Serving 68 students in grades 9-12, Merit Academy ranks in the top 30% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is <50% (which is higher 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 10:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Special education school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 68 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 59%
- Graduation Rate: ≤20% (Btm 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: <50% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: <50% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Merit Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
Merit Academy's student population of 68 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 7 teachers has grown by 16% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
68 students
Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Merit Academy 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 Merit Academy is 0.65, 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
#2597 out of 9523 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)<50%
28%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
12%
Hispanic
42%
56%
Black
11%
5%
White
41%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≤20%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
47%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
26%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Merit Academy's ranking?
Merit Academy is ranked #2597 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in California.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
<50% 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 Merit Academy?
The graduation rate of Merit Academy is 20%, which is lower than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Merit Academy?
68 students attend Merit Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
42% of Merit Academy students are Hispanic, 41% of students are White, 11% of students are Black, 3% of students are Asian, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Merit Academy?
Merit Academy has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Merit Academy offer ?
Merit Academy offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Merit Academy part of?
Merit Academy is part of Grossmont Union High School District.
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