For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 2,399 students in 96073, CA (there are 1 private school, serving 486 private students). 81% of all K-12 students in 96073, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in 96073, CA are Junction Elementary School, North Cow Creek Elementary School and Chrysalis Charter. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 96073 have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 62% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in 96073, CA have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best 96073, CA Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Junction Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
9087 Deschutes Rd.
Palo Cedro, CA 96073
(530) 547-3274
Palo Cedro, CA 96073
(530) 547-3274
Gr: K-8 | 416 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #22.
North Cow Creek Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
10619 Swede Creek Rd.
Palo Cedro, CA 96073
(530) 549-4488
Palo Cedro, CA 96073
(530) 549-4488
Gr: K-8 | 270 students Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #33.
Chrysalis Charter
Charter School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
21945 Old Forty-four Dr.
Palo Cedro, CA 96073
(530) 547-9726
Palo Cedro, CA 96073
(530) 547-9726
Gr: K-8 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #44.
Foothill High School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
9733 Deschutes Rd.
Palo Cedro, CA 96073
(530) 547-1700
Palo Cedro, CA 96073
(530) 547-1700
Gr: 9-12 | 1,487 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 96073, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in 96073, CA include Junction Elementary School, North Cow Creek Elementary School and Chrysalis Charter.
How many public schools are located in 96073?
4 public schools are located in 96073.
What percentage of students in 96073 go to public school?
81% of all K-12 students in 96073 are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in 96073?
96073 public schools minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.