Half Moon Bay High School is an American public high school located in Half Moon Bay, in San Mateo County, California. It is part of the Cabrillo Unified School District.
Serving 987 students in grades 9-12, Half Moon Bay High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 27% (which is lower than the California state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 52% (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 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 987 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Top 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 27% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 52% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 39% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Half Moon Bay High School's student population of 987 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 51 teachers has grown by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
987 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
51 teachers
Year Founded
1909
Colors
White, Black, Orange
School Calendar
School Rankings
Half Moon Bay High School ranks within the top 50% of all 9,602 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Half Moon Bay High School is 0.58, 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
#3838 out of 9602 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
12%
Hispanic
50%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
41%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
33%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cougar
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Half Moon Bay High School's ranking?
Half Moon Bay High School is ranked #3838 out of 9,602 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Half Moon Bay High School often compared to?
Half Moon Bay High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hillsdale High School, San Mateo High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
27% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CA state average), while 52% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Half Moon Bay High School?
The graduation rate of Half Moon Bay High School is 90%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Half Moon Bay High School?
987 students attend Half Moon Bay High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of Half Moon Bay High School students are Hispanic, 41% of students are White, 5% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Half Moon Bay High School?
Half Moon Bay High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Half Moon Bay High School offer ?
Half Moon Bay High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Half Moon Bay High School part of?
Half Moon Bay High School is part of Cabrillo Unified School District.
School Reviews
Review Half Moon Bay 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
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.
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.
