Merced, California is a city situated in the Central Valley of California. It is a small city with an estimated population of 83,744 as of 2019, and has an area of approximately 15 square miles. With its close proximity to UC Merced, the city is known for its access to higher education. In terms of local education, Merced City School District provides educational services to more than 11,000 students throughout Merced County. The district includes fourteen elementary schools, four middle schools and two high schools. Additionally, there are several private schools located within the city limits. According to recent ratings by BestPlaces.com, the district’s elementary, middle and high schools have been ranked above average compared to other districts in California. As such, it can be said that Merced offers good quality educational opportunities for its residents and students in the area.
Merced schools spend $8,250 per student (The US average is $12,383). There are 24 pupils per teacher, 2,668 students per librarian, and 1,472 children per counselor.