Home > California > San Diego County

Mountain Empire Unified School District

Item: Mountain Empire Unified School District
Rating: 3
Author: Public School Review

3305 Buckman Springs Rd.
Pine Valley, CA 91962-4003

( shown in map)

Bottom 50%

Tel: (619) 473-9022

meusd.k12.ca.us

For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 1,037 students in Mountain Empire Unified School District. This district's average elementary is 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public elementary schools in California.

Public Elementary Schools in Mountain Empire Unified School District have an score of 19% (versus the California public elementary school average of 36%), and score of 29% (versus the 46% statewide average).

Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).

Overview

This School District

This State (CA)

# Schools

10 Schools

7,677 Schools

# Students

1,738 Students

3,817,118 Students

# Teachers

82 Teachers

173,969 Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

21:1

Student By Grade

View Data

Comparison of Students By Grade Trends
Grade	Mountain Empire Unified School District	California
Kind	168	262
1	138	187
2	156	196
3	139	204
4	159	205
5	140	209
6	136	210
8	1	154

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

District Rank

Mountain Empire Unified School District, which is ranked #1543 of all 1,904 school districts in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.

The school district's graduation rate of 70% has decreased from 85-89% over five school years.

This School District

State Average (CA)

#1536 out of 1932 school districts
(Bottom 50%)

View Data

Overall School District Rank Trends
Year	Mountain Empire Unified School District
2023	#1536
2022	#1589
2021	#945
2019	#1395
2018	#805
2017	#564
2016	#758
2015	#762
2014	#329
2013	#811
2012	#737

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

17%

34%

View Data

Math Proficiency Trends
Year	Mountain Empire Unified School District	California
2023	17%	34%
2022	15%	33%
2021	15%	34%
2019	24%	40%
2018	21%	39%
2017	29%	38%
2016	20%	37%
2015	20%	34%
2014	57%	63%
2013	45%	59%
2012	46%	59%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

29%

47%

View Data

Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Trends
Year	Mountain Empire Unified School District	California
2022	29%	47%
2021	29%	49%
2019	38%	51%
2018	21%	50%
2017	45%	48%
2016	35%	48%
2015	29%	44%
2014	57%	58%
2013	44%	57%
2012	52%	58%
2011	52%	56%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

16%

29%

View Data

Science Proficiency Trends
Year	Mountain Empire Unified School District	California
2022	16%	29%
2021	15%	28%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

70%

87%

View Data

Graduation Rate Trends
Year	Mountain Empire Unified School District	California
2023	70%	87%
2022	92%	87%
2021	87%	84%
2020	92%	85%
2019	87%	84%
2018	87%	84%
2017	82%	83%
2016	59%	83%
2015	69%	89%
2014	67%	88%
2013	72%	87%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

(2022-23)

52.4%

27.7%

View Data

Chronic Absenteeism Rate Trends
Year	Mountain Empire Unified School District	California
2023	52.4%	27.7%
2022	55.7%	33%
2021	38.7%	15.4%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Students by Ethnicity:

0.52

0.64

View Data

Comparison of Diversity Score Trends
Year	Mountain Empire Unified School District	California
2023	0.52	0.64
2022	0.52	0.63
2021	0.52	0.62
2020	0.52	0.63
2019	0.52	0.63
2018	0.53	0.64
2017	0.53	0.64
2016	0.63	0.64
2015	0.63	0.64
2014	0.63	0.65
2013	0.62	0.65
2012	0.62	0.65
2011	0.63	0.67
2010	0.63	0.67
2009	0.62	0.71
2008	0.61	0.65
2007	0.60	0.67
2006	0.60	0.66
2005	0.59	0.67
2004	0.57	0.67
2003	0.57	0.67
2002	0.56	0.67
2001	0.54	0.67
2000	0.54	0.67
1999	0.54	0.67
1998	0.51	0.67
1997	0.50	0.67
1996	0.49	0.67
1995	0.47	0.67
1994	0.53	0.67
1993	0.52	0.67
1992	0.48	0.67
1991	0.46	0.67

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% American Indian

n/a

View Data

American Indian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1992-2023)
Year	Mountain Empire Unified School District	California
2023	4%	1%
2022	4%	1%
2020	4%	1%
2019	4%	1%
2018	4%	1%
2017	4%	1%
2016	2%	1%
2015	3%	1%
2014	3%	1%
2013	4%	1%
2012	3%	1%
2011	4%	1%
2010	6%	1%
2009	8%	1%
2008	8%	1%
2007	9%	2%
2006	9%	1%
2005	10%	2%
2004	9%	2%
2003	10%	2%
2002	9%	2%
2001	9%	2%
2000	9%	1%
1999	9%	1%
1998	7%	1%
1997	8%	1%
1996	7%	1%
1995	6%	1%
1994	5%	1%
1993	5%	1%
1992	3%	1%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Asian

n/a

12%

View Data

Asian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	Mountain Empire Unified School District	California
2023	3%	12%
2022	3%	12%
2021	3%	12%
2020	3%	12%
2019	3%	12%
2018	3%	11%
2017	3%	11%
2016	3%	11%
2015	3%	11%
2014	4%	11%
2013	2%	11%
2012	2%	11%
2011	2%	11%
2010	2%	11%
2009	1%	11%
2008	2%	12%
2007	2%	12%
2006	2%	12%
2005	2%	12%
2004	1%	12%
2003	1%	11%
2002	1%	11%
2001	1%	11%
2000	1%	11%
1999	1%	11%
1998	1%	11%
1997	1%	11%
1996	2%	11%
1995	1%	11%
1994	1%	11%
1993	1%	11%
1992	1%	11%
1991	1%	11%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Hispanic

