Serving 1,730 students in grades 7-12, Costa Mesa High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 28% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50% (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 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 1,730 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 96% (Top 10% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Costa Mesa High serves the northern part of Costa Mesa, CA, covering an attendance area of approximately 5.9 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the farthest edge of the zone located about 2.8 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Costa Mesa High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Costa Mesa High School's student population of 1,730 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 89 teachers has grown by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
Total Students
1,730 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
89 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1958
School Calendar
School Rankings
Costa Mesa High School ranks within the top 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Costa Mesa High School is 0.48, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3988 out of 9523 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
34%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
47%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
21:1
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
6%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
70%
56%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
15%
20%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
2%
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
96%
86.2%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)24.7%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
59%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
14%
8%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Navy Blue and White
School Mascot
Mustangs
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Costa Mesa High School's ranking?
Costa Mesa High School is ranked #3988 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Costa Mesa High School often compared to?
Costa Mesa High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Estancia High School, Newport Harbor High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
28% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Costa Mesa High School?
The graduation rate of Costa Mesa High School is 96%, which is higher than the California state average of 86.2%.
How many students attend Costa Mesa High School?
1,730 students attend Costa Mesa High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of Costa Mesa High School students are Hispanic, 15% of students are White, 6% of students are Asian, 6% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Costa Mesa High School?
Costa Mesa High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Costa Mesa High School offer ?
Costa Mesa High School offers enrollment in grades 7-12
What school district is Costa Mesa High School part of?
Costa Mesa High School is part of Newport-Mesa Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Costa Mesa High School located?
Costa Mesa High School is located in the Mesa Del Mar neighborhood of Costa Mesa, CA. There are 3 other public schools located in Mesa Del Mar.
School Reviews
Review Costa Mesa 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
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.
