Golden Valley High School

Golden Valley High School

Public High School | Grade 9-12
2121 E Childs Ave,  Merced, CA
Southeast Merced Neighborhood
Merced Union High School District
3.8
5.0
1,917 Students
B
Niche Grade

School Details

Head of School
Kevin Swartwood
Student Teacher Ratio
21:1
Average SAT Score
1060
Average ACT Score
23
Math Proficiency
17%
Reading Proficiency
41%
Average GPA
3.55
Graduation Rate
98%

Niche Grade

B-
Academics
B+
Teachers
B-
College Prep
B-
Administration
B-
Resources/Facilities
B+
Clubs and Activities
B+
Sports
B+
Food
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.55
Reading Proficiency
41%
Math Proficiency
17%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
21:1
Teachers
90
Full Time Teachers
90
Teachers in First or Second Year
10.3%
College Prep
Average SAT
1060
Math
530
Verbal
530
Average ACT
23
Math
22
English
22
Reading
25
Science
22
Number of AP Courses
13
AP Pass Rate
22.3%
AP Math Enrollment
Low
AP Science Enrollment
Low
Other AP Enrollment
Very Low
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Average
Boys Athletic Participation
Average

GreatSchools Rating

4
Test Scores
4
Equity
3
College Readiness
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Test Scores

Math
3.8%
State Average
19.4%
Science
5%
State Average
11.2%
GreatSchools Test Scores Rating
GreatSchools
The Test Score Rating reflects annual state test results for this school compared with scores statewide.

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
475:1

Student Diversity

Male
50.8%
Female
49.1%
Hispanic
72.7%
White
9.3%
Asian
9%
Black
5%
Two or more races
2.1%
Native American
<1%
Filipino
<1%
Pacific Islander
<1%

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
IB Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
University of California - Merced 376 Students
Merced College 359 Students
California State University - Fresno 288 Students
University of California - Davis 252 Students
University of California - Berkeley 222 Students
University of California - Los Angeles 218 Students
California State University - Stanislaus 201 Students
San Francisco State University 190 Students
University of California - Santa Cruz 175 Students
University of San Francisco 160 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Business 107 Students
Biology 100 Students
Psychology 95 Students
Nursing 95 Students
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration 39 Students
Criminology 37 Students
Computer Science 34 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 32 Students
Sociology 32 Students
Chemistry 26 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.8 294 Reviews
4.0 Senior
1/18/2026
I absolutely loved taking AVID, doing track, and being involved in school spirit, but if you don't have connections or anybody you know in these programs, you will feel like an outsider for a while, some people are quite entitled in these activities as well.
4.0 Senior
2/27/2025
Throughout my high school experience golden valley has made me make some strong connections not only with the students but with the staff.
4.0 Senior
11/27/2024
My experience at Golden Valley is that some teachers do not know how to teach, and for the most part I had a good high school experience. The best thing about high school is my friends, because they help me so much through high school, like when I have a lack of motivation and they just know how to make me feel better. Also, My worst part of my high school was when I had really bad panic attacks and I didn't tell my family but only this one girl in my seventh period and she helped me a lot and we would just talk, but it did get better and now I don't get panic attacks. But what i would like to see change in school is teachers actually caring about what they do and know how to teach because my school took away phone like you can't be on your phone during school, and now I actually pay attention, but there was this one teacher and she didn't know how to teach because the class was failing too but I did pass with a B+ the last semester, so thats what I would want to change.
See All Niche Reviews
GreatSchools Reviews
5.0 5 Reviews
5.0 parent
11/9/2025
I have 2 students here. The one senior and one freshman. I like that it is the type of school where most students know each other from their younger days and yet, they have been welcoming to students like mine, who are transplants. Parents seem to be engaged, FFA seems great and there are lots of pr...
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5.0 teacher
9/24/2018
This is an amazing campus to work at. I feel supported by both administration and parents, which is not always the case at other schools. I have some of the best kids in the district in my classes and for the most part, they all work hard and do their best. This is a wonderful school!!!
Read Full Review
5.0 student
9/30/2008
Read Full Review
5.0 parent
6/11/2008
Read Full Review
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California Merced County Merced 95341 Southeast Merced
Golden Valley High School

Golden Valley High School is a public school for students in grades 9-12 in Merced, CA and is served by the Merced Union High School District in California. Annual tuition is $0. The school has a total enrollment of 1,917 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 21:1. Academic records show that 17% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 41% are proficient in reading. Golden Valley High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of B and a GreatSchools Rating of 4 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.55, the graduation rate is 98%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1060 and an ACT score of 23. The average home value in this area is $343,216. Discover additional schools in the area, like Yosemite High School, Independence High (Alternative), Sequoia High School, and more. Learn more about what Merced has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Golden Valley High School.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
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