Southwest High School is a 4 year public high school in El Centro, California that serves approximately 2,085 students to its diverse population. Southwest is one of the 3 high schools within the Central Union High School District. It has been a California Distinguished School.
Serving 1,842 students in grades 9-12, Southwest 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 24% (which is lower than the California state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 69% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 20:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% 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: 1,842 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 69% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Southwest High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Southwest High School's student population of 1,842 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 91 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,842 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
91 teachers
Year Founded
1996
School Calendar
School Rankings
Southwest High School ranks within the top 50% of all 9,602 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southwest High School is 0.08, 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
#3329 out of 9602 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
69%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
20:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
12%
Hispanic
96%
56%
Black
n/a
5%
White
3%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
61%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
14%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Eagle
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwest High School's ranking?
Southwest High School is ranked #3329 out of 9,602 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Southwest High School often compared to?
Southwest High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Central Union High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CA state average), while 69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Southwest High School?
The graduation rate of Southwest High School is 91%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Southwest High School?
1,842 students attend Southwest High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
96% of Southwest High School students are Hispanic, 3% of students are White, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Southwest High School?
Southwest High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Southwest High School offer ?
Southwest High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Southwest High School part of?
Southwest High School is part of Central Union High School District.
School Reviews
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