In This Article
- What Are the School Districts That Serve Simi Valley Families?
- Which Schools in Simi Valley Have the Highest Ratings and Best Test Scores?
- What Do Niche Ratings Say About Simi Valley Schools?
- What Are the Current Median Home Prices in School Zones Throughout Simi Valley?
- How Do Simi Valley Schools Compare to Neighboring Districts Like Conejo Valley?
- What Family Activities and Amenities Make Simi Valley Attractive to Parents?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Simi Valley Schools
Simi Valley schools consistently rank among the top educational destinations in Ventura County, making them a primary consideration for families relocating to the area. With the median sale price of $840,000 as of March 2026 representing a 1.1% increase since January 2026, families are investing significantly in communities that offer excellent education options. This comprehensive guide provides the data-driven insights parents need to make informed decisions about where their children will thrive academically.
Simi Valley Unified School District serves approximately 15,899 students across 29 schools, including 18 elementary, 3 middle, and 4 high schools. Santa Susana High School leads with a 10/10 GreatSchools rating, 99% graduation rate, and math proficiency rates of 49% compared to the 34% state average.
Quick Answer
Simi Valley Unified School District serves approximately 15,899 students across 29 schools, including 18 elementary, 3 middle, and 4 high schools. Santa Susana High School leads with a 10/10 GreatSchools rating, 99% graduation rate, and 49% math proficiency compared to California's 34% state average.
What Are the School Districts That Serve Simi Valley Families?
Simi Valley Unified School District is a public school district in Simi Valley, CA. It serves students across 29 schools and is the primary educational provider for the area. The district operates 28 school sites offer opportunities for every child, starting with preschool at Justin Early Learners Academy and then into one of our 18 elementary schools, three middle and four high schools .
The district serves approximately 15,899 students across all grade levels, from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade. Most of our schools have been recognized as California Gold Ribbon winners, California Distinguished Schools or National Blue Ribbon schools, along with many other awards best reflecting their excellence and creativity .
However, performance varies significantly across schools within the district. Many of the schools in this district are rated average in school quality , though Some schools, like the highly-ranked Santa Susana High, have proficiency rates 20-30 percentage points above the state average, while others, such as Apollo High, lag behind significantly .
Which Schools in Simi Valley Have the Highest Ratings and Best Test Scores?
The standout performer in Simi Valley is Santa Susana High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A and a GreatSchools Rating of 10 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.63, the graduation rate is 99%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1320 and an ACT score of 29 . This performance places Santa Susana High among the top 20% of all schools in California for overall test scores .
Academic achievement at Santa Susana High is exceptional, with The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 49% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 79% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%) .
Royal High School also performs strongly, earning a Niche grade of A and a GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.64, the graduation rate is 93%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1240 and an ACT score of 26 .
In contrast, the traditional Simi Valley High School shows more moderate performance. Academic records show that 25% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 55% are proficient in reading. Simi Valley High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A- and a GreatSchools Rating of 7 out of 10 .
At the middle school level, Hillside Middle ranks 982nd of 2761 California middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5. It also ranks first among 3 ranked middle schools in the Simi Valley Unified School District .
High School Math Proficiency Rates in Simi Valley
0%15%30%45%60%49%33%25%34%Santa Susana HSRoyal HSSimi Valley HSCA State Avg
Source: PublicSchoolReview.com, April 2026
What Do Niche Ratings Say About Simi Valley Schools?
The Simi Valley Unified School District Niche rating provides comprehensive insights into the overall quality of schools in Simi Valley. Niche ratings analyze data from the U.S. Department of Education along with test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, student diversity, and parent/student reviews to create comprehensive school grades.
The Simi Valley USD Niche rating gives the district a B+ overall grade, reflecting solid performance across multiple categories. This rating places the district among the top 105 school districts in California out of over 1,000 total districts. Key factors contributing to this rating include teacher quality (B+ grade), college preparation (B+ grade), and extracurricular activities (B grade).
Individual schools in Simi Valley show varying Niche ratings that reflect the district's performance range. Santa Susana High School leads with an A grade, driven by its exceptional academic outcomes and 99% graduation rate. Royal High School follows closely with an A grade, while Simi Valley High School maintains an A- rating. The elementary schools generally receive grades between B+ and A-, with standout performers like Katherine Elementary earning A- ratings.
The Niche rating methodology weighs academic performance heavily, accounting for 35% of the overall grade. Student-teacher ratios, which average 22:1 across the district, and per-pupil spending of approximately $12,850 annually also factor into these comprehensive evaluations. Parent and student survey data consistently highlight the district's strengths in safety, teacher dedication, and community involvement, though some reviews note occasional concerns about class sizes and resource allocation across different school sites.
| School Name | Niche Grade | GreatSchools Rating | Student Enrollment | Student-Teacher Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Susana High | A | 10/10 | 1,847 | 24:1 |
| Royal High | A | 8/10 | 2,154 | 25:1 |
| Simi Valley High | A- | 7/10 | 2,289 | 23:1 |
| Hillside Middle | B+ | 6/10 | 1,012 | 21:1 |
| Katherine Elementary | A- | 8/10 | 587 | 19:1 |
What Are the Current Median Home Prices in School Zones Throughout Simi Valley?
Home values in Simi Valley show significant variation based on location and proximity to top-rated schools. the median sale price sits at $840,000 , but prices vary considerably across different neighborhoods and school zones.
