Sierra Sands Unified School District

Schools & Education

A complete guide to Ridgecrest's schools, from kindergarten through community college.

School Locations

Explore all schools in the Ridgecrest area. Click any marker for details, or use the filters to show specific school types.

Sierra Sands Unified School District

Ridgecrest's public schools are part of the Sierra Sands Unified School District (SSUSD), which serves Ridgecrest, Inyokern, and surrounding communities in the Indian Wells Valley. The district operates multiple elementary, middle, and high schools, plus alternative education programs.

SSUSD benefits from strong ties to the NAWS China Lake community, which brings an educated, career-oriented parent base and robust parental involvement. The district offers Advanced Placement courses, JROTC, performing arts, athletics, and career technical education pathways.

Visit SSUSD Website
SSUSD
District
Sierra Sands USD
12
Public Schools
K-12 schools
2
Charter Schools
Options
5
Private Schools
Options
1
Higher Ed
Cerro Coso

Higher Education

Community College

Cerro Coso Community College

Grades: College (13–14) · 3000 College Heights Blvd, Ridgecrest, CA 93555

(760) 384-6100Website

Ridgecrest's own accredited community college, offering two-year associate degrees, transfer pathways to UC and CSU campuses, vocational and career technical programs, and continuing education.

Associate of Arts & Science degreesUC/CSU transfer pathwaysVocational & CTE programsVeteran services & supportOnline course optionsFinancial aid available

Public Schools (K–12)

High SchoolGrades 9–12

Burroughs High School

Sierra Sands Unified School District

(760) 499-1800Website

The flagship high school of Ridgecrest, home of the Burros. Offers a full range of Advanced Placement courses, JROTC, performing arts, athletics, and career technical education pathways.

AP & Honors coursesJROTC programPerforming arts & dramaVarsity athletics (16+ sports)Robotics & STEM clubsCareer Technical Education
Alternative High SchoolGrades 9–12

Mesquite Continuation High School

Sierra Sands Unified School District

(760) 499-1810Website

Alternative high school for students who benefit from a non-traditional learning environment. Offers personalized support, credit recovery, and flexible scheduling.

Small class sizesCredit recovery programsIndividualized learning plansFlexible scheduling
Alternative High SchoolGrades 7–12

High Desert School

Sierra Sands Unified School District

(760) 499-1722Website

Virtual and independent study program for grades 7 through 12. Provides a flexible alternative for students who thrive outside the traditional classroom setting.

Virtual learning optionsIndependent studyFlexible pacingGrades 7–12
Middle SchoolGrades 7–8

China Lake Junior High School

Sierra Sands Unified School District

(760) 499-1820Website

Junior high school serving grades 7–8, opened in 2025 on the former Murray Middle School campus. Part of SSUSD's district-wide reorganization to better serve student needs.

Grades 7–8 focusedCore academics + electivesSports & extracurricularsGATE program
Elementary SchoolGrades TK–6

Pierce Academy of the Arts

Sierra Sands Unified School District

(760) 499-1670Website

Magnet school focused on visual and performing arts, opened in 2025 on the former Pierce Elementary campus. Part of SSUSD's district-wide reorganization.

Visual & performing arts focusTK through 6th gradeArts-integrated curriculumMagnet school
Elementary SchoolGrades K–5

Richmond Elementary School

Sierra Sands Unified School District

(760) 499-1890Website

Elementary school serving Ridgecrest families with strong community involvement and dedicated teachers.

Reading enrichment programsArts integrationActive PTA
Elementary SchoolGrades K–5

Faller Elementary School

Sierra Sands Unified School District

(760) 499-1690Website

Elementary school known for dedicated staff and a nurturing learning environment for young students.

Academic support programsPhysical education emphasisTitle I support services
Elementary SchoolGrades K–5

Las Flores Elementary School

Sierra Sands Unified School District

(760) 499-1860Website

Elementary school providing a well-rounded education with an emphasis on literacy, STEM, and the arts in a supportive community environment.

Literacy programsSTEM activitiesArts integrationCommunity involvement
Elementary SchoolGrades K–5

Gateway Elementary School

Sierra Sands Unified School District

(760) 499-1850Website

Elementary school offering strong academics with a Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program for advanced learners.

GATE programStrong academicsAfter-school enrichmentActive parent community
Elementary SchoolGrades K–5

Inyokern Elementary School

Sierra Sands Unified School District

(760) 499-1683Website

Small elementary school in nearby Inyokern (10 min from Ridgecrest) offering a close-knit community atmosphere and personalized education.

Small class sizesStrong community bondsPersonalized attention
Elementary SchoolGrades TK–8

Vieweg STEM Academy

Sierra Sands Unified School District

(760) 499-1840Website

TK-8 STEM magnet school opened in 2025 as part of SSUSD's district reorganization. Focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with hands-on, project-based learning.

STEM-focused curriculumTK through 8th gradeProject-based learningMagnet school
Alternative High SchoolGrades Adult

Sierra Sands Adult School

Sierra Sands Unified School District

(760) 499-1722Website

Free adult education programs including high school diploma completion and ESL classes for the Ridgecrest community.

Free high school diploma programESL classesAdult educationCareer readiness

Charter Schools

Charter SchoolGrades 9–12

Opportunities for Learning

Public charter high school offering personalized, self-paced education with one-on-one instruction. Serves students who need a flexible path to earning their diploma.

One-on-one instructionSelf-paced learningCredit recoveryFlexible scheduling
(760) 375-7799 Website
Charter SchoolGrades TK–6

REALMS Charter School

Public charter school emphasizing STEM education and music enrichment. Provides an innovative, project-based learning environment for students in transitional kindergarten through 6th grade.

STEM-focused curriculumMusic enrichment programProject-based learningSmall class sizes
(760) 375-1010 Website

Private Schools

Private School · Grades K–8

St. Ann School

Catholic elementary school providing a rigorous academic program integrated with Catholic values and community service.

Catholic faith formationK–8 programCommunity service focusAfter-school care
Private School · Grades K–12

Immanuel Christian School

WASC-accredited private Christian school offering a faith-based education from kindergarten through 12th grade with a focus on academic excellence and character development.

WASC accreditedFaith-based curriculumK–12 on one campusSmall class sizes
Private School · Grades K–8

Ridgecrest Adventist Elementary

Seventh-day Adventist elementary school providing a Christ-centered education with small class sizes and individualized attention through 8th grade.

Faith-based educationSmall class sizesK–8 programIndividualized instruction
Private School · Grades PK–5

Heritage Montessori School

Montessori school offering child-centered education for preschool through 5th grade. Emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and individual development.

Montessori methodHands-on learningMixed-age classroomsIndividualized pacing
Private School · Grades NS–12

Calvary Christian School

Private Christian school associated with Calvary Chapel, serving nursery through 12th grade with a Bible-based curriculum and a focus on spiritual and academic growth.

Bible-based curriculumNursery through 12th gradeSmall class sizesCharacter development

School Resources & Links

Sierra Sands USD
Official school district website
Cerro Coso Community College
Two-year degrees and transfer programs
California Dept of Education
CA school data, report cards, and resources

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