 82. It is Strong, at the 79th percentile. Inspire School of Arts and Sciences is the highest high school, with a Scope Score of 82. It is Strong, at the 77th percentile. Each score compares a school with the California schools at the same level we score. A rank doesn’t decide fit or whether a child can enroll.

  • How does chronic absence in Chico Unified compare with California?

    The average elementary school in Chico Unified had 16 in 100 students chronically absent in 2025–26. The average California elementary school we score had 17 in 100. Chronically absent means a student missed 10% or more of school days. Each figure is an average of school rates. Each school counts once. The average middle school in Chico Unified had 24 in 100 students chronically absent in 2025–26. The average California middle school we score had 18 in 100. The average high school in Chico Unified had 31 in 100 students chronically absent in 2025–26. The average California high school we score had 22 in 100.

  • How much does Chico Unified spend per student?

    Chico Unified spent $17,653 per student in the 2024–25 school year. The typical California district spent $20,491. About 62 cents of every Chico Unified dollar went to classroom instruction. Day-to-day spending per student in average daily attendance, from its annual financial report to the California Department of Education. The district’s spending, by function.

  • What is in Chico Unified’s 2026–27 spending plan?

    The district’s 2026–27 spending plan puts $53.3 million into 34 funded actions in 4 goals. That is 22% of its $240.5 million general fund budget. Its largest goal holds $41.7 million, 78% of the action budgets. The 2026–27 plan, goal by goal.

  • Does living in the Chico Unified district decide which school my child attends?

    Not by itself. Attendance boundaries, programs, transfers and space all matter. Confirm the school for your address, grade and program with the district.

  • Where do these results come from?

    The test results are from California’s state tests (CAASPP). They are from spring 2026 for elementary and middle schools. The results are from spring 2025 for high schools. Chronic-absence rates are for 2025–26. The California Department of Education publishes both. Percentiles, bands and Scope Scores are SchoolScope’s calculations. How we score schools.

Next

Which places nearby can you look at next?

Schools in Chico

Every public school with a Chico address.

Compare schools

See the same numbers for each school.

Open the map

See these schools on the map.

Cities in the district

Districts nearby

Sources and methodology

This page lists the public schools governed and funded by Chico Unified, with the district’s spending and state records.

Data source: California Department of Education · CAASPP 2025–26 elementary and middle school; 2024–25 high school

Percentiles, bands and Scope Scores are SchoolScope’s own calculations from these state files.

View CDE data ↗ (opens in a new tab)How Scope Scores work →

State tests are the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), springs 2025 and 2026.

Download these schools (CSV) Free to use under CC BY 4.0 with attribution.