65%

56%

View Data

Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	Mountain Empire Unified School District	California
2023	40%	55%
2022	39%	56%
2021	38%	56%
2020	38%	55%
2019	38%	55%
2018	38%	54%
2017	38%	54%
2016	37%	54%
2015	36%	54%
2014	38%	53%
2013	42%	53%
2012	42%	52%
2011	41%	51%
2010	39%	50%
2009	39%	49%
2008	38%	50%
2007	36%	49%
2006	35%	48%
2005	32%	47%
2004	30%	46%
2003	28%	45%
2002	28%	44%
2001	26%	43%
2000	26%	42%
1999	26%	41%
1998	25%	40%
1997	24%	40%
1996	23%	39%
1995	23%	38%
1994	33%	37%
1993	31%	36%
1992	29%	35%
1991	28%	34%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Black

View Data

Black Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1993-2023)
Year	Mountain Empire Unified School District	California
2023	4%	5%
2022	4%	5%
2021	4%	5%
2020	4%	5%
2019	4%	5%
2018	4%	6%
2017	4%	6%
2016	4%	6%
2015	4%	6%
2014	4%	6%
2013	4%	6%
2012	3%	6%
2011	5%	7%
2010	4%	7%
2009	3%	7%
2008	3%	8%
2007	2%	8%
2006	1%	8%
2005	1%	8%
2004	2%	8%
2003	2%	8%
2002	2%	8%
2001	2%	8%
2000	2%	9%
1999	2%	9%
1998	2%	9%
1997	1%	9%
1996	1%	9%
1995	1%	9%
1994	1%	9%
1993	1%	9%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% White

26%

20%

View Data

White Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	Mountain Empire Unified School District	California
2023	29%	21%
2022	30%	21%
2021	30%	22%
2020	31%	23%
2019	31%	23%
2018	33%	24%
2017	33%	24%
2016	48%	24%
2015	49%	24%
2014	48%	25%
2013	45%	25%
2012	46%	26%
2011	46%	27%
2010	46%	27%
2009	47%	28%
2008	49%	29%
2007	51%	29%
2006	53%	31%
2005	55%	31%
2004	58%	32%
2003	59%	34%
2002	60%	35%
2001	62%	36%
2000	62%	37%
1999	62%	38%
1998	65%	39%
1997	66%	39%
1996	67%	40%
1995	69%	41%
1994	60%	42%
1993	62%	43%
1992	66%	44%
1991	68%	45%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Hawaiian

n/a

View Data

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2009-2014)
Year	Mountain Empire Unified School District	California
2014	1%	1%
2012	1%	1%
2010	1%	1%
2009	1%	1%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Two or more races

View Data

Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2009-2023)
Year	Mountain Empire Unified School District	California
2023	5%	6%
2022	5%	5%
2021	5%	5%
2020	5%	4%
2019	5%	4%
2018	6%	4%
2017	6%	4%
2016	6%	4%
2015	5%	3%
2014	2%	3%
2013	3%	3%
2012	3%	3%
2011	2%	2%
2010	2%	3%
2009	1%	3%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $19,695 in this school district is less than the state median of $20,100. The school district revenue/student has grown by 11% over four school years.

The school district's spending/student of $15,502 is less than the state median of $18,511. The school district spending/student has declined by 5% over four school years.

This School District

This State (CA)

Total Revenue

$34 MM

$116,387 MM

View Data

Total Revenues Trends
Year	Mountain Empire Unified School District	California
2023	$34 MM	$8 MM
2022	$30 MM	$7 MM
2021	$34 MM	$8 MM
2020	$30 MM	$7 MM
2019	$29 MM	$7 MM
2018	$28 MM	$29 MM
2017	$26 MM	$26 MM
2016	$26 MM	$24 MM
2015	$21 MM	$17 MM
2014	$23 MM	$21 MM
2012	$25 MM	$19 MM
2011	$24 MM	$19 MM
2010	$21 MM	$17 MM
2009	$18 MM	$19 MM
2008	$19 MM	$19 MM
2007	$18 MM	$19 MM
2006	$17 MM	$17 MM
2005	$19 MM	$16 MM
2004	$18 MM	$16 MM
2003	$19 MM	$16 MM
2002	$16 MM	$15 MM
2001	$16 MM	$15 MM
2000	$13 MM	$13 MM
1999	$12 MM	$12 MM
1998	$11 MM	$11 MM
1997	$11 MM	$10 MM
1996	$10 MM	$9 MM
1995	$9 MM	$8 MM

