Golden Valley High School is a high school located within the Merced Union High School District in the community of Merced, California, United States. The school first opened in August 1994, with its first class of seniors graduating on June 5, 1996.
Serving 1,917 students in grades 9-12, Golden Valley High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 11% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is equal to the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 91% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,917 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 98% (Top 5% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 11% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Golden Valley High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Golden Valley High School's student population of 1,917 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 90 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,917 students
Total Classroom Teachers
90 teachers
Year Founded
1994
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Calendar
School Motto
Cougar PRIDE is more than a slogan, it is a way of life here.
Average Class Size
25 students
School Rankings
Golden Valley High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Golden Valley High School is 0.45, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#7472 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
11%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
9%
12%
Hispanic
73%
56%
Black
5%
5%
White
9%
20%
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
98%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)27.1%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
73%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cougar
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Valley High School's ranking?
Golden Valley High School is ranked #7472 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Golden Valley High School often compared to?
Golden Valley High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Merced High School, El Capitan High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
11% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 35% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Golden Valley High School?
The graduation rate of Golden Valley High School is 98%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Golden Valley High School?
1,917 students attend Golden Valley High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Golden Valley High School students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Asian, 9% of students are White, 5% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Golden Valley High School?
Golden Valley High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is equal to the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Golden Valley High School offer ?
Golden Valley High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Golden Valley High School part of?
Golden Valley High School is part of Merced Union High School District.
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