I’ve always loved the first day of school better than the last day of school. Firsts are best because they are beginnings
– Jenny Han
Update: This article was last updated on 2nd September 2024 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
Say goodbye to the overwhelming task of finding the best school district for your child.
We understand that time is a precious commodity for busy parents. That’s why we’ve taken the burden off your shoulders. Our expert team has meticulously researched and curated a list of the best school districts in San Diego, saving you valuable time and providing you with peace of mind.
Now you can confidently decide on your child’s education without the stress and hassle.
List of 10 Best School Districts in San Diego
1. San Diego Unified School District
As the second-largest school district in California, it serves a diverse student population in San Diego. SDUSD covers popular areas such as Downtown San Diego, Pacific Beach, Mission Valley, Point Loma, La Jolla, North Park, and many more.
Mission: Provide students with comprehensive programs focused on academic, personal/social, and career development.
Website: sandiegounified.org
Location: 4100 NORMAL ST. SAN DIEGO, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 725-8000
- Total schools: 199
- Elementary: 123
- Middle school: 41
- High school: 35
- Number of Students Served: 97,968
- Average graduation rate: 88%
- Student-teacher ratio: 23:1
- Average math proficiency score: 48%
- Average reading proficiency score: 57%
- Average SAT Score: 1170
- Average ACT Score: 26
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2. Poway Unified School District
The Poway Unified School District (PUSD) serves a wide range of communities in San Diego County. It covers the cities of Poway and San Diego, along with several surrounding areas.
Mission: PUSD is committed to academic excellence, fostering a positive learning environment
Website: powayusd.com
Location: 15250 AVE. OF SCI SAN DIEGO, CA 92128
Phone: (858) 521-2800
- Total schools: 39
- Elementary: 26
- Middle school: 7
- High school: 6
- Number of Students Served: 35,663
- Average graduation rate: 95%
- Student-teacher ratio:
- Average math proficiency score: 70%
- Average reading proficiency score: 75%
- Average SAT Score: 1390
- Average ACT Score: 29
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3. Coronado Unified School District
The Coronado Unified School District (CUSD) serves the Coronado community, a beautiful island city in San Diego County. CUSD encompasses the entire town of Coronado, educating students from preschool through high school.
Mission: All the schools in this district are committed to providing a well-rounded education
Website: coronadousd.net
Location: 201 SIXTH ST. CORONADO, CA 92118
Phone: (619) 522-8900
- Total schools: 9
- Elementary: 2
- Middle school: 3
- High school: 4
- Number of Students Served: 2,608
- Average graduation rate: 95%
- Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
- Average math proficiency score: 68%
- Average reading proficiency score: 78%
- Average SAT Score: 1250
- Average ACT Score: 29
4. Carlsbad Unified School District
The Carlsbad Unified School District (CUSD) covers a range of areas in the city of Carlsbad, located in northern San Diego County. CUSD takes pride in fostering a positive learning environment that prepares students for future endeavors.
Mission: With a focus on academic excellence and community collaboration, CUSD strives to empower students to reach their full potential
Website: carlsbadusd.k12.ca.us
Location: 6225 EL CAMINO REAL CARLSBAD, CA 92009
Phone: (760) 331-5000
- Total schools: 18
- Elementary: 10
- Middle school: 4
- High school: 4
- Number of Students Served: 10,863
- Average graduation rate: 93%
- Student-teacher ratio: 23:1
- Average math proficiency score: 68%
- Average reading proficiency score: 76%
- Average SAT Score: 1280
- Average ACT Score: 28
5. The San Marcos Unified School District
The San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD) covers various areas in San Marcos, including San Elijo Hills, Lake San Marcos, Twin Oaks Valley, and Discovery Hills. The district strives to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Mission: The district is on a mission to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment
Website: smusd.org
Location: 255 PICO AVE. STE. 250 SAN MARCOS, CA 92069
Phone: (760) 752-1299
- Total schools: 21
- Elementary: 12
- Middle school: 5
- High school: 4
- Number of Students Served: 19,767
- Average graduation rate: 94%
- Student-teacher ratio: 25:1
- Average math proficiency score: 52%
- Average reading proficiency score: 67%
- Average SAT Score: 1190
- Average ACT Score: 27
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6. Grossmont Union High School District
The Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) covers eastern San Diego County. It also serves numerous communities and neighborhoods, including El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, Lakeside, Spring Valley, and parts of San Diego.
