San Diego County Schools & Education
San Diego County, California
School Score
57/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
88.3%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
88.3%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,561
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
57/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#24
of 58 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in San Diego County, California
A massive and multifaceted school system
San Diego County boasts 764 public schools, the most in this region, serving 467,869 students. This expansive system is managed by 160 districts, ranging from large urban centers to small rural outposts.
Consistent performance and high grad rates
The county's 88.3% graduation rate surpasses both the national 87% and state 87.5% averages. While the per-pupil expenditure of $8,561 matches the state average, the county's composite school score of 56.0 is perfectly aligned with the state baseline.
Urban giants and a thriving charter sector
San Diego Unified is a powerhouse with 175 schools and 93,694 students. The county also features 120 charter schools, making up 15.7% of all schools and including large-scale options like Pacific Coast Academy.
City schools with mid-sized campuses
The majority of schools are located in city (393) or suburban (307) locales, maintaining an average school size of 623 students. San Marcos High stands out as a major hub with 3,380 students, while the county still preserves 55 rural campuses.
Premium education in a coastal setting
With graduation rates exceeding national norms and a massive variety of charter options, San Diego remains a top choice for families. Exploring homes near high-performing districts like Poway or San Marcos is a common strategy for local buyers.
School Overview
Total Schools
764
in San Diego County
Total Enrollment
467,869
students
School Districts
160
districts
Charter Schools
120
16% of total
School Type Breakdown
160 School Districts in San Diego County
San Diego Unified
Sweetwater Union High
Poway Unified
Chula Vista Elementary
San Marcos Unified
Vista Unified
Grossmont Union High
Oceanside Unified
Cajon Valley Union
Escondido Union
764 Public Schools in San Diego County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Coast Academy | Pacific Coast Academy District | KG–12 | Charter | 4,891 |
| Cabrillo Point Academy | Cabrillo Point Academy District | KG–12 | Charter | 4,283 |
| San Marcos High | San Marcos Unified | 9–12 | High | 3,380 |
| Mission Hills High | San Marcos Unified | 9–12 | High | 2,893 |
| Eastlake High | Sweetwater Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,783 |
| Sweetwater High | Sweetwater Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,679 |
| El Camino High | Oceanside Unified | 9–12 | High | 2,637 |
| Torrey Pines High | San Dieguito Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,614 |
| Henry High | San Diego Unified | 9–12 | High | 2,607 |
| Del Norte High | Poway Unified | 9–12 | High | 2,531 |
| Helix High | Helix High District | 9–12 | Charter | 2,502 |
| Otay Ranch Senior High | Sweetwater Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,491 |
| Granite Hills High | Grossmont Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,398 |
| Olympian High | Sweetwater Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,341 |
| Canyon Crest Academy | San Dieguito Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,336 |
| San Diego Workforce Innovation High | San Diego Workforce Innovation High District | 9–12 | Charter | 2,332 |
| Rancho Bernardo High | Poway Unified | 9–12 | High | 2,318 |
| San Ysidro High | Sweetwater Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,316 |
| Carlsbad High | Carlsbad Unified | 9–12 | High | 2,290 |
| Hoover High | San Diego Unified | 9–12 | High | 2,265 |
San Diego Workforce Innovation High District
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,561
State avg $8,762
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in San Diego County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in San Diego County, California?
San Diego County boasts 764 public schools, the most in this region, serving 467,869 students. This expansive system is managed by 160 districts, ranging from large urban centers to small rural outposts.
How do schools in San Diego County perform academically?
The county's 88.3% graduation rate surpasses both the national 87% and state 87.5% averages. While the per-pupil expenditure of $8,561 matches the state average, the county's composite school score of 56.0 is perfectly aligned with the state baseline.
What are the major school districts in San Diego County, California?
San Diego Unified is a powerhouse with 175 schools and 93,694 students. The county also features 120 charter schools, making up 15.7% of all schools and including large-scale options like Pacific Coast Academy.
What is the school experience like in San Diego County?
The majority of schools are located in city (393) or suburban (307) locales, maintaining an average school size of 623 students. San Marcos High stands out as a major hub with 3,380 students, while the county still preserves 55 rural campuses.
How can I find homes near good schools in San Diego County, California?
With graduation rates exceeding national norms and a massive variety of charter options, San Diego remains a top choice for families. Exploring homes near high-performing districts like Poway or San Marcos is a common strategy for local buyers.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.