Ernest Righetti High School is a public comprehensive secondary school in Santa Maria, California, United States, serving students in grades 9-12. The school is part of the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District. Righetti is a fully accredited, two-time California Distinguished School, awarded in 2002 and 2009.
Serving 2,424 students in grades 9-12, Ernest Righetti High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 18% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 53% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 20:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,424 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 94% (Top 30% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 53% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Ernest Righetti High School's student population of 2,424 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 120 teachers has grown by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,424 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
120 teachers
Year Founded
1963
Colors
Purple, Gold
School Calendar
School Motto
Greatness Starts Here!
School Rankings
Ernest Righetti High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ernest Righetti High School is 0.42, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#4901 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
53%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
20:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
4%
12%
Hispanic
74%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
19%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
94%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
51%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ernest Righetti High School's ranking?
Ernest Righetti High School is ranked #4901 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Ernest Righetti High School often compared to?
Ernest Righetti High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Santa Maria High School, Pioneer Valley High School, Orcutt Academy Charter by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
18% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 53% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Ernest Righetti High School?
The graduation rate of Ernest Righetti High School is 94%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Ernest Righetti High School?
2,424 students attend Ernest Righetti High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
74% of Ernest Righetti High School students are Hispanic, 19% of students are White, 4% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Ernest Righetti High School?
Ernest Righetti High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Ernest Righetti High School offer ?
Ernest Righetti High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Ernest Righetti High School part of?
Ernest Righetti High School is part of Santa Maria Joint Union High School District.
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