Mt. Carmel High School is a public high school in Rancho Peñasquitos, a community of San Diego, California, United States. It is part of Poway Unified School District. The school's mascot is the Sundevil. Mt. Carmel High School is both a California Distinguished School Award winner and a National Blue Ribbon School.
Serving 1,800 students in grades 9-12, Mt. Carmel High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 53% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 72% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Asian), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,800 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 95% (Top 30% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 53% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 72% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 53% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Mt. Carmel High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Mt. Carmel High School's student population of 1,800 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 77 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,800 students
Total Classroom Teachers
77 teachers
Year Founded
1974
Colors
Gold, Scarlet
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. Jun 12, 2026
School Motto
To promote our mission and realize our student outcomes
School Rankings
Mt. Carmel High School ranks within the top 20% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Mt. Carmel High School is 0.74, 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
#1268 out of 9523 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
53%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
72%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
53%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
26%
12%
Hispanic
20%
56%
Black
3%
5%
White
37%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
14%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
95%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
16%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Sunny The Sundevil
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mt. Carmel High School's ranking?
Mt. Carmel High School is ranked #1268 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in California.
What schools are Mt. Carmel High School often compared to?
Mt. Carmel High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Westview High School, Rancho Bernardo High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
53% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 72% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Mt. Carmel High School?
The graduation rate of Mt. Carmel High School is 95%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Mt. Carmel High School?
1,800 students attend Mt. Carmel High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
37% of Mt. Carmel High School students are White, 26% of students are Asian, 20% of students are Hispanic, 14% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Mt. Carmel High School?
Mt. Carmel High School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Mt. Carmel High School offer ?
Mt. Carmel High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Mt. Carmel High School part of?
Mt. Carmel High School is part of Poway Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Mt. Carmel High School located?
Mt. Carmel High School is located in the Rancho Penasquitos neighborhood of San Diego, CA. There are 10 other public schools located in Rancho Penasquitos.
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