San Marcos High School is a public high school located in a suburban area two miles from the city of Santa Barbara, California. Accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the school was named a California Distinguished School in 1994 and 2005, and a Gold Ribbon School in 2015.
Serving 1,926 students in grades 9-12, San Marcos Senior 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 31% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is equal to the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 68% 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: 1,926 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 93% (Top 30% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 31% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: San Marcos Senior High serves a 5.4 square mile area in the southwest part of Santa Barbara, CA, with typical commute times of 10-12 minutes and distances ranging from an average of 3.7 miles to the furthest zone edge at 5.5 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
San Marcos Senior High School's student population of 1,926 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 91 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,926 students
Total Classroom Teachers
91 teachers
Year Founded
1958
Colors
Royal blue, Scarlet
School Calendar
School Motto
Empowering students to achieve their best.
School Rankings
San Marcos Senior 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 Senior High School is 0.53, 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
#3766 out of 9523 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
12%
Hispanic
61%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
32%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
93%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)25.7%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
46%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is San Marcos Senior High School's ranking?
San Marcos Senior High School is ranked #3766 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are San Marcos Senior High School often compared to?
San Marcos Senior High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Dos Pueblos Senior High School, Santa Barbara Senior High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
31% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of San Marcos Senior High School?
The graduation rate of San Marcos Senior High School is 93%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend San Marcos Senior High School?
1,926 students attend San Marcos Senior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of San Marcos Senior High School students are Hispanic, 32% of students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of San Marcos Senior High School?
San Marcos Senior High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is equal to the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does San Marcos Senior High School offer ?
San Marcos Senior High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is San Marcos Senior High School part of?
San Marcos Senior High School is part of Santa Barbara Unified School District.
School Reviews
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