Serving 524 students in grades 6-8, Thurston Middle School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 69% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 76% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 29% 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: 524 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 29%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 69% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 76% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 63% (Top 10%)
- Attendance Zone: Thurston Middle's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district of Laguna Beach, CA, covering an area of approximately 54.9 square miles. The typical drive to the school takes about 10-12 minutes, with the furthest edge of the zone located 8.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Thurston Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Thurston Middle School's student population of 524 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
524 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
Thurston Middle School ranks within the top 10% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Thurston Middle School is 0.47, 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
#683 out of 9523 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
69%
34%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
76%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
21:1
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
6%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
12%
56%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
5%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
71%
20%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
10%
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)11.8%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
15%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
8%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thurston Middle School's ranking?
Thurston Middle School is ranked #683 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in California.
What schools are Thurston Middle School often compared to?
Thurston Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Laguna Beach High School, Niguel Hills Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 76% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Thurston Middle School?
524 students attend Thurston Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of Thurston Middle School students are White, 12% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Thurston Middle School?
Thurston Middle School has a student ration of 17:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Thurston Middle School offer ?
Thurston Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is Thurston Middle School part of?
Thurston Middle School is part of Laguna Beach Unified School District.
School Calendar
View the Thurston Middle School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Fall/Thanksgiving Break - School Sites Closed All Week - District Office Closed M-W
November 23, 2026 (Monday)
Fall/Thanksgiving Break - School Sites Closed All Week - District Office Closed M-W
November 24, 2026 (Tuesday)
Fall/Thanksgiving Break - School Sites Closed All Week - District Office Closed M-W
November 25, 2026 (Wednesday)
Fall/Thanksgiving Break - School Sites Closed All Week - District Office Closed M-W
November 26, 2026 (Thursday)
Fall/Thanksgiving Break - School Sites Closed All Week - District Office Closed M-W
November 27, 2026 (Friday)
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