San Marcos High School is a high school in the North County city of San Marcos, California. San Marcos High School is a member of the San Marcos Unified School District and serves students from San Marcos, Vista, and Carlsbad.
Serving 3,067 students in grades 9-12, San Marcos 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 36% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 59% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 25:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 3,067 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
- Minority Enrollment: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 96% (Top 10% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 36% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 59% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 44% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: San Marcos High serves the southwest part of San Marcos, CA, covering an area of approximately 21.4 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with an average distance of about 2.8 miles to the edge of the attendance zone, which extends up to 4.2 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
San Marcos High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
San Marcos High School's student population of 3,067 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 121 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
3,067 students
Total Classroom Teachers
121 teachers
Year Founded
1961
Colors
Navy Blue, Silver, Columbia blue
School Calendar
School Rankings
San Marcos 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 San Marcos High School is 0.64, which is more 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
#2949 out of 9523 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
59%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
8%
12%
Hispanic
42%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
42%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
96%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)24.4%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
28%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Knight
Frequently Asked Questions
What is San Marcos High School's ranking?
San Marcos High School is ranked #2949 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are San Marcos High School often compared to?
San Marcos High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mission Hills High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
36% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of San Marcos High School?
The graduation rate of San Marcos High School is 96%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend San Marcos High School?
3,067 students attend San Marcos High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
42% of San Marcos High School students are Hispanic, 42% of students are White, 8% of students are Asian, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of San Marcos High School?
San Marcos High School has a student ration of 25:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does San Marcos High School offer ?
San Marcos High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is San Marcos High School part of?
San Marcos High School is part of San Marcos Unified School District.
School Reviews
4 10/10/2025
1:26 ratio of teacher/students does not accurately reflect an average number of students per classroom of instruction which my experience indicates is much higher, often nearing 40. I assume the teacher count includes special ed teachers not in a classroom environment.
Review San Marcos High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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