Mar Vista Senior High is a high school in Imperial Beach, California, United States. It was established in 1951. Mar Vista has an award-winning marine science academy called Poseidon. Students spend grades 9-12 in the academy. It is frequently called "a school within a school."
Serving 1,216 students in grades 9-12, Mar Vista Senior High School ranks in the bottom 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 15% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 57% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,216 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 57% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 21% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Mar Vista Senior High School's student population of 1,216 students has declined by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 55 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,216 students
Total Classroom Teachers
55 teachers
Year Founded
1951
Colors
Navy and Gold
School Calendar
School Rankings
Mar Vista Senior High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Mar Vista Senior High School is 0.46, 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
#4991 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
Asian
6%
12%
Hispanic
72%
56%
Black
2%
5%
White
16%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
68%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Marty The Mariner, Poseidon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mar Vista Senior High School's ranking?
Mar Vista Senior High School is ranked #4991 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Mar Vista Senior High School often compared to?
Mar Vista Senior High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Castle Park Senior High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 57% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Mar Vista Senior High School?
The graduation rate of Mar Vista Senior High School is 91%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Mar Vista Senior High School?
1,216 students attend Mar Vista Senior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
72% of Mar Vista Senior High School students are Hispanic, 16% of students are White, 6% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Mar Vista Senior High School?
Mar Vista Senior High School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Mar Vista Senior High School offer ?
Mar Vista Senior High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Mar Vista Senior High School part of?
Mar Vista Senior High School is part of Sweetwater Union High School District.
School Reviews
Review Mar Vista Senior High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.
