Santa Maria High School is a public comprehensive high school in Santa Maria, California, United States. Located in the heart of the city, Santa Maria High School is the second oldest Californian public high school still functioning on its original site.
Serving 3,143 students in grades 9-12, Santa Maria 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 10% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 28% (which is lower 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 99% 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: 3,143 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 89% (Top 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 10% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Santa Maria High School's student population of 3,143 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 144 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
3,143 students
Total Classroom Teachers
144 teachers
Year Founded
1891
School Calendar
Campus Size
33.33 acres (13.49 ha)
School Motto
Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve
School Rankings
Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria High School is 0.04, 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
#8262 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
9%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
12%
Hispanic
98%
56%
Black
n/a
5%
White
1%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
89%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Sammy The Saint
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santa Maria High School's ranking?
Santa Maria High School is ranked #8262 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Santa Maria High School often compared to?
Santa Maria High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Pioneer Valley High School, Ernest Righetti High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 28% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Santa Maria High School?
The graduation rate of Santa Maria High School is 89%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Santa Maria High School?
3,143 students attend Santa Maria High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
98% of Santa Maria High School students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Santa Maria High School?
Santa Maria High School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Santa Maria High School offer ?
Santa Maria High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Santa Maria High School part of?
Santa Maria High School is part of Santa Maria Joint Union High School District.
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