For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 1,096 students in Modoc County, CA.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Modoc County, CA are Surprise Valley Elementary School, Modoc County Special Education and High Desert Community Day. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Modoc County, CA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the California public elementary school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 45% statewide average). Elementary schools in Modoc County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of California public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Modoc County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Surprise Valley Elementary School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
470 Lincoln St.
Cedarville, CA 96104
(530) 279-6141
Cedarville, CA 96104
(530) 279-6141
Gr: K-7 | 42 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #22.
Modoc County Special Education
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
139 Henderson St.
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-7110
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-7110
Gr: K-12
Rank: #33.
High Desert Community Day
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
802 North East St.
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-7201
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-7201
Gr: 6-10 | 4 students Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #44.
Shasta View Academy
Charter School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
675 Shasta View Dr.
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-3861
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-3861
Gr: K-12 | 491 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #55.
Alturas Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
809 West Eighth St.
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-7201
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-7201
Gr: K-5 | 357 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #66.
Modoc Middle School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
906 West Fourth St.
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-7201
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-7201
Gr: 6-8 | 202 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Modoc County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
205 Ash Valley Rd.
Adin, CA 96006
(530) 299-3271
Adin, CA 96006
(530) 299-3271
Gr: K-3 | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Great Basin High (Continuation School) (Closed 2017)
Alternative School
Ann And Lincoln St.
Cedarville, CA 96104
(530) 279-2387
Cedarville, CA 96104
(530) 279-2387
Modoc County Community - Alturas (Closed 2017)
Alternative School
139 Henderson St
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-7103
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-7103
Gr: K-12
Modoc County Community - Tulelake (Closed 2017)
Alternative School
461 Second St.
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-7103
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-7103
Gr: K-6
Modoc County Community School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
139 Henderson St.
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-7146
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-7146
Gr: 8-11 | 9 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Modoc County Juvenile Court (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
Corner Of Co Rds. 82 & 161
Canby, CA 96015
(530) 233-5215
Canby, CA 96015
(530) 233-5215
Gr: K-12 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
214 W. First St.
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-3861
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-3861
Gr: K-12 | 108 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
30611 Whitmore Rd.
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-3861
Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-3861
Gr: K-12 | 459 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Hwy 395 And County Rd 45
Likely, CA 96116
(530) 233-7201
Likely, CA 96116
(530) 233-7201
Gr: K-5 | 17 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Surprise Valley Community Day (Closed 2017)
Alternative School
Garfield St.
Cedarville, CA 96104
(530) 279-6161
Cedarville, CA 96104
(530) 279-6161
Gr: 5-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Modoc County, CA?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Modoc County, CA include Surprise Valley Elementary School, Modoc County Special Education and High Desert Community Day.
How many public elementary schools are located in Modoc County?
6 public elementary schools are located in Modoc County.
What is the racial composition of students in Modoc County?
Modoc County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles

School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.

Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.

Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.