Below Average
#7925 of 9,533 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
4.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,811
Student-Teacher
21.3:1
Score
4.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Merced
#30 of 37
public schools
California high schools
#1,680 of 1,892
In district
#8 of 9
Merced Union High
About EL Capitan High
El Capitan High serves 1,811 students in grades 9-12 in Merced, California, operating as a regular public school with 85 full-time equivalent teachers maintaining a 21.3:1 student-teacher ratio. The school ranks in the 43rd percentile among California high schools, placing #5441 out of 9566 schools statewide with a MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10. Academically, El Capitan High shows mixed performance across subject areas.
Half of students demonstrate proficiency in English Language Arts and reading, meeting or exceeding grade-level standards. Mathematics presents opportunities for growth, with 14% of students performing at proficient levels or above. The school's academic score of 4.8 out of 10 reflects these varied achievement levels and suggests focused attention on strengthening student outcomes across all disciplines.
As a comprehensive high school serving nearly 1,800 students, El Capitan High provides educational services to a substantial student body in the Merced area. The school's size allows for diverse course offerings and extracurricular opportunities typical of larger high schools while maintaining manageable class sizes given the student-teacher ratio. El Capitan High is situated in a rural setting near the town of Merced, serving families throughout this Central Valley agricultural community.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at EL Capitan High is 21.3:1, 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.
Located in a rural area, EL Capitan High may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score 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 8 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: 3.7/10.
How EL Capitan High Compares
See how EL Capitan High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 25% (2019) to 13.59% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 60% (2019) to 49.67% (2024).
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. Come Back Charter (rated 6.6/10, 2.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Yosemite High (Continuation) (rated 5.5/10, 4.7 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Independence High (Alternative) (rated 4.9/10, 4.7 miles away), with a very similar rating. 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 | 4.9 |
| Merced City School District Community Day Merced | 2.0 mi | 2.4 |
| Come Back Charter Merced | 2.5 mi | 6.6 |
| Allan Peterson Elementary Merced | 2.8 mi | 3.6 |
| 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 | 4.9 |
| Rudolph Rivera Elementary Merced | 2.9 mi | 4.2 |
| Merced High Merced | 3.3 mi | 4.8 |
| Donn B. Chenoweth Elementary Merced | 3.4 mi | 3.9 |
| Luther Burbank Elementary Merced | 3.6 mi | 3.4 |
| John Muir Elementary Merced | 4.1 mi | 4.8 |
| 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 | 4.7 |
| Herbert Hoover Middle Merced | 4.4 mi | 4.9 |
| Ada Givens Elementary Merced | 4.4 mi | 5.1 |
| Our Lady of Mercy Merced | 4.6 mi | — |
| Yosemite High (Continuation) Merced | 4.7 mi | 5.5 |
| Independence High (Alternative) Merced | 4.7 mi | 4.9 |
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ARCHBISHOP MITTY HIGH SCHOOL San Jose, CA | 4.8 |
| Centennial High Bakersfield, CA | 4.8 |
| El Camino Fundamental High Sacramento, CA | 4.8 |
| Foothill High Sacramento, CA | 4.8 |
| Indian Springs High San Bernardino, CA | 4.8 |
| James C. Enochs High Modesto, CA | 4.8 |
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 is ranked #7925 out of 9,533 schools in CA.
What is EL Capitan High's MySchoolScout rating?
EL Capitan High has a composite rating of 4.8 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 EL Capitan High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, EL Capitan High has 18.8% math proficiency and 52.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
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
- Phone
- (209) 384-5500
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Merced Union High- District Enrollment
- 11,120
- Schools in District
- 9
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,578
- District Rank
- #8 of 9
Other Schools in This District
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.
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