For the 2025-26 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 8,905 students in Santee, CA (there are 3 private schools, serving 97 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Santee, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Santee, CA are Sycamore Canyon Elementary School, Rio Seco Elementary School and Santee Alternative. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Santee, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Santee have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Santee, CA (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sycamore Canyon Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
10201 Settle Rd.
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-5400
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-5400
Gr: K-6 | 360 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #22.
Rio Seco Elementary School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
9545 Cuyamaca St.
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-5500
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-5500
Gr: K-8 | 920 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #33.
Santee Alternative
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
10250 El Nopal
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-2490
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-2490
Gr: K-8 | 14 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #44.
Carlton Oaks Elementary School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
9353 Wethersfield Rd.
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-4500
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-4500
Gr: K-8 | 877 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #55.
Carlton Hills Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
9353 Pike Rd.
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 258-3400
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 258-3400
Gr: K-8 | 576 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #66.
Santana High School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
9915 North Magnolia Ave.
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-0211
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-0211
Gr: 9-12 | 1,712 student Student-teacher ratio: 95:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #77.
Chet F. Harritt Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
8120 Arlette St.
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 258-4800
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 258-4800
Gr: K-8 | 625 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #88.
West Hills High School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
8756 Mast Blvd.
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-0400
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-0400
Gr: 9-12 | 1,515 student Student-teacher ratio: 216:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #99.
Pride Academy At Prospect Avenue
(Math: 46% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
9303 Prospect Ave.
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-5200
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-5200
Gr: K-8 | 563 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #1010.
Hill Creek Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
9665 Jeremy St.
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-5000
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-5000
Gr: K-8 | 690 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #1111.
Learning Choice Academy
Charter School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
4635 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
Santee, CA 92071
(858) 536-8388
Santee, CA 92071
(858) 536-8388
Gr: K-12 | 185 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #1212.
Cajon Park Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
10300 Magnolia Ave.
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-2400
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-2400
Gr: K-8 | 866 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #1313.
Santee Success Program
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
10280 North Magnolia Ave.
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-2453
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-2453
Gr: K-8 | 2 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Santee, California Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
10445 Mission Gorge Rd.
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-5300
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 956-5300
Gr: K-8 | 559 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Santee, CA?
The top ranked public schools in Santee, CA include Sycamore Canyon Elementary School, Rio Seco Elementary School and Santee Alternative.
How many public schools are located in Santee?
13 public schools are located in Santee.
What percentage of students in Santee go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Santee are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Santee?
Santee public schools minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Santee are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Santee include: Santana High School vs. West Hills High School, West Hills High School vs. Santana High School, Carlton Hills Elementary School vs. Carlton Oaks Elementary School
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