Average
#5295 of 9,539 schools in CA
EL Capitan High
High School · Merced Union High
PO Box 2247, Merced, CA 95344
Enrollment
1,811
Student-Teacher
21.3:1
Score
6.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,811
Student-Teacher
21.3:1
Score
6.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#5,295 of 9,539
In Merced
#7 of 37
public schools
In district
#3 of 9
Merced Union High
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EL Capitan High
High School in Merced · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Herbert H. Cruickshank Middle
2.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Merced City School District Community Day
2.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About EL Capitan High
EL Capitan High is a public high school in Merced, CA, part of Merced Union High. EL Capitan High serves approximately 1,811 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 21.3:1 student-teacher ratio. EL Capitan High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 out of 10 and ranks #5,295 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for EL Capitan High show 26% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2013-2024) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2013-2024).
- This school 6.1 · Average
- District avg 5.7
- CA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
EL Capitan High runs 21.3:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
EL Capitan High sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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EL Capitan High — Students at EL Capitan High score 32% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
74.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 22 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.3/10.
How EL Capitan High Compares
See how EL Capitan High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
PO Box 2247, Merced, CA 95344
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering EL Capitan High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Independence High (Alternative) (rated 6.7/10, 4.7 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Yosemite High (Continuation) (rated 5.0/10, 4.7 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Merced High (rated 4.7/10, 3.3 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Merced, see our Merced schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Herbert H. Cruickshank Middle Merced | 2.0 mi | 5.0 |
| Merced City School District Community Day Merced | 2.0 mi | 5.6 |
| Come Back Charter Merced | 2.5 mi | 3.4 |
| Allan Peterson Elementary Merced | 2.8 mi | 4.4 |
| STONE RIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Merced | 2.8 mi | 6.5 |
| STONE RIDGE CHRISTIAN ELEMENTARY Merced | 2.8 mi | 5.8 |
| Rudolph Rivera Middle Merced | 2.9 mi | 5.4 |
| Rudolph Rivera Elementary Merced | 2.9 mi | 5.2 |
| Merced High Merced | 3.3 mi | 4.7 |
| Donn B. Chenoweth Elementary Merced | 3.4 mi | 4.4 |
| Luther Burbank Elementary Merced | 3.6 mi | 7.5 |
| John Muir Elementary Merced | 4.1 mi | 3.5 |
| ST PAUL SCHOOL Merced | 4.1 mi | 5.8 |
| St. Paul Lutheran School Merced | 4.1 mi | — |
| John C. Fremont Elementary Merced | 4.2 mi | 4.5 |
| Herbert Hoover Middle Merced | 4.4 mi | 5.7 |
| Ada Givens Elementary Merced | 4.4 mi | 5.1 |
| Our Lady of Mercy Merced | 4.6 mi | — |
| Yosemite High (Continuation) Merced | 4.7 mi | 5.0 |
| Independence High (Alternative) Merced | 4.7 mi | 6.7 |
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Adelanto High Adelanto, CA | 6.1 |
| Adolfo Camarillo High Camarillo, CA | 6.1 |
| Buena Park High Buena Park, CA | 6.1 |
| Cabrillo High Long Beach, CA | 6.1 |
| El Camino High Oceanside, CA | 6.1 |
| Elk Grove High Elk Grove, CA | 6.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about EL Capitan High
What grades does EL Capitan High serve?
EL Capitan High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend EL Capitan High?
EL Capitan High has an enrollment of approximately 1,811 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at EL Capitan High?
The student-teacher ratio at EL Capitan High is 21.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does EL Capitan High rank in CA?
EL Capitan High ranks #5,295 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is EL Capitan High's MySchoolScout rating?
EL Capitan High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at EL Capitan High?
Based on loaded state assessment records, EL Capitan High has 26% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2013-2024) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2013-2024).
Is EL Capitan High a charter school?
No, EL Capitan High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is EL Capitan High a Title I school?
No, EL Capitan High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for EL Capitan High?
74.1% of students at EL Capitan 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.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,811
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 85
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 74.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Merced County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 27.9%
- Phone
- (209) 384-5500
- 4-Year Graduation
- 96.0%
Resources & Links
District
Merced Union High- District Enrollment
- 11,120
- Schools in District
- 9
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,578
- District Rank
- #3 of 9
Other Schools in This District
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