San Diego High School is an urban public high school located on the southern edge of Balboa Park in San Diego, California, United States. It is the oldest high school in the San Diego Unified School District, one of the oldest public schools in California, and the oldest in the state still on its original site.
Serving 1,855 students in grades 9-12, San Diego High School ranks in the top 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 20% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (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 82% 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: 1,855 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 89% (Top 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
San Diego High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
San Diego High School's student population of 1,855 students has grown by 139% over five school years.
The teacher population of 91 teachers has grown by 152% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,855 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
91 teachers
Year Founded
1882
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. May 29, 2026
School Rankings
San Diego High School ranks within the top 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of San Diego High School is 0.50, 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
#4647 out of 9523 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
20:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
12%
Hispanic
68%
56%
Black
7%
5%
White
18%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
89%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
57%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cavers
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is San Diego High School's ranking?
San Diego High School is ranked #4647 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are San Diego High School often compared to?
San Diego High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like San Diego International Studies, San Diego Business/leadership by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of San Diego High School?
The graduation rate of San Diego High School is 89%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend San Diego High School?
1,855 students attend San Diego High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
68% of San Diego High School students are Hispanic, 18% of students are White, 7% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of San Diego High School?
San Diego High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does San Diego High School offer ?
San Diego High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is San Diego High School part of?
San Diego High School is part of San Diego Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is San Diego High School located?
San Diego High School is located in the Cortez Hill neighborhood of San Diego, CA. There are 2 other public schools located in Cortez Hill.
School Reviews
Review San Diego High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
