Skip to main content

Very Good

#3579 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 38% in state

South High

High School · Torrance Unified

4801 Pacific Coast Hwy., Torrance, CA 90505

Enrollment

1,786

Student-Teacher

23.5:1

Score

7.0

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#3,579 of 9,539

In Torrance

#25 of 33

public schools

In district

#22 of 30

Torrance Unified

Equity

9.1 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around South 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.

South High

7.0/10

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

Calle Mayor Middle

5.7/10

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

Edward J. Richardson Middle

8.0/10

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

About South High

South High is a public high school in Torrance, CA, part of Torrance Unified. South High serves approximately 1,786 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 23.5:1 student-teacher ratio. South High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.0 out of 10 and ranks #3,579 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for South High show 63% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 7.0 · Very Good
  • District avg 7.2
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

South High runs 23.5:1 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 Progress4.0Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-2.04 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics8.8Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency64.3% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency75.5% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg+36.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+19.6 pts
Overall Proficiency70% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)63% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+6.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile81th
College Readiness8.5Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate95%
AP Participation36.1%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.2Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio23.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,134
Chronic Absenteeism13%

South High — Students at South High score 70% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 63%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

19.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 63.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 68.2% (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

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
75%
ELA
80%
2010
Math
80%
ELA
80%
2011
Math
81%
ELA
78%
2012
Math
79%
ELA
82%
2013
Math
86%
ELA
85%
2014
Math
59%
ELA
65%
2015
Math
62%
ELA
75%
2016
Math
56%
ELA
69%
2017
Math
63%
ELA
69%
2018
Math
63%
ELA
70%
2019
Math
63%
ELA
70%
2020*
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
25%
2024
Math
64.3%
ELA
75.5%

* 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: 4.0/10.

How South High Compares

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

Overall Score
7.0/10
63th percentile in CA
Academic
8.8/10
Excellent
Growth
4.0/10
Below Average
Environment
6.2/10
Average
AP Courses
2
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
19%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
76 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
13.0%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
36.1% 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

4801 Pacific Coast Hwy., Torrance, CA 90505

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering South High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Silver Spur Elementary (rated 8.7/10, 1.7 miles away, in nearby Rancho Palos Verdes), which scores notably higher. Another option is Tulita Elementary (rated 8.6/10, 1.0 miles away, in nearby Redondo Beach), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Walteria Elementary (rated 8.6/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Torrance, see our Torrance schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Calle Mayor Middle Torrance 0.3 mi 5.7
Edward J. Richardson Middle Torrance 0.2 mi 8.0
Seaside Elementary Torrance 0.6 mi 8.2
Riviera Elementary Torrance 0.6 mi 7.8
Joseph Arnold Elementary Torrance 0.8 mi 7.4
ST LAWRENCE MARTYR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Redondo Beach 0.8 mi 5.7
St. Lawrence Martyr Elementary Redondo Beach 0.8 mi
Tulita Elementary Redondo Beach 1.0 mi 8.6
Mr. J's Academy Torrance 1.0 mi
THE KNOWING GARDEN Redondo Beach 1.3 mi
Walteria Elementary Torrance 1.2 mi 8.6
Jefferson Middle Torrance 1.5 mi 7.7
RIVIERA HALL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Redondo Beach 1.3 mi 6.7
Riviera Hall Lutheran School Redondo Beach 1.3 mi
Alta Vista Elementary Redondo Beach 1.5 mi 8.3
Anza Elementary Torrance 1.6 mi 8.5
CARDEN SCHOOL Redondo Beach 1.5 mi
Rancho Vista Elementary Rolling Hills Estates 1.7 mi 7.2
Fresh Roots Forest School Torrance 1.8 mi
Silver Spur Elementary Rancho Palos Verdes 1.7 mi 8.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 90505 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$110,690

Median Home Value

$1,144,000

Median Rent

$2,338/mo

Population

35,605

College Educated

58.7%

Homeownership

54.1%

Avg Commute

28.8 min

Poverty Rate

6.2%

Median Age

44

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Agoura High Agoura, CA 7.0
El Modena High Orange, CA 7.0
Glendora High Glendora, CA 7.0
Hawthorne High Hawthorne, CA 7.0
John F. Kennedy High Fremont, CA 7.0
Mission Oak High Tulare, CA 7.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about South High

What grades does South High serve?

South High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend South High?

South High has an enrollment of approximately 1,786 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at South High?

The student-teacher ratio at South High is 23.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does South High rank in CA?

South High ranks #3,579 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is South High's MySchoolScout rating?

South High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.0 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 South High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, South High has 63% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is South High a charter school?

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

Is South High a Title I school?

No, South High is not currently a Title I school.

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

19.4% of students at South 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
64 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
34 Some Transit
Bike Score
58 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,786
Student-Teacher Ratio
23.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
76
Free/Reduced Lunch
19.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Los Angeles County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
13.0%
4-Year Graduation
95.0%

District

Torrance Unified
District Enrollment
22,109
Schools in District
32
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,134
District Rank
#22 of 30

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.