East Bay’s A+ Schools
East Bay’s A+ Schools
It’s no secret that families move to certain East Bay communities for the schools, and now a new ranking of California’s districts confirms they made the right choice.
Niche, a data analysis firm, recently released its list of the top 100 public school districts in California, and four in the East Bay burbs ranked among the best. Acalanes Union High School District placed at #8, followed by Pleasanton Unified (#13), Piedmont Unified (#16) and San Ramon Valley Unified (#27.)
The impressive Acalanes Union High School District in the Lamorinda area also earned high marks for specific attributes: It’s the 7th best district in the state for athletes, and the 9th best for having quality teachers. Its high schools include Miramonte in Orinda, Campolindo in Moraga, Las Lomas in Walnut Creek and Acalanes in Lafayette.
Niche calculates its rankings based on “rigorous analysis of academic and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with test scores, college data and ratings collected from millions of Niche users.” Metrics include college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality and more.
Dublin High's sports complex
More AP Classes, Improved Scores
In other good school news, the number of high school graduates scoring well on Advanced Placement courses continues to climb in the East Bay. The College Board recently released its 7th Annual AP District Honor Roll, and guess who’s on it? San Ramon Valley Unified, Dublin Unified and Hayward Unified. Districts were recognized for expanding access to AP classes and increasing the percentage of students scoring a 3 or higher on AP exams.
Advocates Inspire and Reform
Of course, scores alone don’t tell the whole story, and we applaud the efforts of education advocates who are working to bring equality across the East Bay. Read this Christian Science Monitor article about the inspirational founder of Roses in Concrete Community School, an urban charter school with a dual-language curriculum in East Oakland. And check out what Go Public Schools West Contra Costa County is doing. GOWCC was created in 2015 by parents, educators and other supporters working toward positive change. Read more on GOWCC’s website.
Innovation in education inspires us at all grade levels. For example, seven East Bay schools were named as Model Continuation High Schools by state schools chief Tom Torlakson in February. The schools recognized for preparing at-risk students for 21st century careers and college were Black Diamond High School in Pittsburg, Core Learning Academy at Conley-Caraballo High School in Hayward, Del Valle Continuation High School in Livermore, Liberty High School in Benicia; Robertson Continuation High School in Fremont, Vicente Martinez High School in Martinez and Village High School in Pleasanton. Congratulations!
For more information about East Bay schools, check out one of our favorite resources: GreatSchools.org.
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Questions about local schools? Contact any of our Abio Properties agents, many of whom have school-age children, at 888-400-ABIO (2246) or email us at [email protected].
Credits: San Ramon High School photo, Jon 'ShakataGaNai' Davis. Dublin High photo, Creative Commons.