Schools in Shasta County

School quality is often a top concern for families relocating to a new area. Shasta County has a range of options—from well-regarded public districts to private and charter alternatives. Here's what you need to know.

Public School Districts

Shasta County is served by multiple school districts, each with its own character. The district your children attend depends on where you live, so understanding the options helps you choose the right neighborhood.

Shasta Union High School District

The main high school district serving greater Redding area. Includes:

• Shasta High School — Located in central Redding, strong athletics and academics
• Enterprise High School — East Redding/Shasta Lake area, growing campus
• Foothill High School — Palo Cedro/east county, known for strong community involvement
• Central Valley High School — Shasta Lake City, smaller campus feel

Elementary & Middle School Districts

Several feeder districts serve elementary and middle school students:

District	Area Served	Notes
Shasta Union Elementary	Central Redding	Multiple elementary schools, established neighborhoods
Enterprise Elementary	East Redding	Growing district, newer developments
Gateway Unified	Shasta Lake, Central Valley	K-8 unified district
Pacheco Union Elementary	West Redding	Smaller district, community-focused
Junction Elementary	Palo Cedro area	Feeds into Foothill High
Anderson Union High	Anderson	Serves Anderson and southern county
Cascade Union Elementary	Anderson	Multiple elementary schools

Private Schools

Several private schools serve families looking for alternatives to public education:

Religious Affiliated

• Liberty Christian School — K-12, largest private school in the area
• Redding Christian School — K-8, smaller class sizes
• St. Joseph's Catholic School — K-8, established Catholic education
• Seventh-Day Adventist School — K-8, faith-based curriculum

Independent

• North State Parent Teacher Partnership — Hybrid homeschool support
• Redding School of the Arts — Arts-focused charter

Private school tuition typically ranges from $5,000-$12,000 per year depending on the school and grade level—significantly less than Bay Area private school costs.

Charter Schools

Charter schools offer additional public education alternatives:

• Redding School of the Arts — Focus on arts integration, K-8
• North State Charter — Independent study model
• Stellar Charter School — Personalized learning approach
• Chrysalis Charter School — Project-based learning

Charter schools are tuition-free and open to all students, though some have waitlists. If a specific charter interests you, apply early.

Higher Education

Shasta County has local options for higher education:

• Shasta College — Community college in Redding, strong transfer programs to CSUs and UCs, career/technical education, beautiful campus
• Simpson University — Private Christian university, undergraduate and graduate programs
• National University (satellite) — Adult and professional programs

For students planning to attend a four-year university, Chico State is about an hour south, and UC Davis is about two hours away.

What Families Should Know

School Boundaries Matter

Unlike some states, California school assignment is primarily based on where you live. If you want your kids in a specific school, you need to buy or rent within that school's boundaries. I can help you search homes specifically within the districts you're targeting.

Inter-District Transfers

California does allow inter-district transfers in some cases, but approval isn't guaranteed. If a specific school is non-negotiable for your family, living within the boundaries is the safest approach.

School Quality Varies

Like anywhere, school quality varies. Test scores and ratings are one data point, but they don't tell the whole story. Smaller schools often provide more individual attention. Many parents here value the community feel and outdoor education opportunities that larger metro areas can't offer.

Sports & Activities

Shasta County schools offer typical sports programs—football, basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, track. The area is also known for outdoor activities integrated into PE and after-school programs (fishing clubs, hiking, mountain biking). If your kids are into competitive sports, club teams exist for soccer, baseball, and other sports.

Questions to Ask When Touring Schools

If you're visiting schools before your move, consider asking:

• What's the student-to-teacher ratio?
• How do you support students transferring in mid-year?
• What after-school programs are available?
• How do students typically get to school (bus routes, biking, walking)?
• What makes this school different from others in the area?