Skip to main content

Very Good

#3164 of 9,533 schools in CA

Top 33% in state

EL Toro High

High School · Saddleback Valley Unified

25255 Toledo Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Enrollment

1,972

Student-Teacher

22.2:1

Score

7.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Lake Forest

#2 of 8

public schools

California high schools

#585 of 1,892

In district

#10 of 33

Saddleback Valley Unified

Equity

8.3 / 10

Very strong

About EL Toro High

El Toro High serves 1,972 students in grades 9-12 in Lake Forest, California, operating with a student-teacher ratio of 22.2:1 across its 89 full-time equivalent teaching staff. The school earns a solid 7.3 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating and ranks in the 76th percentile statewide, placing #2265 among California's 9,566 schools. Academically, El Toro High demonstrates strong performance in English Language Arts, with 67% of students achieving proficiency or above across grade levels.

Mathematics presents more of a growth opportunity, with 39% of students meeting proficiency standards. The school's overall academic score of 7.8 out of 10 reflects its commitment to student achievement in this competitive educational landscape. The school draws families from an affluent community where the median household income reaches $120,848 and nearly half of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher.

With a low poverty rate of 8.4% and median home values of $828,400, the surrounding ZIP code of 92630 houses over 66,000 residents who prioritize educational excellence. El Toro High sits in the heart of Orange County's large suburban landscape, serving a well-established community that values both academic achievement and the benefits of suburban family life.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at EL Toro High is 22.2:1, 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 Progress4.1Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.96 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics8.2Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency38.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency67%
Math vs. State Avg+10.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+11.1 pts
Overall Proficiency53%
Expected (poverty-adj.)46%
vs. Expected+6.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile73th
College Readiness9.9Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation34.4%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment5.5Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,753

EL Toro High — Students at EL Toro High score 53% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

50.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 45.5%
School
State
31.8%
ELA Proficiency 70.7%
School
State
51.5%

Based on 8 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
52%
ELA
72%
2021*
Math
53%
ELA
77%
2024
Math
38.6%
ELA
67%

* 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: 4.1/10.

How EL Toro High Compares

See how EL Toro High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.1/10
67th percentile in CA
Academic
8.2/10
8.2/10
Growth
4.1/10
Below average
Environment
5.5/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
51%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
89 teachers

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs IB Programme
34.4% participation·29 IB enrolled·CRDC 2020-21

Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

25255 Toledo Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering EL Toro High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Oxford Preparatory Academy - Saddleback Valley (rated 7.9/10, 0.9 miles away, in nearby Aliso Viejo), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary (rated 7.7/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, MONTESSORI ON THE LAKE (rated 7.2/10, 1.0 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Lake Forest, see our Lake Forest schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.4 mi
School Distance Rating
La Madera Elementary Lake Forest 0.1 mi 5.4
Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary Lake Forest 0.4 mi 7.7
Rancho Canada Elementary Lake Forest 0.6 mi 5.1
LAKE FOREST MONTESSORI SCHOOL Lake Forest 0.7 mi
Serrano Intermediate Lake Forest 0.7 mi 7.1
GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Lake Forest 0.8 mi 6.0
Abiding Savior Lutheran School Lake Forest 1.0 mi
Oxford Preparatory Academy - Saddleback Valley Aliso Viejo 0.9 mi 7.9
Heritage Christian School - JH/HS Lake Foredt 1.0 mi
APPLETREE MONTESSORI Mission Viejo 1.1 mi
MONTESSORI ON THE LAKE Lake Forest 1.0 mi 7.2
Montessori on the Lake Lake Forest 1.1 mi
Silverado High Mission Viejo 1.2 mi 6.5
Lake Forest Elementary Lake Forest 1.1 mi 6.5
Fusion Academy Mission Viejo Mission Viejo 1.2 mi
Foundation on the Rock Lake Forest 1.2 mi
Los Alisos Intermediate Mission Viejo 1.4 mi 6.2
CROWN Virtual Christian Academy Lake Forest 1.4 mi
PILLARS ACADEMY Mission Viejo 1.4 mi
Pillars Academy Mission Viejo 1.4 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 92630 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$119,984

Median Home Value

$858,900

Median Rent

$2,614/mo

Population

66,461

College Educated

47%

Homeownership

68.1%

Avg Commute

24.1 min

Poverty Rate

9.8%

Median Age

40.1

Community Profile

The community surrounding EL Toro High has a median household income of $119,984. It is a well-educated community where 47% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $858,900, with a median rent of $2,614/month. The local poverty rate of 9.8% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 24 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Adolfo Camarillo High Camarillo, CA 7.1
Castle Park Senior High Chula Vista, CA 7.1
Charter Oak High Covina, CA 7.1
Desert Hot Springs High Desert Hot Springs, CA 7.1
Diamond Ranch High Pomona, CA 7.1
Don Antonio Lugo High Chino, CA 7.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about EL Toro High

What grades does EL Toro High serve?

EL Toro High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend EL Toro High?

EL Toro High has an enrollment of approximately 1,972 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at EL Toro High?

The student-teacher ratio at EL Toro High is 22.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does EL Toro High rank in CA?

EL Toro High is ranked #3164 out of 9,533 schools in CA.

What is EL Toro High's MySchoolScout rating?

EL Toro High has a composite rating of 7.1 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 Toro High?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, EL Toro High has 45.5% math proficiency and 70.7% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is EL Toro High a charter school?

No, EL Toro High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is EL Toro High a Title I school?

No, EL Toro High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for EL Toro High?

50.7% of students at EL Toro 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

Walk Score
43 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
66 Bikeable
City Safety
Elevated (984/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,972
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
89
Free/Reduced Lunch
50.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Orange County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Saddleback Valley Unified
District Enrollment
23,199
Schools in District
34
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,539
District Rank
#10 of 33

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

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.