Most Chico, CA homes are served by Chico Unified School District, which lists 12 elementary schools, 3 junior high schools, 2 high schools (Chico High School and Pleasant Valley High School), an online school and alternative programs, serving over 12,000 students. Which school a home is zoned for depends on its address, so check the district's boundary maps before you make an offer.
Chico Unified schools
According to the district's website, Chico Unified (CUSD) serves over 12,000 students. Schools listed on the district site:
- Elementary: Chapman, Citrus, Emma Wilson, Hooker Oak, McManus, Little Chico Creek, Marigold, Neal Dow, Parkview, Rosedale, Shasta and Sierra View. Loma Vista Early Learning Center is also listed with the elementary sites.
- Junior high: Bidwell Junior High, Chico Junior High and Marsh Junior High.
- High school: Chico High School and Pleasant Valley High School.
- Alternative and other programs: Academy For Change, Fair View High School, Oak Bridge Academy and Oakdale School.
The district office is at 1163 East Seventh Street, Chico, CA 95928, phone (530) 891-3000.
How do I find the school for a specific address?
Do not rely on a listing or a neighbor's memory. School assignment follows district boundary maps, and boundaries can change. Use the boundary maps on the CUSD website, or call the district office to confirm a specific address before you write an offer. I can send you the district link for any home you're touring.
How do I enroll a student?
CUSD has a New Student Enrollment page and an online enrollment portal on its website. It also has pages for preschool and kindergarten registration. Start at the district enrollment page and confirm dates and required documents with the district.
Third-party school rankings
These are statewide rankings published by SchoolDigger, a third-party site, using 2025-26 test scores. They are not my opinion or an endorsement. A ranking reflects test scores only. It does not describe a school's programs, teachers or fit for any student. A lower or higher number is not a reason to choose or avoid a home, so visit the school and ask the district before you decide.
| School | Grades | SchoolDigger statewide rank |
|---|---|---|
| Chapman Elementary | K-5 | 4,391st of 5,817 elementary schools |
| Citrus Avenue Elementary | K-5 | 4,353rd of 5,817 elementary schools |
| Emma Wilson Elementary | K-5 | 1,961st of 5,817 elementary schools |
| Hooker Oak Elementary | K-5 | 1,453rd of 5,817 elementary schools |
| Little Chico Creek Elementary | K-5 | 2,695th of 5,817 elementary schools |
| Marigold Elementary | K-5 | 2,810th of 5,817 elementary schools |
| McManus Elementary | K-5 | 4,384th of 5,817 elementary schools |
| Neal Dow Elementary | K-5 | 1,563rd of 5,817 elementary schools |
| Parkview Elementary | K-5 | 1,001st of 5,817 elementary schools |
| Rosedale Elementary | K-5 | 2,529th of 5,817 elementary schools |
| Shasta Elementary | K-5 | 1,310th of 5,817 elementary schools |
| Sierra View Elementary | K-5 | 1,085th of 5,817 elementary schools |
| Bidwell Junior High | 6-8 | 843rd of 2,740 middle schools |
| Chico Junior High | 6-8 | 1,143rd of 2,740 middle schools |
| Marsh Junior High | 6-8 | 687th of 2,740 middle schools |
| Chico High School | 9-12 | 327th of 2,135 high schools |
| Pleasant Valley High School | 9-12 | 401st of 2,135 high schools |
SchoolDigger does not rank alternative programs such as Oakdale, Academy For Change or Oak Bridge Academy. A rank of 1st is the highest in the state.
Beyond K-12
Chico is home to California State University, Chico, and Butte College serves the surrounding area. If you are weighing neighborhoods near campus, read the Around Chico State guide.
How do schools fit into choosing a Chico home?
Schools are one factor next to commute, parks and budget. Visit a school and read the district's own information alongside any third-party ranking. Describing a home by its address, lot and location lets you compare fairly. Browse all Chico communities or see the neighborhoods guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What school district is Chico, CA in?
Most of Chico is in Chico Unified School District (CUSD). The district also serves certain unincorporated areas nearby. Confirm an address with the district.
How many high schools does Chico Unified have?
Two main comprehensive high schools, Chico High School and Pleasant Valley High School, plus alternative programs listed on the district website.
How do I find which elementary school a Chico home is zoned for?
Use the boundary maps on the CUSD website or call the district office at (530) 891-3000 with the home's address.
Where do Chico schools rank?
SchoolDigger publishes statewide rankings based on test scores, listed on this page. They are a third-party measure of test scores only, not my opinion, so visit schools and ask the district before you decide.
How do I enroll my child in a Chico school?
Start with the district's New Student Enrollment page and online enrollment portal. Kindergarten and preschool have their own registration pages.
School names, programs and boundaries change, so confirm everything with Chico Unified before relying on it. Looking at homes in Chico? Call or text me at 707-672-6549. Happy to help.
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