Top Rankings
Sierra Sands Unified School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in California for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Most diverse schools (Top 1%)
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
For the 2025-26 school year, there are 2 public middle schools serving 1,228 students in Sierra Sands Unified School District. This district's average middle testing ranking is 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public middle schools in California.
Public Middle Schools in Sierra Sands Unified School District have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the California public middle school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 46% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 50% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public middle school average of 78% (majority Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (CA)
# Schools
11 Schools
3,495 Schools
# Students
5,122 Students
1,852,730 Students
# Teachers
241 Teachers
87,758 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
21:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Sierra Sands Unified School District, which is ranked #1071 of all 1,908 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.
Overall District Rank
#1028 out of 1932 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
29%
Graduation Rate
78%
87%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.65
0.64
% American Indian
1%
1%
% Asian
3%
11%
% Hispanic
33%
55%
% Black
7%
5%
% White
49%
22%
% Hawaiian
1%
n/a
% Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $19,944 in this school district is less than the state median of $19,979. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $13,945 is less than the state median of $18,400. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Total Revenue
$102 MM
$116,387 MM
Spending
$71 MM
$107,188 MM
Revenue / Student
$19,944
$19,979
Spending / Student
$13,945
$18,400
Best Sierra Sands Unified School District Public Middle Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Murray Middle School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
200 East Drummond Ave.
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(760) 499-1820
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(760) 499-1820
Gr: 6-8 | 686 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #22.
James Monroe Middle School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
340 West Church St.
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(760) 499-1830
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(760) 499-1830
Gr: 6-8 | 542 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Recent Articles
Charter Schools vs Public Schools 2025: Key Differences & Trends
Explore updated 2025 insights comparing charter schools vs public schools, enrollment, academic outcomes, funding, and real-world examples for families and educators.
Are Public Schools Ready for the 21st Century? 2025 Update
Explore 2025 insights on whether public schools are ready for the 21st century, covering performance, technology, equity, funding, and future-ready learning.
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide
A parent-focused guide to the public school open house and enrollment season, with expert questions, timelines, and decision tips.
