Golden Valley High vs Piedmont Hills High
A head-to-head comparison of two high schools in California, United States, 124 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Golden Valley High
Merced · Public high · Grades 9–12
1,917 students
Piedmont Hills High
San Jose · Public high · Grades 9–12
1,918 students
| Measure | Golden Valley High Merced, California | Piedmont Hills High San Jose, California |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 22 Lower 50% | 70 Top 25% |
| State rank | #1067 of 1,343 | #111 of 1,343 |
| National rank | #14958 of 16,910 | #3303 of 16,910 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | High | High |
| Year range | Grades 9–12 | Grades 9–12 |
| Students | 1,917 | 1,918 |
| Enrollment | 1,917 | 1,918 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 85.1% | 30.1% |
| Students per teacher | 21.5 | 23.1 |
| Reading proficiency | 48% | 79% |
| Math proficiency | 14% | 62% |
| city | Merced | San Jose |
| state | California | California |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Piedmont Hills High scores higher on the Success Index (US) (70.0 vs 21.9).
- •Piedmont Hills High does better on math proficiency (62% vs 14%).
- •Piedmont Hills High does better on reading proficiency (79% vs 48%).
- •Piedmont Hills High does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (30.1% vs 85.1%).
- •Golden Valley High does better on students per teacher (21.5 vs 23.1).
- •Piedmont Hills High is the larger school with 1,918 students compared with 1,917.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Golden Valley High better than Piedmont Hills High?
On the Success Index (US), Piedmont Hills High ranks higher (70.0 vs 21.9 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Golden Valley High and Piedmont Hills High?
About 124 km in a straight line, between Merced and San Jose in California.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Golden Valley High: 1,917. Piedmont Hills High: 1,918. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Golden Valley High and Piedmont Hills High rank in California?
Golden Valley High is 1067th of 1,343 and Piedmont Hills High is 111th of 1,343 among high schools in California on the 2025 Success Index (US).