Serving 261 students in grades 6-8, San Benancio Middle School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 48% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 71% (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 47% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 261 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 47%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 48% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 71% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: San Benancio Middle's attendance zone encompasses the entire district in Salinas, CA, covering approximately 41.3 square miles. The typical drive to the school takes about 10-12 minutes, with the furthest edge of the zone located around 6.4 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
San Benancio Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
San Benancio Middle School's student population of 261 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 12 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
261 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
San Benancio Middle School 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 San Benancio Middle School is 0.62, 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
#1665 out of 9523 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
34%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
71%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
10%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
29%
56%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
53%
20%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
8%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)11.1%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
10%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
1%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is San Benancio Middle School's ranking?
San Benancio Middle School is ranked #1665 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in California.
What schools are San Benancio Middle School often compared to?
San Benancio Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Buena Vista Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
48% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 71% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend San Benancio Middle School?
261 students attend San Benancio Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of San Benancio Middle School students are White, 29% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Asian, and 8% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of San Benancio Middle School?
San Benancio Middle School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does San Benancio Middle School offer ?
San Benancio Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is San Benancio Middle School part of?
San Benancio Middle School is part of Washington Union Elementary School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
San Benancio Middle School is a wonderful school in terms of education. It's too bad the majority of the students there were raised together since birth and were so unaccepting of anybody new. I have never met such an unfriendly, unwelcoming, mean-spirited, clique-y, stuck-up group of spoiled brats in my life. If you don't wear $1000 in clothing every day you are nothing to these people.
2 10/10/2025
As a parent of a child in the San Benancio Middle School it is our opinion that this school tolerates a culture of bullying. Incidents brought to its attention go unaddressed unless a considerable amount of pressure is applied. It has no robust anti-bullying program and the administration seems to care less. Whether it is inability or unwillingness on the part of the administration it is simply inexcusable and unacceptable. The more people we speak with the more we find that have removed their children from this school for either bullying related issues or disappointment with the school's performance. We are deeply saddened by this because we thought by coming to this district we would be in a place where such issues would be minimal but instead we find ourselves in an environment where it is common practice. In our opinion if one is looking for a middle school in this area one would better served by Buena Vista.
5 10/10/2025
I've had my older children attend other middle schools and I am very pleased with SBMS. My child has been welcomed with open arms. We are not from the area. It may be that my child is outgoing and athletic and was able to be accepted by members of the sports team. Middle school is difficult for everyone. All schools will have cliques and bullies and rich kids, etc. The academics and the teachers and the new principal are just awesome
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