Mark Twain Junior High

Mark Twain Junior High serves seventh and eighth graders in Modesto's west side, a working-class part of the Central Valley city where families tend to put down deep roots. The school faces some real academic headwinds — test scores sit in the lower range statewide — so families who prioritize strong academics may want to weigh their options carefully or look into supplemental support at home. That said, Modesto itself has a lot going for it: a tight-knit community feel, affordable living, and easy access to both the Sierra Nevada and the Bay Area, making it a practical base for families who love California without the coastal price tag.