Richard Henry Dana Middle School is a public middle school in San Diego, California. It is part of San Diego Unified School District. The school serves approximately 820 students in grades 5 and 6. It is located in the Loma Portal neighborhood of Point Loma.
Serving 648 students in grades 5-6, Dana ranks in the top 30% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 46% (which is higher than the California state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 62% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 5-6
- Enrollment: 648 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 47%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 46% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 62% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 47% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Dana ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Dana's student population of 648 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-6
Total Students
648 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Year Founded
1941
Colors
White, Green
School Calendar
School Rankings
Dana ranks within the top 30% of all 9,602 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Dana is 0.63, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2114 out of 9602 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
12%
Hispanic
28%
56%
Black
5%
5%
White
53%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
11%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
25%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Mariner
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dana's ranking?
Dana is ranked #2114 out of 9,602 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in California.
What schools are Dana often compared to?
Danais often viewed alongside schools like Ocean Beach Elementary School, La Jolla Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
46% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CA state average), while 62% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Dana?
648 students attend Dana.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Dana students are White, 28% of students are Hispanic, 11% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Black, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Dana?
Dana has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Dana offer ?
Dana offers enrollment in grades 5-6
What school district is Dana part of?
Dana is part of San Diego Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Dana located?
Dana is located in the Point Loma neighborhood of San Diego, CA. There are 12 other public schools located in Point Loma.
School Reviews
Review Dana. 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
Navigating Special Needs Education: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and Educators
We explore special needs in children, including learning disabilities, autism, and ADHD. We suggest some insights on diagnosis, support strategies, and educational approaches, empowering parents and educators to provide effective assistance to children with special needs.
Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
