Costa Mesa High School/Middle School is a public secondary school serving grades 7 through 12 in Costa Mesa, California. It is part of the Newport Mesa Unified School District.
Serving 1,730 students in grades 7-12, Costa Mesa 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 28% (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 19:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 1,730 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 96% (Top 10% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Costa Mesa High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Costa Mesa High School's student population of 1,730 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 89 teachers has grown by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
Total Students
1,730 students
Total Classroom Teachers
89 teachers
Year Founded
1958
Colors
White, Black, Green
School Rankings
Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa High School is 0.48, 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
#3988 out of 9523 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
6%
12%
Hispanic
70%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
15%
20%
Hawaiian
2%
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
96%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
59%
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: Mustangs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Costa Mesa High School's ranking?
Costa Mesa High School is ranked #3988 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Costa Mesa High School often compared to?
Costa Mesa High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Newport Harbor High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
28% 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 Costa Mesa High School?
The graduation rate of Costa Mesa High School is 96%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Costa Mesa High School?
1,730 students attend Costa Mesa High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of Costa Mesa High School students are Hispanic, 15% of students are White, 6% of students are Asian, 6% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Costa Mesa High School?
Costa Mesa High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Costa Mesa High School offer ?
Costa Mesa High School offers enrollment in grades 7-12
What school district is Costa Mesa High School part of?
Costa Mesa High School is part of Newport-Mesa Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Costa Mesa High School located?
Costa Mesa High School is located in the Mesa Del Mar neighborhood of Costa Mesa, CA. There are 3 other public schools located in Mesa Del Mar.
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