Skip to main content

Average

#4812 of 9,539 schools in CA

Nova Academy Early College High

High School · Nova Academy Early College High District

500 West Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701

Charter

Enrollment

288

Student-Teacher

16.9:1

Score

6.3

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#4,812 of 9,539

In Santa Ana

#23 of 73

public schools

School environment

9.1 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Nova Academy Early College High?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Nova Academy Early College High

6.3/10

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

Martin R. Heninger Elementary

4.1/10

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

Santa Ana High

6.0/10

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

About Nova Academy Early College High

Nova Academy Early College High is a public high school in Santa Ana, CA, part of Nova Academy Early College High District. Nova Academy Early College High serves approximately 288 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 16.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Nova Academy Early College High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.3 out of 10 and ranks #4,812 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Nova Academy Early College High show 19% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

How it comparesOn par with CA schools
  • This school 6.3 · Average
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Nova Academy Early College High is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

41% of students at Nova Academy Early College High were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress2.3Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data5
Annual Change-2.78 pts/yr
Data Period2018–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics7.1Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency7.8% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency59.7% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-20.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+3.8 pts
Overall Proficiency34% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)25% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+9.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile58th
College Readiness7.1Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate95%+
AP Participation17.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.1Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$22,256
Chronic Absenteeism41%

Nova Academy Early College High — Students at Nova Academy Early College High score 34% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 24%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

88.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 18.9% (multi-year average, 2018-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 62.9% (multi-year average, 2018-2024)
School
State
51.5% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 12 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2018
Math
32%
ELA
67%
2019
Math
32%
ELA
67%
2020*
Math
17%
ELA
62%
2021*
Math
17%
ELA
62%
2024
Math
7.8%
ELA
59.7%

* 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: 2.3/10.

How Nova Academy Early College High Compares

See how Nova Academy Early College High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.3/10
50th percentile in CA
Academic
7.1/10
Very Good
Growth
2.3/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
9.1/10
Excellent
AP Courses
2
State avg: 2.6
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
89%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
17 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
41.0%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
17.4% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

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

Location

500 West Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Nova Academy Early College High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. OCSA (rated 8.7/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Santa Ana High (rated 6.0/10, 0.2 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Santa Ana, see our Santa Ana schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Martin R. Heninger Elementary Santa Ana 0.2 mi 4.1
Santa Ana High Santa Ana 0.2 mi 6.0
Orange County Educational Arts Academy Santa Ana 0.4 mi 6.3
El Sol Santa Ana Science and Arts Academy Santa Ana 0.5 mi 5.5
STORYBOOK PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN Santa Ana 0.5 mi
STORYBOOK PRESCHOOL Santa Ana 0.5 mi
OCSA Santa Ana 0.5 mi 8.7
Edward B. Cole Academy Santa Ana 0.5 mi 6.7
Willard Intermediate Santa Ana 0.6 mi 5.7
Heroes Elementary Santa Ana 0.6 mi 6.8
Lowell Elementary Santa Ana 0.6 mi 4.1
Pio Pico Elementary Santa Ana 0.7 mi 4.7
Franklin Elementary Santa Ana 0.8 mi 5.2
ST JOSEPH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Santa Ana 0.7 mi 3.5
Scholarship Prep - Orange County Santa Ana 0.9 mi 3.5
Garfield Elementary Santa Ana 0.8 mi 6.4
Wilson Elementary Santa Ana 0.9 mi 6.2
Wallace R. Davis Elementary Santa Ana 0.9 mi 6.6
George Washington Carver Elementary Santa Ana 0.8 mi 6.5
Julia C. Lathrop Intermediate Santa Ana 1.0 mi 5.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 92701 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$68,697

Median Home Value

$608,300

Median Rent

$1,650/mo

Population

48,272

College Educated

11%

Homeownership

29.2%

Avg Commute

24 min

Poverty Rate

15.7%

Median Age

33

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Alliance Tennenbaum Family Technology High Los Angeles, CA 6.3
Black Diamond High (Continuation) Pittsburg, CA 6.3
DON BOSCO TECHNICAL INSTITUTE Rosemead, CA 6.3
Engr and Tech Acad at Esteban E. Torres High #3 Los Angeles, CA 6.3
Learning Post Academy (Alternative) Santa Clarita, CA 6.3
MISSION COLLEGE PREP HIGH SCHOOL San Luis Obispo, CA 6.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Nova Academy Early College High

What grades does Nova Academy Early College High serve?

Nova Academy Early College High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Nova Academy Early College High?

Nova Academy Early College High has an enrollment of approximately 288 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Nova Academy Early College High?

The student-teacher ratio at Nova Academy Early College High is 16.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Nova Academy Early College High rank in CA?

Nova Academy Early College High ranks #4,812 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Nova Academy Early College High's MySchoolScout rating?

Nova Academy Early College High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.3 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 Nova Academy Early College High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Nova Academy Early College High has 19% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

Is Nova Academy Early College High a charter school?

Yes, Nova Academy Early College High is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Nova Academy Early College High a Title I school?

No, Nova Academy Early College High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Nova Academy Early College High?

88.5% of students at Nova Academy Early College 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
97 Walker's Paradise
Transit Score
52 Good Transit
Bike Score
66 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
288
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
17
Free/Reduced Lunch
88.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Orange County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
41.0%
4-Year Graduation
95%+

District

Nova Academy Early College High District
District Enrollment
288
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$22,256
District Rank
#1 of 1

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

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.