| Metric | Alameda City Unified School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 8,830 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 16 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $15,700/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | — | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 9/10 — Excellent | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alameda City Unified School District (this district) | 9/10 | 89th | 8,830 |
| Alameda Unified School District | 9/10 | 89th | 10,000 |
| Napa Valley Unified School District | 5/10 | 46th | 16,174 |
| Liberty Union High School District | 7/10 | 63rd | 8,233 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 963 rated districts in CA → 89th percentile → 9/10.
Source: California Dept. of Education CAASPP Smarter Balanced, 2023–24 school year. Full methodology →
About Alameda City Unified School District
Families in zip code 94502 (Alameda, California) are assigned to Alameda City Unified School District for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in California spend approximately $15,700 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), above the national average (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Above-average spending generally translates to more instructional resources per student, stronger program variety at the middle and high school levels, and better-maintained facilities. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 16 schools serving approximately 8,830 students, Alameda City Unified School District is a mid-sized district. Contact Alameda City Unified School District to learn about available programs and services.
Understanding the 9/10 Rating
With a rating of 9/10 (excellent), Alameda City Unified School District ranks among California’s top-tier-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in California’s CAASPP Smarter Balanced assessments (2023–24 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because California is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Alameda City Unified School District ranks among the highest-performing public school districts in California on state assessments, with reading and math proficiency rates in roughly the top 10–20% statewide. Homes in and around zip code 94502 often carry a measurable premium relative to neighboring areas served by lower-rated districts. Families moving here for academic strength will find a district whose students test well above the state norm. Even within top-rated districts, individual school performance varies — confirm your specific school assignments directly with the district.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 94502
Children in zip code 94502 are assigned to Alameda City Unified School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 94502, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Alameda City Unified School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — California districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Alameda
For families considering a purchase in the Alameda area, district assignment matters financially. Because Alameda City Unified School District serves zip code 94502, homes in and around zip code 94502 often carry a measurable premium over comparable properties in adjacent lower-rated districts. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In California, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Alameda City Unified School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 94502.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Alameda City Unified School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 94502 data.