Home > California > Kern County

Sierra Sands Unified School District

Item: Sierra Sands Unified School District
Rating: 5
Author: Public School Review

113 West Felspar Ave.
Ridgecrest, CA 93555-3520

( shown in map)

Bottom 50%

Tel: (760) 499-1600

www.ssusd.org

Top Rankings

Sierra Sands Unified School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in California for:

Overview

This School District

This State (CA)

# Schools

13 Schools

10,323 Schools

# Students

4,974 Students

5,788,587 Students

# Teachers

239 Teachers

267,491 Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

21:1

Student By Grade

View Data

Comparison of Students By Grade Trends
Grade	Sierra Sands Unified School District	California
Kind	446	264
1	313	187
2	346	196
3	356	204
4	372	205
5	376	210
6	344	210
7	383	213
8	407	216
9	433	231
10	408	225
11	387	226
12	403	235

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

District Rank

Sierra Sands Unified School District, which is ranked #1079 of all 1,903 school districts in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.

The school district's graduation rate of 78% has decreased from 86% over five school years.

This School District

State Average (CA)

#1028 out of 1932 school districts
(Bottom 50%)

View Data

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

Overall School District Rank Trends
Year	Sierra Sands Unified School District
2023	#1028
2022	#1044
2021	#719
2019	#837
2018	#520
2017	#425
2016	#428
2015	#333
2014	#289
2013	#415
2012	#470
2011	#501
2010	#457

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

26%

34%

View Data

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

Math Proficiency Trends
Year	Sierra Sands Unified School District	California
2023	26%	34%
2022	25%	33%
2021	25%	34%
2019	36%	40%
2018	32%	39%
2017	33%	38%
2016	34%	37%
2015	35%	34%
2014	61%	63%
2013	60%	59%
2012	58%	59%
2011	56%	58%
2010	56%	56%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

41%

47%

View Data

Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Trends
Year	Sierra Sands Unified School District	California
2022	41%	47%
2021	39%	49%
2019	50%	51%
2018	32%	50%
2017	50%	48%
2016	49%	48%
2015	51%	44%
2014	62%	58%
2013	59%	57%
2012	58%	58%
2011	55%	56%
2010	54%	54%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

24%

29%

View Data

Science Proficiency Trends
Year	Sierra Sands Unified School District	California
2022	24%	29%
2021	24%	28%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

78%

86.2%

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

Graduation Rate Trends
Year	Sierra Sands Unified School District	California
2023	78%	86%
2022	81%	87%
2021	83%	84%
2020	87%	85%
2019	90%	84%
2018	86%	84%
2017	90%	83%
2016	91%	83%
2015	92%	89%
2014	95%	88%
2013	93%	87%
2012	90%	86%
2011	91%	83%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

(2022-23)

30.5%

27.7%

View Data

Chronic Absenteeism Rate Trends
Year	Sierra Sands Unified School District	California
2023	30.5%	27.7%
2022	37%	33%
2021	12.9%	15.4%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Students by Ethnicity:

0.66

0.63

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓

Comparison of Diversity Score Trends
Year	Sierra Sands Unified School District	California
2023	0.64	0.64
2022	0.63	0.63
2021	0.62	0.62
2020	0.60	0.64
2019	0.60	0.63
2018	0.58	0.64
2017	0.58	0.64
2016	0.57	0.64
2015	0.56	0.64
2014	0.57	0.65
2013	0.56	0.65
2012	0.56	0.65
2011	0.55	0.66
2010	0.54	0.67
2009	0.57	0.67
2008	0.52	0.65
2007	0.54	0.66
2006	0.53	0.66
2005	0.51	0.66
2004	0.48	0.67
2003	0.45	0.67
2002	0.44	0.67
2001	0.42	0.67
2000	0.41	0.67
1999	0.38	0.67
1998	0.38	0.67
1997	0.36	0.67
1996	0.37	0.67
1995	0.35	0.67
1994	0.34	0.67
1993	0.34	0.67
1992	0.32	0.67
1991	0.31	0.66
1990	0.28	0.66
1989	0.26	0.65
1988	0.28	0.65

