Monte Vista High School is public, comprehensive high school located in Spring Valley, California, and serves 1,960 students in grades nine through twelve. Opened in 1961, Monte Vista is the seventh of twelve high schools built in the Grossmont Union High School District.
Serving 1,537 students in grades 9-12, Monte Vista 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 22% (which is lower than the California state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 44% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,537 students
- Minority Enrollment: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 86% (Btm 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 44% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Monte Vista High School's student population of 1,537 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 8 teachers has declined by 89% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,537 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
8 teachers
Year Founded
1961
School Calendar
School Rankings
Monte Vista High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,602 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Monte Vista High School is 0.50, 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
#5081 out of 9602 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
n/a
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
5%
12%
Hispanic
69%
56%
Black
9%
5%
White
11%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
86%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
50%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
28%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Monty The Lion
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Monte Vista High School's ranking?
Monte Vista High School is ranked #5081 out of 9,602 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Monte Vista High School often compared to?
Monte Vista High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mount Miguel High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
22% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CA state average), while 44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Monte Vista High School?
The graduation rate of Monte Vista High School is 86%, which is lower than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Monte Vista High School?
1,537 students attend Monte Vista High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Monte Vista High School students are Hispanic, 11% of students are White, 9% of students are Black, 5% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What grades does Monte Vista High School offer ?
Monte Vista High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Monte Vista High School part of?
Monte Vista High School is part of Grossmont Union High School District.
School Reviews
4 3/9/2022
I think that this is a good school. It's nothing too special, but the teachers are great people (as long as you do your work, of course). Just don't hang with the wrong crowd and you'll be alright.
5 5/17/2016
This is an amazing school, and I''m so glad to be a Monte Vista Monarch. Despite criticism from the entire district and their students as being the "ghetto, dangerous, stupid" school we have time and time again shown our dedication to learning as our API score improvement rises farther than anyone else's in the district, more AP students are taken on and pass their respective exams, and improvements are made day in and day out.
The teachers, for the most part, care immensely about their students and I''ve seen them far surpass the role of teacher, being there also as a confidant and a tutor, and as amazing role models.
Our facilities are top notch, brand new, and incredibly clean, despite budget cuts that cut janitorial requirements.
Our programs of preforming arts are also rather large, sporting a band, choir, piano, photography, 3D Design, school newspaper, incredibly theater, spanish and french programs, a spectacular art class, superb ASB and AVID programs, and so much more.
We also have an amazing Special Ed program run by Dave Bennett, with brand new buildings, handicap ramps and bathrooms, and accommodations in non special ed classrooms for these amazing students, who are immensely included in every day Monarch life.
We have many, many sports, and despite budget cuts, we are ever improving how we preform.
Monte Vista is an amazing school. We have the most diverse campus, the most caring teachers, and the most successful anti bullying policies in place. Our clubs work with each other to make our school a better place.
This is the school for your child, smart or not so. Hard working or not. We take in okay kids and pop them out great individuals.
2 3/7/2011
Counselors and staff seem to not care about over all well being of students. Teacher at this school witnessed a student under the influence and did not report it. I thought school officials are mandated reporters? they have said that meth use and prostitution are on the rise at school yet, they do not step in when clear warning signs are present. Truancy seems like no big deal to them and seem like they could care less about the students. Terrible school.
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