- Cesar Chavez Junior High — Grades 7–8 · 685 students
- Mae Hensley Junior High — Grades 7–8 · 636 students
- Blaker-Kinser Junior High — Grades 7–8 · 603 students
- Central Valley High — Grades 9–12 · 2,317 students
- Ceres High — Grades 9–12 · 1,660 students
- Argus High (Continuation) — Grades 9–12 · 189 students
- Whitmore Charter High — Grades 9–12 · 96 students
- Lucas Elementary — Grades K–6 · 668 students
- Caswell Elementary — Grades K–6 · 653 students
- Virginia Parks Elementary — Grades K–6 · 643 students
- Sinclear Elementary — Grades K–6 · 581 students
- Samuel Vaughn Elementary — Grades K–6 · 570 students
- M. Robert Adkison Elementary — Grades K–6 · 531 students
- Walter White Elementary — Grades K–6 · 526 students
- Carroll Fowler Elementary — Grades K–6 · 522 students
- La Rosa Elementary — Grades K–6 · 516 students
- Patricia Kay Beaver Elementary — Grades K–8 · 503 students
- Don Pedro Elementary — Grades K–6 · 439 students
- Whitmore Charter School of Art & Technology — Grades K–8 · 435 students
- Joel J. Hidahl Elementary — Grades K–6 · 393 students
- Westport Elementary — Grades K–6 · 364 students
- Endeavor Alternative — Grades K–12 · 98 students
- Ceres Special Education — Grades K–12 · 37 students
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| Metric | Ceres Unified School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 24 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $15,700/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Near average |
About Ceres Unified School District
Ceres Unified School District serves zip code 95307, covering Ceres, California with grades Kindergarten – 12th. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Funding and Resources
Ceres Unified School District reports per-pupil expenditure of approximately $15,700 per year, placing it near the California state average of approximately $16,500 and above the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Above-average spending generally translates to more instructional resources per student, stronger program variety at the middle and high school levels, and better-maintained facilities. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 24 schools, Ceres Unified School District operates as a large district serving students from Kindergarten – 12th. Large districts typically provide broad program variety: multiple course tracks at the high school level, dedicated arts and athletic programs, specialized learning pathways, and a wider range of student support services. Individual school quality within a large district can vary considerably — always research your specific assigned school, not just district-level averages.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
Ceres Unified School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 3/10, placing it in the below average tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2017–18 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because California is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Ceres Unified School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical California benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 95307
Children in zip code 95307 are assigned to Ceres Unified School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Kindergarten – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 95307, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Ceres Unified School District at (209)556-1500 or visit www.ceres.k12.ca.us. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — California districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Ceres
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Ceres Unified School District serves zip code 95307, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 95307. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In California, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Ceres Unified School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 95307.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Ceres Unified School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 95307 data.