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% American Indian

View Data

Showing 2013–2023. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓

American Indian Student Percentage Comparison (1988-2023)
Year	Sierra Sands Unified School District	California
2023	1%	1%
2022	1%	1%
2020	2%	1%
2019	2%	1%
2018	2%	1%
2017	2%	1%
2016	2%	1%
2015	1%	1%
2014	1%	1%
2013	1%	1%
2012	1%	1%
2011	2%	1%
2010	2%	1%
2009	2%	1%
2008	2%	1%
2007	3%	1%
2006	3%	1%
2005	3%	1%
2004	3%	1%
2003	2%	1%
2002	2%	1%
2001	2%	1%
2000	3%	1%
1999	3%	1%
1998	2%	1%
1997	1%	1%
1996	2%	1%
1995	1%	1%
1993	2%	1%
1992	1%	1%
1991	1%	1%
1990	2%	1%
1989	1%	1%
1988	1%	1%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Asian

12%

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓

Asian Student Percentage Comparison (1988-2023)
Year	Sierra Sands Unified School District	California
2023	4%	12%
2022	4%	12%
2021	4%	12%
2020	4%	12%
2019	4%	12%
2018	4%	12%
2017	4%	11%
2016	4%	11%
2015	5%	11%
2014	5%	11%
2013	5%	11%
2012	5%	11%
2011	5%	11%
2010	5%	11%
2009	4%	11%
2008	5%	12%
2007	6%	12%
2006	5%	12%
2005	6%	12%
2004	5%	12%
2003	5%	12%
2002	5%	11%
2001	5%	11%
2000	6%	11%
1999	4%	11%
1998	5%	11%
1997	5%	11%
1996	5%	11%
1995	5%	11%
1994	6%	11%
1993	5%	11%
1992	5%	11%
1991	4%	11%
1990	4%	10%
1989	4%	10%
1988	5%	10%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Hispanic

35%

56%

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison (1988-2023)
Year	Sierra Sands Unified School District	California
2023	32%	55%
2022	31%	56%
2021	30%	56%
2020	29%	55%
2019	29%	55%
2018	27%	54%
2017	27%	54%
2016	28%	54%
2015	26%	54%
2014	26%	53%
2013	25%	53%
2012	24%	52%
2011	23%	51%
2010	22%	50%
2009	20%	49%
2008	20%	50%
2007	20%	49%
2006	19%	48%
2005	17%	47%
2004	16%	46%
2003	15%	45%
2002	14%	44%
2001	13%	43%
2000	11%	42%
1999	11%	41%
1998	11%	40%
1997	10%	40%
1996	10%	39%
1995	10%	38%
1994	10%	37%
1993	9%	36%
1992	8%	35%
1991	8%	34%
1990	7%	33%
1989	6%	31%
1988	6%	30%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Black

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓

Black Student Percentage Comparison (1988-2023)
Year	Sierra Sands Unified School District	California
2023	6%	5%
2022	5%	5%
2021	5%	5%
2020	5%	5%
2019	5%	5%
2018	6%	5%
2017	6%	6%
2016	6%	6%
2015	6%	6%
2014	5%	6%
2013	5%	6%
2012	6%	6%
2011	6%	7%
2010	6%	7%
2009	6%	7%
2008	7%	8%
2007	7%	8%
2006	8%	8%
2005	7%	8%
2004	6%	8%
2003	6%	8%
2002	5%	9%
2001	5%	9%
2000	4%	9%
1999	4%	9%
1998	5%	9%
1997	5%	9%
1996	5%	9%
1995	4%	9%
1994	4%	9%
1993	4%	9%
1992	4%	9%
1991	4%	8%
1990	3%	9%
1989	3%	9%
1988	3%	9%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% White

