Avery Middle

Tucked into the pine-covered foothills of Calaveras County, Avery Middle is a small-town school where kids actually know their teachers — and that personal attention shows up in strong English and math scores that put it well above most California middle schools. Families who've traded suburban life for a slower pace in the Sierra Nevada foothills tend to love what they find here: a tight-knit community, outdoor living right outside the door, and a school that punches well above its size. If you're moving to the Arnold or Avery area and have a middle schooler, this one is worth a close look.