Terra Nova High School is an American public high school in Pacifica in San Mateo County, California, United States. It serves grades 9 through 12 as part of the Jefferson Union High School District.
Serving 740 students in grades 9-12, Terra Nova High School ranks in the top 30% 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 30-34% (which is approximately equal to the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-74% (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 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 740 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 30% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Terra Nova High serves the southern part of the Pacifica, CA school district, covering approximately 9.8 square miles. Families can typically expect a short drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the farthest edge of the attendance zone being about 2.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Terra Nova High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Terra Nova High School's student population of 740 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 37 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
740 students
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
Year Founded
1961
School Calendar
School Rankings
Terra Nova High School ranks within the top 30% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Terra Nova High School is 0.71, 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
#2400 out of 9523 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
12%
12%
Hispanic
29%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
42%
20%
Two or more races
15%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
86.2%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)19.7%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
15%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Black and Yellow
School Mascot
Terra Nova Tiger
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Terra Nova High School's ranking?
Terra Nova High School is ranked #2400 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in California.
What schools are Terra Nova High School often compared to?
Terra Nova High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Oceana High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Terra Nova High School?
The graduation rate of Terra Nova High School is 90-94%, which is higher than the California state average of 86.2%.
How many students attend Terra Nova High School?
740 students attend Terra Nova High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
42% of Terra Nova High School students are White, 29% of students are Hispanic, 15% of students are Two or more races, 12% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Terra Nova High School?
Terra Nova High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Terra Nova High School offer ?
Terra Nova High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Terra Nova High School part of?
Terra Nova High School is part of Jefferson Union High School District.
In what neighborhood is Terra Nova High School located?
Terra Nova High School is located in the Park Pacifica neighborhood of Pacifica, CA.
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