Serving 116 students in grades 9-12, Thornton 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 ≤10% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 19:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 116 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 65-69% (Btm 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: <50% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Thornton High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Diversity
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Thornton High School's student population of 116 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 6 teachers has declined by 33% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
116 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
6 teachers
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Rankings
Thornton 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 Thornton High School is 0.67, 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
#6190 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
23%
12%
Hispanic
52%
56%
Black
4%
5%
White
6%
20%
Hawaiian
3%
n/a
Two or more races
11%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
65-69%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
56%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
1%
6%
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 Thornton High School's ranking?
Thornton High School is ranked #6190 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Thornton High School often compared to?
Thornton High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Westmoor High School, Jefferson High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Thornton High School?
The graduation rate of Thornton High School is 65-69%, which is lower than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Thornton High School?
116 students attend Thornton High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of Thornton High School students are Hispanic, 23% of students are Asian, 11% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are White, 4% of students are Black, 3% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Thornton High School?
Thornton High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Thornton High School offer ?
Thornton High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Thornton High School part of?
Thornton High School is part of Jefferson Union High School District.
In what neighborhood is Thornton High School located?
Thornton High School is located in the Hillside neighborhood of Daly City, CA. There are 3 other public schools located in Hillside.
School Reviews
Review Thornton 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.