Junction City Elementary

Tucked into the forested hills of Trinity County along the Trinity River, Junction City Elementary serves a tight-knit rural community where small class sizes and a close relationship between families and teachers are simply part of the culture. Ranking in the top quarter of California elementary schools despite — or perhaps because of — its remote setting, it's a genuinely solid option for families who've chosen the slower pace and natural beauty of the Trinity Canyon over the bustle of larger towns. If you're raising kids who'll grow up hiking, fishing, and knowing every one of their classmates by name, this little school punches well above its weight.