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending

$27 MM

$107,188 MM

View Data

Total Expenditure Trends
Year	Mountain Empire Unified School District	California
2023	$27 MM	$7 MM
2022	$28 MM	$7 MM
2021	$27 MM	$7 MM
2020	$28 MM	$7 MM
2019	$25 MM	$7 MM
2018	$24 MM	$29 MM
2017	$23 MM	$24 MM
2016	$25 MM	$23 MM
2015	$22 MM	$18 MM
2014	$20 MM	$21 MM
2012	$23 MM	$19 MM
2011	$22 MM	$19 MM
2010	$22 MM	$18 MM
2009	$17 MM	$18 MM
2008	$17 MM	$19 MM
2007	$16 MM	$18 MM
2006	$18 MM	$17 MM
2005	$16 MM	$16 MM
2004	$17 MM	$17 MM
2003	$18 MM	$15 MM
2002	$17 MM	$16 MM
2001	$17 MM	$14 MM
2000	$14 MM	$13 MM
1999	$11 MM	$11 MM
1998	$10 MM	$11 MM
1997	$10 MM	$10 MM
1996	$10 MM	$8 MM
1995	$10 MM	$8 MM

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Revenue / Student

$19,695

$20,100

View Data

Average Revenue Per Student Trends
Year	Mountain Empire Unified School District	California
2023	$18,777	$15,607
2022	$17,586	$14,213
2021	$20,485	$15,669
2020	$17,586	$14,213
2019	$17,200	$14,063
2018	$8,847	$16,033
2017	$6,027	$16,692
2016	$6,942	$15,604
2015	$5,835	$10,238
2014	$6,450	$11,786
2012	$9,220	$11,929
2011	$8,874	$11,681
2010	$8,739	$10,238
2009	$11,145	$11,099
2008	$11,467	$11,762
2007	$10,262	$11,879
2006	$9,549	$10,859
2005	$10,215	$10,445
2004	$9,546	$10,566
2003	$10,203	$10,456
2002	$8,905	$9,803
2001	$8,701	$10,568
2000	$7,433	$8,943
1999	$6,468	$8,203
1998	$6,078	$7,395
1997	$5,921	$6,922
1995	$5,002	$5,953
1992	$5,088	$5,430

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending / Student

$15,502

$18,511

View Data

Average Expenditure Per Student Trends
Year	Mountain Empire Unified School District	California
2023	$14,779	$13,914
2022	$16,364	$13,602
2021	$16,123	$13,970
2020	$16,364	$13,602
2019	$14,711	$13,522
2018	$7,689	$16,124
2017	$5,390	$15,588
2016	$6,781	$14,779
2015	$6,033	$10,739
2014	$5,547	$11,804
2012	$8,464	$12,155
2011	$8,141	$11,509
2010	$9,036	$10,739
2009	$10,195	$10,975
2008	$10,425	$11,678
2007	$9,064	$11,317
2006	$10,266	$10,926
2005	$8,908	$10,789
2004	$9,172	$11,073
2003	$9,947	$10,210
2002	$9,048	$10,600
2001	$9,244	$10,007
2000	$7,972	$9,131
1999	$6,217	$7,911
1998	$5,706	$7,592
1997	$5,806	$6,759
1995	$5,147	$6,033
1992	$5,746	$5,588

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Best Mountain Empire Unified School District Public Elementary Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)

Location

Quick Facts

Rank: #11.

Descanso Elementary School

(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
:

Top 30%

Add to Compare

24842 Viejas Blvd.
Descanso, CA 91916
(619) 445-2126

Gr: K-6 | 188 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 46%

Rank: #22.

Campo Elementary School

(Math: 21% | Reading: 31%)
:

Bottom 50%

Add to Compare

1654 Buckman Springs Rd.
Campo, CA 91906
(619) 478-5583

Gr: K-6 | 359 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 69%

Rank: #33.

Clover Flat Elementary School

(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
:

Bottom 50%

Add to Compare

39639 Old Highway 80
Boulevard, CA 91905
(619) 766-4655

Gr: K-6 | 190 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 77%

Rank: #44.

Potrero Elementary School

(Math: 6% | Reading: 15-19%)
:

Bottom 50%

Add to Compare

24875 Potrero Valley Rd.
Potrero, CA 91963
(619) 478-5930

Gr: K-6 | 300 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 99%

Recent Articles

June 24, 2026

Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?

Phone bans are spreading in public schools nationwide. Learn how to evaluate whether a school's cellphone policy will improve your child's learning and well-being.

June 24, 2026

Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?

Considering a move to a higher-rated public school? Learn how to weigh school quality, housing costs, and family priorities before relocating.

June 24, 2026

How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores

Learn how to evaluate public school value using student support, school climate, opportunities, and outcomes, not just standardized test scores.

Quick Facts (2026)

District size: 10 schools
Grades: K-12
Enrollment: 1,738 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
Minority Enrollment: 74%
: 70% (Btm 50% in CA)
: Bottom 50%
: 17% (Btm 50%)
: 29% (Btm 50%)
: 16% (Btm 50%)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education