River Valley Charter School is a charter junior high/high school established in 1996 in Lakeside, California. It is a part of the Lakeside Union School District, LUSD. It is based on a partial-independent study program, in which most students attend two class days per week.
Serving 231 students in grades 7-12, River Valley Charter ranks in the top 20% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-74% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 231 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 31%
- Graduation Rate: 80-89% (Btm 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
River Valley Charter ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
River Valley Charter's student population of 231 students has declined by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 12 teachers has declined by 20% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
Total Students
231 students
Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
Year Founded
1997
School Calendar
School Rankings
River Valley Charter ranks within the top 20% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of River Valley Charter is 0.47, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#1004 out of 9523 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
12%
Hispanic
24%
56%
Black
2%
5%
White
69%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-89%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
21%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (19-20)
1%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is River Valley Charter's ranking?
River Valley Charter is ranked #1004 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in California.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of River Valley Charter?
The graduation rate of River Valley Charter is 80-89%, which is lower than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend River Valley Charter?
231 students attend River Valley Charter.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of River Valley Charter students are White, 24% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of River Valley Charter?
River Valley Charter has a student ration of 19:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does River Valley Charter offer ?
River Valley Charter offers enrollment in grades 7-12
What school district is River Valley Charter part of?
River Valley Charter is part of River Valley Charter School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
River Valley Charter is an exceptional, award winning school, offering the highest academic scores and achievements, for those who are interested in combining a public and homeschool environment. The children who attend are respectful and well-behaved. The teachers truly care for each student and demonstrate their concern by offering individualized tutoring and communicating well with the parents. Their student to teacher ratio is only 18:1 which is invaluable to the student. If there is a downside, I haven't found it. This school is not recommended for children who do not want an education or for parents who are unable to homeschool their child on the independent study days. It is the perfect blend of technology, acdemics, and support, served up in an atmosphere of peaceful safety where children smile.
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