46%

20%

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓

White Student Percentage Comparison (1988-2023)
Year	Sierra Sands Unified School District	California
2023	51%	21%
2022	53%	21%
2021	54%	22%
2020	56%	22%
2019	56%	23%
2018	59%	23%
2017	59%	24%
2016	59%	24%
2015	61%	25%
2014	61%	25%
2013	62%	25%
2012	62%	26%
2011	63%	27%
2010	64%	27%
2009	63%	28%
2008	66%	29%
2007	64%	30%
2006	65%	31%
2005	67%	32%
2004	70%	33%
2003	72%	34%
2002	74%	35%
2001	75%	36%
2000	76%	37%
1999	78%	38%
1998	77%	39%
1997	79%	39%
1996	78%	40%
1995	80%	41%
1994	80%	42%
1993	80%	43%
1992	82%	44%
1991	83%	46%
1990	84%	47%
1989	86%	49%
1988	85%	50%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Hawaiian

n/a

View Data

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Student Percentage Comparison (2009-2014)
Year	Sierra Sands Unified School District	California
2014	1%	1%
2013	1%	1%
2012	1%	1%
2010	1%	1%
2009	1%	1%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Two or more races

View Data

Showing 2013–2023. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓

Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison (2009-2023)
Year	Sierra Sands Unified School District	California
2023	5%	6%
2022	5%	5%
2021	4%	5%
2020	4%	5%
2019	4%	4%
2018	2%	4%
2017	2%	4%
2016	1%	4%
2014	1%	3%
2013	1%	3%
2012	1%	3%
2009	4%	3%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $24,445 in this school district is less than the state median of $26,022. The school district revenue/student has grown by 53% over four school years.

The school district's spending/student of $19,947 is less than the state median of $22,604. The school district spending/student has grown by 27% over four school years.

This School District

This State (CA)

Total Revenue

$122 MM

$150,628 MM

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Total Revenues Trends
Year	Sierra Sands Unified School District	California
2023	$122 MM	$10 MM
2022	$81 MM	$9 MM
2021	$102 MM	$8 MM
2020	$73 MM	$7 MM
2019	$70 MM	$7 MM
2018	$87 MM	$29 MM
2017	$97 MM	$26 MM
2016	$66 MM	$24 MM
2015	$54 MM	$17 MM
2014	$60 MM	$21 MM
2012	$50 MM	$19 MM
2011	$54 MM	$19 MM
2010	$54 MM	$17 MM
2009	$56 MM	$19 MM
2008	$57 MM	$19 MM
2007	$58 MM	$19 MM
2006	$48 MM	$17 MM
2005	$45 MM	$16 MM
2004	$45 MM	$16 MM
2003	$40 MM	$16 MM
2002	$45 MM	$15 MM
2001	$44 MM	$15 MM
2000	$41 MM	$13 MM
1999	$36 MM	$12 MM
1998	$37 MM	$11 MM
1997	$36 MM	$10 MM
1996	$34 MM	$9 MM
1995	$31 MM	$8 MM
1992	$28 MM	$7 MM
1990	$29 MM	$6 MM

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending

$99 MM

$130,845 MM

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Total Expenditure Trends
Year	Sierra Sands Unified School District	California
2023	$99 MM	$9 MM
2022	$80 MM	$8 MM
2021	$71 MM	$7 MM
2020	$72 MM	$7 MM
2019	$67 MM	$7 MM
2018	$89 MM	$29 MM
2017	$97 MM	$24 MM
2016	$60 MM	$23 MM
2015	$66 MM	$18 MM
2014	$54 MM	$21 MM
2012	$61 MM	$19 MM
2011	$54 MM	$19 MM
2010	$66 MM	$18 MM
2009	$64 MM	$18 MM
2008	$57 MM	$19 MM
2007	$57 MM	$18 MM
2006	$47 MM	$17 MM
2005	$43 MM	$16 MM
2004	$45 MM	$17 MM
2003	$43 MM	$15 MM
2002	$43 MM	$16 MM
2001	$43 MM	$14 MM
2000	$35 MM	$13 MM
1999	$33 MM	$11 MM
1998	$36 MM	$11 MM
1997	$35 MM	$10 MM
1996	$37 MM	$8 MM
1995	$34 MM	$8 MM
1992	$28 MM	$7 MM
1990	$27 MM	$6 MM