Mission: To provide a comprehensive education to its diverse student population.
Website: guhsd.net
Location: 1100 MURRAY DR. EL CAJON, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 644-8000
- Total schools: 15
- Elementary: 0
- Middle school: 0
- High school: 15
- Number of Students Served: 16,996
- Average graduation rate: 83%
- Student-teacher ratio: 24:1
- Average math proficiency score: 32%
- Average reading proficiency score: 55%
- Average SAT Score: 1140
- Average ACT Score: 25
7. San Dieguito Union High School District
The San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD) encompasses several districts and communities in San Diego County. It serves the areas of Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, and Rancho Santa Fe.
Mission: SDUHSD is committed to providing quality education to its diverse student population
Website: sduhsd.net
Location: 710 ENCINITAS BLVD. ENCINITAS, CA 92024
Phone: (760) 753-6491
- Total schools: 10
- Elementary: 0
- Middle school: 5
- High school: 5
- Number of Students Served: 13,001
- Average graduation rate: 95%
- Student-teacher ratio: 25:1
- Average math proficiency score: 72%
- Average reading proficiency score: 79%
- Average SAT Score: 1330
- Average ACT Score: 30
8. Sweetwater Union High School District
The Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) covers multiple areas in the southern region of San Diego County. Some areas covered by SUHSD include Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach, San Ysidro, and Bonita.
Mission: To deliver education through innovative and inclusive educational practices.
Website: sweetwaterschools.org
Location: 1130 FIFTH AVE. CHULA VISTA, CA 91911
Phone: (619) 691-5500
- Total schools: 28
- Elementary: 0
- Middle school: 12
- High school: 16
- Number of Students Served: 37,060
- Average graduation rate: 86%
- Student-teacher ratio: 24:1
- Average math proficiency score: 33%
- Average reading proficiency score: 54%
- Average SAT Score: 1120
- Average ACT Score: 24
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9. Vista Unified School District
Several areas in northern San Diego, as well as portions of Oceanside and Carlsbad, come under the Vista Unified School District (VUSD)
Mission: The district focuses on innovation, equity, and student achievement
Website: vistausd.org
Location: 1234 ARCADIA AVE. VISTA, CA 92084
Phone: (760) 726-2170
- Total schools: 31
- Elementary: 17
- Middle school: 7
- High school: 7
- Number of Students Served: 19,722
- Average graduation rate: 86%
- Student-teacher ratio: 22:1
- Average math proficiency score: 37%
- Average reading proficiency score: 50%
- Average SAT Score: 1180
- Average ACT Score: 26
10. Bonsall Unified School District
The Bonsall Unified School District (BUSD) covers a select group of areas in northern San Diego County. The district serves the communities of Bonsall, Fallbrook, and portions of surrounding neighborhoods.
Mission: All schools are committed to individual student growth and achievements
Website: bonsallusd.com
Location: 31505 OLD RIVER RD. BONSALL, CA 92003
Phone: (760) 631-5200
- Total schools: 5
- Elementary: 3
- Middle school: 1
- High school: 1
- Number of Students Served: 2,165
- Average graduation rate: 77%
- Student-teacher ratio: 22:1
- Average math proficiency score: 55%
- Average reading proficiency score: 63%
- Average SAT Score: 1130
- Average ACT Score: Not given
Graph
The graph data below reveals which San Diego school districts send the most students to college and evaluates how effectively they prepare these students.
Conclusion
With a focus on academic achievement, comprehensive programs, and inclusive learning environments, the districts mentioned below can offer outstanding educational opportunities for your children.
Take the next step and embrace the excitement of securing a bright future for your child. Go on; let your search end here.
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What percentage of the rankings is attributed to extracurricular activities?
Having extra-curricular activities is a great way to make sure you’re getting the most out of your education. But it’s important to remember that the rankings don’t just focus on extracurricular activities – they also make sure that academics are taken into account.
Does the cost of living in these districts factor into these rankings?
The primary focus of the rankings is on educational outcomes. Although the cost of living has an indirect influence on the quality of educational institutions, it is not an integral part of the ranking process.
What may be the drawback of selecting a school district exclusively based on these?
The rankings may be indicative, however, they may not accurately reflect the individual requirements and preferences of each student and family. For example, a high-ranking school district may not be suitable for a particular child due to their individual learning needs and preferences. Therefore, it is important to take into account factors that go beyond the rankings. These include the child’s personal characteristics, preferences, and any additional educational or extra-curricular requirements.