Serving 1,793 students in grades 9-12, El Capitan High School ranks in the bottom 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 15% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 56% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is equal to the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,793 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 98% (Top 5% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 56% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: El Capitan High serves the northeast part of the Merced, CA school district, covering an area of approximately 221.6 square miles. Families in this zone typically reside 20-30 minutes from the school, with an average distance of 12.4 miles to the zone's edge, and some living as far as 18.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
El Capitan High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
El Capitan High School's student population of 1,793 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 85 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,793 students
Total Classroom Teachers
85 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
We Are Gauchos
School Rankings
El Capitan High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of El Capitan High School is 0.54, 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
#5141 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
13%
12%
Hispanic
65%
56%
Black
5%
5%
White
14%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
98%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)28.2%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
64%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is El Capitan High School's ranking?
El Capitan High School is ranked #5141 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are El Capitan High School often compared to?
El Capitan High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Merced High School, Golden Valley High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 56% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of El Capitan High School?
The graduation rate of El Capitan High School is 98%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend El Capitan High School?
1,793 students attend El Capitan High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of El Capitan High School students are Hispanic, 14% of students are White, 13% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Black, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of El Capitan High School?
El Capitan High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is equal to the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does El Capitan High School offer ?
El Capitan High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is El Capitan High School part of?
El Capitan High School is part of Merced Union High School District.
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