The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts is an audition-only public arts magnet school in southeastern San Diego, California. It is a non-tuition school in San Diego Unified School District. It provides pre-professional training in the arts alongside a college preparatory curriculum.
Serving 1,275 students in grades 6-12, San Diego Scpa ranks in the top 30% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 31% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 1,275 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 85%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 20% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 31% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 37% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
San Diego Scpa ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
San Diego Scpa's student population of 1,275 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 57 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Total Students
1,275 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
57 teachers
Year Founded
1978
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Rankings
San Diego Scpa ranks within the top 30% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of San Diego Scpa is 0.72, which is more 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
#2770 out of 9523 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
20%
12%
Hispanic
46%
56%
Black
7%
5%
White
15%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
11%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
38%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
20%
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 San Diego Scpa's ranking?
San Diego Scpa is ranked #2770 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in California.
What schools are San Diego Scpa often compared to?
San Diego Scpais often viewed alongside schools like Bell Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
31% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 70% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of San Diego Scpa?
The graduation rate of San Diego Scpa is 95%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend San Diego Scpa?
1,275 students attend San Diego Scpa.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
46% of San Diego Scpa students are Hispanic, 20% of students are Asian, 15% of students are White, 11% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of San Diego Scpa?
San Diego Scpa has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does San Diego Scpa offer ?
San Diego Scpa offers enrollment in grades 6-12
What school district is San Diego Scpa part of?
San Diego Scpa is part of San Diego Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is San Diego Scpa located?
San Diego Scpa is located in the Bay Terraces neighborhood of San Diego, CA. There are 7 other public schools located in Bay Terraces.
School Reviews
5 11/24/2023
This school is the best! I came knowing no one in my grade and now I have so many friends here! This place is amazing!
Review San Diego Scpa. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
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