Merced Union High School District operates schools (grades 09–12). Individual school names, addresses, and attendance zone boundaries are available directly from the district.
| Metric | Merced Union High School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 9 | 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 |
- Atwater High — Grades 9–12 · 2,029 students
- Merced High — Grades 9–12 · 1,943 students
- Golden Valley High — Grades 9–12 · 1,917 students
- El Capitan High — Grades 9–12 · 1,793 students
- Buhach Colony High — Grades 9–12 · 1,704 students
- Livingston High — Grades 9–12 · 1,169 students
- Yosemite High (Continuation) — Grades 9–12 · 342 students
- Independence High (Alternative) — Grades 9–12 · 87 students
- Sequoia High — Grades 9–12 · 77 students
About Merced Union High School District
Merced Union High School District is the public school district assigned to zip code 95348 in Merced Union, California. Serving students from 9th – 12th, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 95348. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Funding and Resources
According to NCES 2024–2025, Merced Union High School District spends approximately $15,700 per student 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
At multiple schools serving grades 9th – 12th, Merced Union High School District qualifies as a district of unknown size serving students from 9th – 12th. Contact Merced Union High School District to learn about available programs and services.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
With a rating of 3/10 (below average), Merced Union High School District ranks among California’s below average-rated school systems. 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.
Merced Union High 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 95348
Children in zip code 95348 are assigned to Merced Union High School District for public school enrollment, covering grades 9th – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 95348, 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 Merced Union High School District at (209)325-2000 or visit www.muhsd.org. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. 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 Merced Union
For families considering a purchase in the Merced Union area, district assignment matters financially. Because Merced Union High School District serves zip code 95348, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 95348. 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 Merced Union High 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 95348.
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 Merced Union High School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 95348 data.