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Average

#3948 of 9,533 schools in CA

Top 41% in state

Design Science Middle College High

High School · Fresno Unified

1101 E University Ave, Fresno, CA 93741

Enrollment

242

Student-Teacher

24.2:1

Score

6.7

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Fresno

#80 of 175

public schools

California high schools

#768 of 1,892

In district

#50 of 98

Fresno Unified

Equity

9.9 / 10

Exceptional

About Design Science Middle College High

Design Science Middle College High serves 242 students in grades 9-12 as an alternative high school in Fresno, California. With 10 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a 24.2:1 student-teacher ratio while delivering strong academic results that have earned it recognition as one of California's top-performing schools. The school excels academically, ranking #895 out of 9,566 California high schools and placing in the 91st percentile statewide.

Students demonstrate impressive proficiency rates, with 80% meeting or exceeding standards in English Language Arts and Reading, and 62% achieving proficiency in Mathematics. These results contribute to the school's outstanding 9.2 out of 10 academic score and an overall MySchoolScout rating of 8.2 out of 10. As an alternative school, Design Science Middle College High likely serves students seeking non-traditional educational pathways, potentially including dual enrollment opportunities or specialized programming.

The school's strong performance suggests it successfully meets the unique needs of its student population while maintaining high academic standards. Located on East University Avenue in Fresno, the school operates within California's fifth-largest city, providing students access to urban resources and opportunities while fostering academic excellence in an alternative educational environment.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at Design Science Middle College High is 24.2:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.5Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-1.72 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics9.6Exceptional25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency61.8%
Reading/ELA Proficiency80%
Math vs. State Avg+33.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+24.1 pts
Overall Proficiency71%
Expected (poverty-adj.)39%
vs. Expected+32.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile94th
College Readiness6.5Above Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.1Above Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio24.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,843

Design Science Middle College High — Students at Design Science Middle College High score 71% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

63.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 65.2%
School
State
31.8%
ELA Proficiency 82.3%
School
State
51.5%

Based on 6 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
72%
ELA
87%
2024
Math
61.8%
ELA
80%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.5/10.

How Design Science Middle College High Compares

See how Design Science Middle College High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.7/10
59th percentile in CA
Academic
9.6/10
9.6/10
Growth
4.5/10
Below average
Environment
6.1/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
64%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
10 teachers

Location

1101 E University Ave, Fresno, CA 93741

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Design Science Middle College High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Career Technical Education Charter (rated 8.7/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Fresno High (rated 7.7/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Aspen Ridge Public (rated 7.0/10, 1.5 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Fresno, see our Fresno schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Access Read Academy Fresno 0.2 mi
Heaton Elementary Fresno 0.3 mi 5.6
Phillip J Patino School of Entrepreneurship Fresno 0.5 mi 6.2
Fulton Fresno 0.5 mi
Fresno High Fresno 0.5 mi 7.7
Susan B. Anthony Elementary Fresno 0.9 mi 8.1
Crescent View West Public Charter Fresno 0.9 mi 6.5
Hamilton Elementary Fresno 0.8 mi 7.7
San Joaquin Memorial High Fresno 0.9 mi
SAN JOAQUIN MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Fresno 0.9 mi 5.5
J. E. Young Academic Center Fresno 1.1 mi 7.6
Muir Elementary Fresno 1.1 mi 7.4
Holy Cross Junior High Fresno 1.0 mi
Fort Miller Middle Fresno 1.2 mi 7.1
Career Technical Education Charter Fresno 1.1 mi 8.7
Morris E. Dailey Charter Elementary Fresno 1.1 mi 4.6
Aspen Meadow Public Fresno 1.4 mi 7.9
Webster Elementary Fresno 1.3 mi 5.5
Aspen Ridge Public Fresno 1.5 mi 7.0
Lowell Elementary Fresno 1.6 mi 7.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 93741 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Population

69

College Educated

0%

Homeownership

100%

Poverty Rate

100%

Median Age

31.5

Community Profile

It is a community where 0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The area has a poverty rate of 100.0%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Alliance Tennenbaum Family Technology High Los Angeles, CA 6.7
Architecture Construction & Engineering Charter High (ACE) Camarillo, CA 6.7
Bonsall High Bonsall, CA 6.7
FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL El Cajon, CA 6.7
North Park Continuation High Baldwin Park, CA 6.7
Silver Springs High (Continuation) Grass Valley, CA 6.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Design Science Middle College High

What grades does Design Science Middle College High serve?

Design Science Middle College High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Design Science Middle College High?

Design Science Middle College High has an enrollment of approximately 242 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Design Science Middle College High?

The student-teacher ratio at Design Science Middle College High is 24.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Design Science Middle College High rank in CA?

Design Science Middle College High is ranked #3948 out of 9,533 schools in CA.

What is Design Science Middle College High's MySchoolScout rating?

Design Science Middle College High has a composite rating of 6.7 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Design Science Middle College High?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Design Science Middle College High has 65.2% math proficiency and 82.3% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Design Science Middle College High a charter school?

No, Design Science Middle College High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Design Science Middle College High a Title I school?

No, Design Science Middle College High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Design Science Middle College High?

63.6% of students at Design Science Middle College High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (4,045/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Fresno). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
242
Student-Teacher Ratio
24.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
10
Free/Reduced Lunch
63.6%
Type
alternative
Setting
Large City
County
Fresno County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Fresno Unified
District Enrollment
68,568
Schools in District
101
Per-Pupil Spending
$20,983
District Rank
#50 of 98

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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