Average
#6275 of 9,533 schools in CA
Mountain Empire High
High School · Mountain Empire Unified
3305 Buckman Springs Rd., Pine Valley, CA 91962
Enrollment
422
Student-Teacher
19.2:1
Score
5.7
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
422
Student-Teacher
19.2:1
Score
5.7
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Pine Valley
#2 of 4
public schools
California high schools
#1,343 of 1,892
In district
#2 of 7
Mountain Empire Unified
Academic growth
8.8 / 10
Exceptional
About Mountain Empire High
Mountain Empire High is a regular public high school located in the rural area of Pine Valley, California. Serving students from ninth through twelfth grade, the school has an enrollment of 422 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 19.2:1 with 22 full-time equivalent teachers. The school's MySchoolScout rating is 5.7 out of 10, ranking it #4366 out of 9566 schools in California, placing it around the 54th percentile statewide.
Academically, Mountain Empire High has an overall score of 4.8/10 on MySchoolScout. Students perform at a rate of 41% proficient or above in English Language Arts and Reading, while math proficiency is at 17%. With room for academic growth, the school focuses on supporting its students through various programs and resources tailored to their needs.
Located in a rural setting, Mountain Empire High is situated amidst the scenic beauty of Pine Valley. The area offers a tight-knit community where students can engage with nature and participate in outdoor activities while also receiving a solid education from dedicated teachers.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Mountain Empire 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
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Mountain Empire High — Students at Mountain Empire High score 31% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
51.7%
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
→ StableAverage 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: 8.8/10.
How Mountain Empire High Compares
See how Mountain Empire High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 17% (2019) to 20% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 42% (2019) to 42.86% (2024).
Location
3305 Buckman Springs Rd., Pine Valley, CA 91962
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Mountain Empire High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Julian High (rated 6.9/10, 24.5 miles away, in nearby Julian), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Hillside Junior/Senior High (rated 4.5/10, 6.3 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Pine Valley, see our Pine Valley schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 24.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Empire Junior High Pine Valley | 0.0 mi | 4.7 |
| Campo Elementary Campo | 6.3 mi | 3.5 |
| Sunrise High (Continuation) Pine Valley | 6.3 mi | — |
| Hillside Junior/Senior High Pine Valley | 6.3 mi | 4.5 |
| JCS - Pine Valley Pine Valley | 6.4 mi | 6.0 |
| Risen K=12 Campo | 8.3 mi | — |
| Potrero Elementary Potrero | 11.0 mi | 4.8 |
| Descanso Elementary Descanso | 11.1 mi | 6.9 |
| HIGHLEVEL LLC San Diego | 12.5 mi | — |
| Clover Flat Elementary Boulevard | 12.3 mi | 2.7 |
| Tecate Christian Tecate | 13.4 mi | — |
| The Heights Charter Alpine | 16.8 mi | 6.1 |
| Joan MacQueen Middle Alpine | 17.5 mi | 5.3 |
| Boulder Oaks Elementary Alpine | 17.6 mi | 4.0 |
| Alpine Farm Academy Alpine | 18.0 mi | — |
| Mountain View Learning Academy Alpine | 20.0 mi | 3.0 |
| Shadow Hills Elementary Alpine | 20.0 mi | 8.4 |
| Creekside Early Learning Center Alpine | 20.0 mi | 5.7 |
| Los Coches Creek Middle El Cajon | 20.8 mi | 5.7 |
| Julian High Julian | 24.5 mi | 6.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 91962 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$140,270
Median Home Value
$496,800
Median Rent
$2,222/mo
Population
2,457
College Educated
41%
Homeownership
92.6%
Poverty Rate
7.9%
Median Age
57.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding Mountain Empire High has a median household income of $140,270. It is a well-educated community where 41% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $496,800, with a median rent of $2,222/month. The local poverty rate of 7.9% is relatively low. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Alliance Cindy and Bill Simon Technology Academy High Los Angeles, CA | 5.7 |
| Cesar E. Chavez Lrng Acads-Tech Prep Acad San Fernando, CA | 5.7 |
| Escuela Popular/Center for Training and Careers Family Lrng San Jose, CA | 5.7 |
| John Henry High Oakland, CA | 5.7 |
| Kearny Digital Media & Design San Diego, CA | 5.7 |
| Marshall (Thurgood) High San Francisco, CA | 5.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Mountain Empire High
What grades does Mountain Empire High serve?
Mountain Empire High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Mountain Empire High?
Mountain Empire High has an enrollment of approximately 422 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Mountain Empire High?
The student-teacher ratio at Mountain Empire High is 19.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Mountain Empire High rank in CA?
Mountain Empire High is ranked #6275 out of 9,533 schools in CA.
What is Mountain Empire High's MySchoolScout rating?
Mountain Empire High has a composite rating of 5.7 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 Mountain Empire High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Mountain Empire High has 17.3% math proficiency and 41.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Mountain Empire High a charter school?
No, Mountain Empire High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Mountain Empire High a Title I school?
No, Mountain Empire High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Mountain Empire High?
51.7% of students at Mountain Empire 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
- County Safety
- Low (114/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 422
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 22
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 51.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- San Diego County
- Phone
- (619) 473-8601
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Mountain Empire Unified- District Enrollment
- 1,871
- Schools in District
- 10
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $18,531
- District Rank
- #2 of 7
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.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
- Best Elementary Schools in America: 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Public Schools in California 2026: Top-Ranked Elementary, Middle & High Schoolsbest schools
- Best School Districts to Move To in 2026: A Data-Driven Guidebest schools
- Best Schools in Los Angeles, CA — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in San Diego, CA — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
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.