Salinas High School is a public 9–12 high school in Salinas, California, United States. It is the first of five primary high schools of the Salinas Union High School District. The school was moved to its current central Salinas location in 1920. The campus was rebuilt circa 1999.
Serving 2,446 students in grades 9-12, Salinas High School ranks in the top 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 25% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 54% (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 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,446 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Top 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 25% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 54% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Salinas High School's student population of 2,446 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 109 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,446 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
109 teachers
Year Founded
1882
Colors
Purple, Gold
School Rankings
Salinas High School ranks within the top 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Salinas High School is 0.40, 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
#4015 out of 9523 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
12%
Hispanic
76%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
16%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
57%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
26%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Salinas High School's ranking?
Salinas High School is ranked #4015 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Salinas High School often compared to?
Salinas High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Everett Alvarez High School, Alisal High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Salinas High School?
The graduation rate of Salinas High School is 90%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Salinas High School?
2,446 students attend Salinas High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of Salinas High School students are Hispanic, 16% of students are White, 4% 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 Salinas High School?
Salinas High School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Salinas High School offer ?
Salinas High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Salinas High School part of?
Salinas High School is part of Salinas Union High School District.
School Reviews
Review Salinas 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

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.