Hemet Unified

The Hemet Unified School District in California encompasses 27 schools, including 16 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 6 high schools, and 1 alternative school. The district serves a diverse student population with varying levels of academic performance, from standout schools to those struggling to meet proficiency standards.

One clear standout in the district is Western Center Academy, a public charter high school that consistently ranks among the top 5% of high schools in California. This school boasts exceptional academic achievement, with 97.47% of 11th graders proficient or better in English Language Arts and 67.09% proficient or better in Math. In contrast, other high schools in the district, such as Alessandro High, struggle with low graduation rates and alarmingly high chronic absenteeism rates of up to 94.8%. The district also has a strong-performing elementary/middle school, Idyllwild, which ranks in the top 40% of California schools and excels in both English Language Arts and Math.

Across the district, there are stark disparities in academic performance, with some schools achieving high proficiency rates while others languish in the single digits. This suggests significant inequities that need to be addressed. Chronic absenteeism also emerges as a major issue, particularly at the high school level. The data indicates that schools serving high-poverty populations tend to struggle the most, underscoring the need for targeted support and resources to help these campuses improve. However, the success of Western Center Academy demonstrates that alternative school models can be highly effective in this district.