Merced Scholars Charter

Merced Scholars Charter serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade in the Central Valley city of Merced, a working-class agricultural community that's also home to the newest UC campus, UC Merced. The school may appeal to families looking for a smaller, charter-based alternative to the traditional district schools, particularly those who prefer a single campus experience that carries their kids all the way through graduation. That said, academic performance sits below state averages across English, math, and science, so families with strong academic priorities may want to weigh their options carefully before enrolling.