Best Palo Cedro Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 2,399 students in Palo Cedro, CA (there are 1 private school, serving 486 private students). 81% of all K-12 students in Palo Cedro, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Palo Cedro, 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.
Palo Cedro, CA public schools 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 Palo Cedro have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% 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 Public Schools in Palo Cedro, CA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Junction Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
9087 Deschutes Rd.
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:
8/
10
Top 30%
10619 Swede Creek Rd.
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:
8/
10
Top 30%
21945 Old Forty-four Dr.
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:
8/
10
Top 30%
9733 Deschutes Rd.
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 Palo Cedro, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in Palo Cedro, CA include Junction Elementary School, North Cow Creek Elementary School and Chrysalis Charter.
How many public schools are located in Palo Cedro?
4 public schools are located in Palo Cedro.
What percentage of students in Palo Cedro go to public school?
81% of all K-12 students in Palo Cedro are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Palo Cedro?
Palo Cedro 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).
Which public schools in Palo Cedro are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.

Quick Links