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Very Good

#2947 of 9,533 schools in CA

Top 31% in state

La Costa Canyon High

High School · San Dieguito Union High

710 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas, CA 92024

Enrollment

1,768

Student-Teacher

22.4:1

Score

7.2

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Encinitas

#9 of 16

public schools

California high schools

#537 of 1,892

In district

#6 of 10

San Dieguito Union High

Equity

7.2 / 10

Strong

About La Costa Canyon High

La Costa Canyon High serves 1,768 students in grades 9-12 in Encinitas, California, with a student-teacher ratio of 22.4:1 supported by 79 full-time equivalent teachers. The school earns a solid 7.2 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranks in the 75th percentile statewide, placing #2400 among California's 9566 schools. Academically, La Costa Canyon shows strong performance in English Language Arts, with 70% of students scoring proficient or above across grade levels.

Mathematics presents more of a growth opportunity, with 40% of students achieving proficiency. The school's overall academic score of 8.0 out of 10 reflects its commitment to student achievement and college preparation. The school draws from an affluent and highly educated community in the 92024 ZIP code, where the median household income reaches $141,329 and 65% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher.

With a low poverty rate of 5.4% and median home values of nearly $1.3 million, the area reflects the coastal prosperity of North County San Diego. Located on Encinitas Boulevard, La Costa Canyon High sits in the heart of this mid-size coastal city known for its beaches, family-friendly atmosphere, and strong educational values.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at La Costa Canyon High is 22.4:1, 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 Progress6.0Above Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-1.03 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.9Above Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency40%
Reading/ELA Proficiency69.7%
Math vs. State Avg+12 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+13.8 pts
Overall Proficiency55%
Expected (poverty-adj.)65%
vs. Expected-9.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile55th
College Readiness9.9Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation36.9%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment5.2Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,609

La Costa Canyon High — Students at La Costa Canyon High score 55% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 65%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

18.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 43.7%
School
State
31.8%
ELA Proficiency 69.5%
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
51%
ELA
69%
2024
Math
40%
ELA
69.7%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.0/10.

How La Costa Canyon High Compares

See how La Costa Canyon High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.2/10
69th percentile in CA
Academic
6.9/10
6.9/10
Growth
6.0/10
Above average
Environment
5.2/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
19%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
79 teachers

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs IB Programme
36.9% participation·59 IB enrolled·CRDC 2020-21

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

Location

710 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas, CA 92024

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering La Costa Canyon High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Poinsettia Elementary (rated 8.9/10, 3.5 miles away, in nearby Carlsbad), which scores notably higher. Another option is El Camino Creek Elementary (rated 8.4/10, 1.9 miles away, in nearby Carlsbad), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary (rated 8.2/10, 1.0 miles away, in nearby Carlsbad), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Encinitas, see our Encinitas schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Mission Estancia Elementary Carlsbad 0.7 mi 6.3
Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary Carlsbad 1.0 mi 8.2
La Costa Heights Elementary Carlsbad 1.0 mi 7.7
Diegueno Middle Encinitas 1.3 mi 5.5
LA COSTA VALLEY PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN Carlsbad 1.5 mi
La Costa Valley Preschool and Kindergarten Carlsbad 1.5 mi
Park Dale Lane Elementary Encinitas 2.0 mi 7.3
Flora Vista Elementary Encinitas 1.9 mi 7.6
El Camino Creek Elementary Carlsbad 1.9 mi 8.4
La Costa Meadows Elementary Carlsbad 2.2 mi 7.9
THE RHOADES SCHOOL Encinitas 2.6 mi 6.1
The Rhoades School Encinitas 2.6 mi
San Elijo Middle San Marcos 2.5 mi 4.3
Lingua Natal Encinitas 2.4 mi
MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF ENCINITAS Encinitas 2.7 mi
San Elijo Elementary San Marcos 2.7 mi 6.9
JCS - Cedar Cove Julian 2.9 mi 7.3
Oak Crest Middle Encinitas 3.0 mi 6.7
Carrillo Elementary Carlsbad 3.4 mi 4.3
Poinsettia Elementary Carlsbad 3.5 mi 8.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 92024 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$149,080

Median Home Value

$1,409,700

Median Rent

$2,643/mo

Population

50,030

College Educated

66.8%

Homeownership

67.7%

Avg Commute

24.3 min

Poverty Rate

5.8%

Median Age

44.3

Community Profile

The community surrounding La Costa Canyon High has a median household income of $149,080. It is a well-educated community where 67% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $1,409,700, with a median rent of $2,643/month. The local poverty rate of 5.8% 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
Abraham Lincoln High Testville, CA 7.2
Adrian Wilcox High Santa Clara, CA 7.2
Benicia High Benicia, CA 7.2
Burroughs High Burbank, CA 7.2
Castaic High Castaic, CA 7.2
Christopher High Gilroy, CA 7.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about La Costa Canyon High

What grades does La Costa Canyon High serve?

La Costa Canyon High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend La Costa Canyon High?

La Costa Canyon High has an enrollment of approximately 1,768 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at La Costa Canyon High?

The student-teacher ratio at La Costa Canyon High is 22.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does La Costa Canyon High rank in CA?

La Costa Canyon High is ranked #2947 out of 9,533 schools in CA.

What is La Costa Canyon High's MySchoolScout rating?

La Costa Canyon High has a composite rating of 7.2 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 La Costa Canyon High?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, La Costa Canyon High has 43.7% math proficiency and 69.5% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is La Costa Canyon High a charter school?

No, La Costa Canyon High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is La Costa Canyon High a Title I school?

No, La Costa Canyon High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for La Costa Canyon High?

18.7% of students at La Costa Canyon 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
15 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
19 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
16 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
Elevated (1,166/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,768
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
79
Free/Reduced Lunch
18.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
San Diego County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

San Dieguito Union High
District Enrollment
12,364
Schools in District
10
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,521
District Rank
#6 of 10

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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