Atwater High School

2201 Fruitland Ave.
Atwater, CA 95301
(School attendance zone shown in map)
3/
10
Bottom 50%
Atwater High School is a secondary school in Atwater, California, United States. It is a part of the Merced Union High School District. AHS competes as a member of the Central California League of the Sac-Joaquin Section.
Serving 2,029 students in grades 9-12, Atwater High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 11% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is equal to the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 2,029 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 88%
  • : 97% (Top 5% in CA)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 11% (Btm 50%)
  • : 40% (Btm 50%)
  • : 14% (Btm 50%)
  • : Atwater High serves the western part of Atwater, CA, covering an area of approximately 36.2 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of about 10-12 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 4 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, extending up to 6.5 miles at its furthest point.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Atwater High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Atwater High School's student population of 2,029 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 98 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,029 students
Total Classroom Teachers
98 teachers
Year Founded
1958
School Calendar
School Motto
Academics and Athletics with Pride and Perfection

School Rankings

Atwater High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Atwater High School is 0.31, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (CA)
#6990 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
11%
34%
40%
47%
14%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
12%
Hispanic
82%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
12%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
88%
0.31
97%
86.2%
(22-23)
27.9%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
68%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
14%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name

Sports

Colors
White, Royal blue
School Mascot
Falcon
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Atwater High School's ranking?
Atwater High School is ranked #6990 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Atwater High School often compared to?
Atwater High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Buhach Colony High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
11% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 40% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Atwater High School?
The graduation rate of Atwater High School is 97%, which is higher than the California state average of 86.2%.
How many students attend Atwater High School?
2,029 students attend Atwater High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
82% of Atwater High School students are Hispanic, 12% of students are White, 3% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Atwater High School?
Atwater High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is equal to the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Atwater High School offer ?
Atwater High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Atwater High School part of?
Atwater High School is part of Merced Union High School District.

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 2,029 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 88%
  • : 97% (Top 5%)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 11% (Btm 50%)
  • : 40% (Btm 50%)
  • : 14% (Btm 50%)
  • : Atwater High serves the western part of Atwater, CA, covering an area of approximately 36.2 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of about 10-12 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 4 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, extending up to 6.5 miles at its furthest point.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

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