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Very Good

#1844 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 19% in state

Mira Costa High

High School · Manhattan Beach Unified

325 South Peck Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Enrollment

2,568

Student-Teacher

24:1

Score

7.8

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#1,844 of 9,539

In Manhattan Beach

#7 of 7

public schools

In district

#7 of 7

Manhattan Beach Unified

Equity

8.2 / 10

Excellent

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Mira Costa High

7.8/10

High School in Manhattan Beach · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Journey of Faith Christian School

Nearby

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Aurelia Pennekamp Elementary

8.9/10

0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Mira Costa High

Mira Costa High is a public high school in Manhattan Beach, CA, part of Manhattan Beach Unified. Mira Costa High serves approximately 2,568 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 24:1 student-teacher ratio. Mira Costa High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 out of 10 and ranks #1,844 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Mira Costa High show 72% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 84% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.3 pts above CA schools
  • This school 7.8 · Very Good
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Mira Costa High is a large school: 2,568 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.

Mira Costa High runs 24:1 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress6.4Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-1.34 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics7.6Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency54.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency76.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg+26.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+20.2 pts
Overall Proficiency65% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)71% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-5.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile65th
College Readiness9.1Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate96%
AP Participation50.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment7.8Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio24:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,115
Chronic Absenteeism6%

Mira Costa High — Students at Mira Costa High score 65% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 71%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

6.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 72.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 83.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
51.5% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 30 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
90%
ELA
89%
2010
Math
89%
ELA
84%
2011
Math
89%
ELA
89%
2012
Math
87%
ELA
89%
2013
Math
87%
ELA
88%
2014
Math
52%
ELA
75%
2015
Math
63%
ELA
73%
2016
Math
67%
ELA
85%
2017
Math
71%
ELA
83%
2018
Math
68%
ELA
82%
2019
Math
68%
ELA
82%
2020*
Math
72%
ELA
92%
2021*
Math
72%
ELA
92%
2024
Math
54.1%
ELA
76.1%

* 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: 6.4/10.

How Mira Costa High Compares

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

Overall Score
7.8/10
81th percentile in CA
Academic
7.6/10
Very Good
Growth
6.4/10
Average
Environment
7.8/10
Very Good
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.6
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
7%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
107 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
6.0%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
50.5% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

325 South Peck Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Mira Costa High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. FUSION ACADEMY SB: SOUTH BAY (rated 6.9/10, 0.6 miles away, in nearby Hermosa Beach), with a comparable rating. Additionally, BEACH CITIES LEARNING CENTER (rated 5.8/10, 1.0 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Manhattan Beach, see our Manhattan Beach schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.1 mi
School Distance Rating
JOURNEY OF FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Manhattan Beach 0.2 mi
Aurelia Pennekamp Elementary Manhattan Beach 0.3 mi 8.9
Hermosa View Elementary Hermosa Beach 0.4 mi 8.9
FUSION ACADEMY SB: SOUTH BAY Hermosa Beach 0.6 mi 6.9
Fusion Academy South Bay Hermosa Beach 0.6 mi
Hermosa Valley Elementary Hermosa Beach 0.7 mi 7.7
Hermosa Vista Hermosa Beach 0.8 mi 7.9
DEL SOL PRESCHOOL-KINDERGARTEN:A REGGIO-INSPIRED C Manhattan Beach 0.9 mi
Birney Elementary Redondo Beach 0.8 mi 8.9
Meadows Avenue Elementary Manhattan Beach 1.0 mi 8.0
Beach Cities Learning, Manhattan Beach Manhattan Beach 1.0 mi
BEACH CITIES LEARNING CENTER Manhattan Beach 1.0 mi 5.8
MANHATTAN ACADEMY Manhattan Beach 1.0 mi 7.1
Manhattan Academy Manhattan Beach 1.0 mi
Creative Kids Manhattan Beach 1.0 mi
Opal Robinson Elementary Manhattan Beach 0.9 mi 8.0
Manhattan Beach Middle Manhattan Beach 1.1 mi 8.5
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE SCHOOL Hermosa Beach 1.1 mi 7.1
Magic Rainbow Pre School Manhattan Bch 1.1 mi
Jefferson Elementary Redondo Beach 1.1 mi 8.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 90266 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$193,904

Median Home Value

$2,000,001

Median Rent

$3,492/mo

Population

34,584

College Educated

79%

Homeownership

66.1%

Avg Commute

28.9 min

Poverty Rate

3.6%

Median Age

43.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Adrian Wilcox High Santa Clara, CA 7.8
Amador Valley High Pleasanton, CA 7.8
Centennial High Corona, CA 7.8
Citrus Hill High Perris, CA 7.8
Claremont High Claremont, CA 7.8
Clovis East High Clovis, CA 7.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Mira Costa High

What grades does Mira Costa High serve?

Mira Costa High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Mira Costa High?

Mira Costa High has an enrollment of approximately 2,568 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Mira Costa High?

The student-teacher ratio at Mira Costa High is 24:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Mira Costa High rank in CA?

Mira Costa High ranks #1,844 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Mira Costa High's MySchoolScout rating?

Mira Costa High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 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 Mira Costa High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Mira Costa High has 72% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 84% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Mira Costa High a charter school?

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

Is Mira Costa High a Title I school?

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

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

6.9% of students at Mira Costa 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
60 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
31 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,568
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
Teachers (FTE)
107
Free/Reduced Lunch
6.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Los Angeles County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
6.0%
4-Year Graduation
96.0%

District

Manhattan Beach Unified
District Enrollment
5,925
Schools in District
8
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,115
District Rank
#7 of 7

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