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Revenue / Student

$24,445

$26,022

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Average Revenue Per Student Trends
Year	Sierra Sands Unified School District	California
2023	$23,902	$21,289
2022	$15,927	$17,710
2021	$20,637	$15,669
2020	$14,135	$14,213
2019	$13,742	$14,063
2018	$17,058	$16,033
2017	$19,253	$16,692
2016	$13,264	$15,604
2015	$10,843	$10,238
2014	$12,234	$11,786
2012	$9,870	$11,929
2011	$10,413	$11,681
2010	$9,946	$10,238
2009	$10,232	$11,099
2008	$10,379	$11,762
2007	$10,194	$11,879
2006	$8,438	$10,859
2005	$8,044	$10,445
2004	$8,057	$10,566
2003	$7,150	$10,456
2002	$8,102	$9,803
2001	$7,793	$10,568
2000	$7,146	$8,943
1999	$6,020	$8,203
1998	$5,929	$7,395
1997	$5,414	$6,922
1995	$4,535	$5,953
1992	$4,101	$5,430
1990	$4,350	$5,393

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending / Student

$19,947

$22,604

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Average Expenditure Per Student Trends
Year	Sierra Sands Unified School District	California
2023	$19,504	$19,218
2022	$15,594	$16,552
2021	$14,430	$13,970
2020	$13,873	$13,602
2019	$13,085	$13,522
2018	$17,579	$16,124
2017	$19,398	$15,588
2016	$12,070	$14,779
2015	$13,291	$10,739
2014	$10,920	$11,804
2012	$12,065	$12,155
2011	$10,348	$11,509
2010	$12,191	$10,739
2009	$11,559	$10,975
2008	$10,290	$11,678
2007	$9,955	$11,317
2006	$8,167	$10,926
2005	$7,586	$10,789
2004	$7,954	$11,073
2003	$7,791	$10,210
2002	$7,711	$10,600
2001	$7,663	$10,007
2000	$6,201	$9,131
1999	$5,564	$7,911
1998	$5,627	$7,592
1997	$5,364	$6,759
1995	$5,011	$6,033
1992	$4,085	$5,588
1990	$3,995	$5,241

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many schools belong to Sierra Sands Unified School District?

Sierra Sands Unified School District manages 13 public schools serving 4,974 students.

What is the rank of Sierra Sands Unified School District?

Sierra Sands Unified School District is ranked #1079 out of 1,903 school districts in California (bottom 50%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2022-2023 school year. This district ranks in the top 20% of California school districts for: Most diverse schools (Top 1%) and Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)

What is the racial composition of students in Sierra Sands Unified School District?

46% of Sierra Sands Unified School District students are White, 35% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.

What is the student/teacher ratio of Sierra Sands Unified School District?

Sierra Sands Unified School District has a student/teacher ratio of 21:1, which is lower than the California state average of 22:1.

What is Sierra Sands Unified School District's spending/student ratio?

The school district's spending/student of $19,947 is less than the state median of $22,604. The school district spending/student has grown by 27% over four school years.

Recent Articles

October 07, 2026

How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?

Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.

October 07, 2026

Does Your Child Need More Recess?

Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.

October 07, 2026

Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know

Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.

Quick Facts (26-27)

District size: 13 schools
Grades: K-12
Enrollment: 4,974 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
Minority Enrollment: 54%
: 78% (Top 50% in CA)
: Bottom 50%
: 26% (Btm 50%)
: 41% (Btm 50%)
: 24% (Btm 50%)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education