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 646 students in grades 5-6, Dana 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 52% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). 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 23:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 5-6
- Enrollment: 646 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 48%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 52% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 62% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 47% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: The attendance zone for Dana School is located in the southwest part of San Diego, CA, covering approximately 15.7 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive from the school, with an average distance of 2.7 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 5.3 miles.
- 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
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Dana's student population of 646 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-6
Total Students
646 students
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Year Founded
1941
School Rankings
Dana ranks within the top 20% of all 9,523 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
#1748 out of 9523 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
12%
Hispanic
30%
56%
Black
4%
5%
White
52%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
11%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)20.6%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
26%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Green
School Mascot
Mariner
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dana's ranking?
Dana is ranked #1748 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% 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?
52% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 62% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Dana?
646 students attend Dana.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of Dana students are White, 30% of students are Hispanic, 11% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Black, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Dana?
Dana has a student ration of 23:1, 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 Calendar
View the Dana yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First Day of LatinX Heritage Month
September 15, 2026 (Tuesday)
First Day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 01, 2026 (Thursday)
First Day of Dyslexia Awareness Month
October 01, 2026 (Thursday)
First Day of Filipino American History Month
October 01, 2026 (Thursday)
First Day of German-American Heritage Month
October 01, 2026 (Thursday)
School Reviews
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