Education

ATASCADERO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Mission of the Atascadero School District is to Empower students to be critical thinkers, life long learners, responsible citizens, and effective communicators by providing challenging and innovative educational opportunities adapted to the students’ unique needs and abilities in a safe and enriching environment under the guidance of a professional and nurturing staff

Recognized nationally for excellence, Atascadero Unified School District, is highly rated for student achievement as measured by the California Department of Education’s Academic Performance Index. This means that all Atascadero schools continue to meet and exceed state and local standards for student achievement and growth. Of the ten schools eligible for an API score, seven schools achieved scores of over 800, placing them at the state’s highest level of expectation.

Approximately 75% of the district’s students go to college upon graduation from high school. These students attend the University of California, the California State University System, private universities, as well as Cuesta Community College.

Geographically one of the largest school districts within the state, Atascadero Unified School District provides educational services to 5,030 + students. Its school composition is unique. Five of its eight elementary sites, and the Fine Arts Academy for grades 4 – 8, are located within the Atascadero city limits. Three additional sites are located in outlying areas and range in enrollment as follows: Santa Margarita (K – 6) 294, Creston (K-6) 97, and Carrisa Plains (K-8) 40. The district has one junior high school, one comprehensive high school, one continuation high school, and programs for independent studies, home schooling opportunity classes, and adult education. Parent and community support for the schools is robust.

Busing is limited in the district. Students from Pozo, Parkhill and Creston are bused into Atascadero for the junior and senior high school years. Elementary school busing is available at specific pick up points for students who live more than a mile from the school. Bus pick up points are used because of the inability of buses to go back into some residential areas in Atascadero due to the non conformity of the roads.

Student success is the cornerstone upon which we will continue to grow and prosper. The citizens and parents of Atascadero support their schools, creating an environment of excellence in which to raise the youth of today… the citizens and leaders of tomorrow.