Average
#6705 of 9,533 schools in CA
Santa Maria High
High School · Santa Maria Joint Union High
901 South Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Enrollment
3,110
Student-Teacher
21.4:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
3,110
Student-Teacher
21.4:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Santa Maria
#15 of 30
public schools
California high schools
#1,437 of 1,892
In district
#2 of 4
Santa Maria Joint Union High
About Santa Maria High
Santa Maria High serves 3,110 students in grades 9-12 in Santa Maria, California, making it one of the larger high schools in Santa Barbara County. With 145 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 21.4:1, providing a traditional public school environment for its diverse student body. Academically, the school has room for growth, with 43% of students demonstrating proficiency in English Language Arts and 14% meeting math standards.
Santa Maria High currently ranks in the 37th percentile among California high schools, indicating opportunities for continued improvement in student achievement and college readiness preparation. The school draws from a working-class community where the median household income is $80,438 and home values average $434,300. With 17% of local residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher and a poverty rate of 11.6%, the surrounding neighborhood reflects the challenges and potential of many Central Coast communities.
Located on South Broadway in the heart of Santa Maria, this comprehensive high school serves as an important educational hub in this mid-size city, providing secondary education opportunities for students from various socioeconomic backgrounds in the Santa Barbara County region.
What's said publicly about Santa Maria High
Synthesized from public, attributable sources. Updated April 2026.
Sources (2)
What Parents Should Know
Santa Maria High is a large school with 3,110 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.
The student-teacher ratio at Santa Maria High is 21.4:1, 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 metricsView breakdown
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Santa Maria High — Students at Santa Maria High score 29% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 28%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
81.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 6 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.9/10.
How Santa Maria High Compares
See how Santa Maria High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 24% (2019) to 13.7% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 44% (2019) to 43.4% (2024).
Location
901 South Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Santa Maria High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Oakley (Calvin C.) Elementary (rated 6.5/10, 1.9 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Bruce (Robert) Elementary (rated 5.8/10, 1.3 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Ontiveros (Juan Pacifico) Elementary (rated 5.8/10, 2.5 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Santa Maria, see our Santa Maria schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.5 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 93454 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$84,178
Median Home Value
$477,600
Median Rent
$1,750/mo
Population
41,710
College Educated
17.8%
Homeownership
53.1%
Avg Commute
23 min
Poverty Rate
13.9%
Median Age
31.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Santa Maria High has a median household income of $84,178. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $477,600, with a median rent of $1,750/month. The area has a poverty rate of 13.9%. The average commute for residents is 23 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 |
|---|---|
| Arlington High Riverside, CA | 5.5 |
| Five Keys Independence HS (SF Sheriff's) San Francisco, CA | 5.5 |
| Hueneme High Oxnard, CA | 5.5 |
| Monterey Trail High Elk Grove, CA | 5.5 |
| Orange Glen High Escondido, CA | 5.5 |
| Perris High Perris, CA | 5.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Santa Maria High
What grades does Santa Maria High serve?
Santa Maria High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Santa Maria High?
Santa Maria High has an enrollment of approximately 3,110 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Santa Maria High?
The student-teacher ratio at Santa Maria High is 21.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Santa Maria High rank in CA?
Santa Maria High is ranked #6705 out of 9,533 schools in CA.
What is Santa Maria High's MySchoolScout rating?
Santa Maria High has a composite rating of 5.5 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 Santa Maria High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Santa Maria High has 17.1% math proficiency and 43.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Santa Maria High a charter school?
No, Santa Maria High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Santa Maria High a Title I school?
No, Santa Maria High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Santa Maria High?
81.4% of students at Santa Maria 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.
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 3,110
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 145
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 81.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Santa Barbara County
- Phone
- (805) 925-2567
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Santa Maria Joint Union High- District Enrollment
- 8,985
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,168
- District Rank
- #2 of 4
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.
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