Serving 2,678 students in grades 9-12, Santa Monica High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 51% (which is higher than the California state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 82% (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 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,678 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 98% (Top 5% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 51% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 82% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 49% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Santa Monica High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Santa Monica High School's student population of 2,678 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 138 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,678 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
138 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Santa Monica High School ranks within the top 20% of all 9,602 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Santa Monica High School is 0.70, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1021 out of 9602 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
82%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
22:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
6%
12%
Hispanic
36%
55%
Black
7%
5%
White
40%
21%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
11%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
98%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
51%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santa Monica High School's ranking?
Santa Monica High School is ranked #1021 out of 9,602 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in California.
What schools are Santa Monica High School often compared to?
Santa Monica High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Palisades Charter High School, El Segundo High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
51% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CA state average), while 82% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Santa Monica High School?
The graduation rate of Santa Monica High School is 98%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Santa Monica High School?
2,678 students attend Santa Monica High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
40% of Santa Monica High School students are White, 36% of students are Hispanic, 11% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Black, and 6% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Santa Monica High School?
Santa Monica High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is lower than the California state average of 22:1.
What grades does Santa Monica High School offer ?
Santa Monica High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Santa Monica High School part of?
Santa Monica High School is part of Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.
School Calendar
View the Santa Monica High School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Last Day of Classes
June 12, 2025 (Thursday)
First Day of Classes
August 21, 2025 (Thursday)
School Reviews
Review Santa Monica 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
Drug Testing Teachers: Testing Positive or Negative?
This article examines the ongoing debate about drug testing for teachers in public schools. It discusses the rationale behind such policies, privacy concerns, cost implications, and the relatively low prevalence of drug use among educators. The piece also explores future considerations for drug testing policies in educational settings.
Head in the Clouds: Why Public Schools are Embracing Cloud Computing
Explore how public schools are integrating cloud computing into their educational frameworks. Understand the advantages such as enhanced collaboration, cost savings, and accessibility, as well as the challenges schools face in adopting this technology.
September 27, 2024
Understanding RubricsThis article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.