The market conditions are favorable for families looking to buy, with a 98.7% sale-to-list price ratio, rising prices, and increasing sales volume, Simi Valley currently favors sellers , though the 114 active listings give buyers reasonable options to choose from . Properties are moving efficiently, with homes are averaging 57 days on market as of March 2026 .
For families prioritizing school quality, areas near top-rated schools command premium prices. The average home value in this area is $880,762 near Santa Susana High School, while The average home value in this area is $915,431 near Royal High School.
The price per square foot in Simi Valley is competitive compared to neighboring communities. When compared to neighboring communities like Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and the San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley consistently offers: More square footage per dollar , average sold price per sq. ft. of just $507 .
| School Zone | Median Home Price | Price per Sq Ft | School Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Susana High | $880,762 | $520 | 10/10 |
| Royal High | $915,431 | $530 | 8/10 |
| Simi Valley High | $840,000 | $507 | 7/10 |
| District Average | $840,000 | $507 | 5/10 |
How Do Simi Valley Schools Compare to Neighboring Districts Like Conejo Valley?
While Simi Valley offers solid educational options, the district faces challenges when compared to neighboring high-performing areas. Simi Valley Unified School District ranks #105 Best School Districts in California. 51 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars .
The district's overall performance shows room for improvement. While the majority of schools in Simi Valley have graduation rates and dropout rates on par with the state averages, there is a significant disparity in academic performance across the district. Some schools, like the highly-ranked Santa Susana High, have proficiency rates 20-30 percentage points above the state average, while others, such as Apollo High, lag behind significantly. This suggests there may be inequities in resources, teaching quality, or other factors contributing to the wide range of outcomes observed .
One advantage for families is the district's stability. 17-year average residency indicates high resident satisfaction and community stability. People who move to Simi Valley tend to stay, reflecting the area's quality of life, schools, and family-friendly environment. 2.5% annual turnover rate among the area's 31,061 homes shows a stable community where most residents are long-term homeowners, creating neighborhood continuity and stability .
The Conejo Valley Unified School District (serving Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and surrounding areas) typically outperforms Simi Valley in standardized test scores and college readiness metrics, but comes with significantly higher home prices and cost of living.
What Family Activities and Amenities Make Simi Valley Attractive to Parents?
Beyond schools, Simi Valley offers numerous family-friendly attractions and amenities that enhance quality of life. The crown jewel is the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, offering an extensive view of the life and service of the 40th President of the United States, permanent exhibits include The Berlin Wall, Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, a tour of Air Force One and a full-scale replica of the Oval office during Reagan's Presidency. The Museum experience invites visitors to explore interactive exhibits where they can have fun acting in a movie with Ronald Reagan, setting a table for a state dinner or riding a horse with the President .
The library offers educational opportunities for families, with The Discovery Center experience is appropriate for children in 5th grade and above. The Discovery Center experience is FREE for all students .
For dining and recreation, families can enjoy numerous local favorites including Greek House Cafe, which is a cozy spot known for its generously sized pitas, kebabs, salads, and other Greek favorites. It's a popular choice among locals and visitors alike . Other popular family spots include Larsen's Grill, offering the finest prime steaks and freshest seafood available. With impeccable service, an extensive menu, and great ambiance, our restaurant delivers a classic steakhouse feel with a modern twist .
The city provides excellent recreational opportunities, with Popular activities include spectacular hiking, annual festivals and events, riding the paved Arroyo Simi Bike Path, attending a performance at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, picking vegetables at a local farm or visiting the Skatelab indoor skateboarding park and Hall of Fame or other family activities .
The dining scene is diverse, with more than 300 restaurants serving a variety of cuisines , ensuring families have plenty of options for dining out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simi Valley Schools
What is the overall ranking of Simi Valley Unified School District?
Simi Valley Unified School District ranks #105 Best School Districts in California. 51 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars . The district serves 15,899 students across 29 schools , though performance varies significantly between individual schools.
Are there school choice options within Simi Valley Unified School District?
Yes, the district offers school choice programs. we offer our families 28 schools with many varied programs and courses to meet the needs and interests of every student coming to us . Additionally, We even have a thriving homeschool/independent study program available through Monte Vista School for Junior Kindergarten through through 12th grade .
How do test scores in Simi Valley compare to state averages?
Performance varies widely by school. Top performers like Santa Susana High School achieve 49% math proficiency (higher than the California state average of 34%) and 79% reading proficiency (higher than the California state average of 47%) . However, Simi Valley, CA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the California public high school average of 28%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 51% statewide average) .
What special programs are available in Simi Valley schools?
The district offers diverse programming options. Each school is as distinctive and diverse as our students are, and while all of our TK-12 schools follow the state-mandated curriculum guidelines, each also offers more, through its unique and specialized classes, Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathways and extracurricular activities . Many schools have earned recognition, with Most of our schools have been recognized as California Gold Ribbon winners, California Distinguished Schools or National Blue Ribbon schools .
How does the Simi Valley Unified School District compare to other school districts in terms of overall quality?
The Simi Valley Unified School District ranks 105th out of more than 1,000 school districts in California, earning a B+ overall Niche grade. While this places it in the top tier of California districts, neighboring Conejo Valley Unified typically ranks higher with stronger test scores and college readiness metrics. However, Simi Valley offers excellent value with significantly lower home prices, making quality education more accessible to families seeking top-rated schools without premium real estate costs.
Thinking About Buying or Selling in Simi Valley?
Davis Bartels and the DB Real Estate Group have helped nearly 1,000 families navigate the local market since 2009. Whether you're exploring your options or ready to make a move, reach out for a no-pressure conversation about your goals.
Contact Davis: davisbartels.com
