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Very Good

#2472 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 26% in state

Southwest High

High School · Central Union High

2001 Ocotillo Dr., EL Centro, CA 92243

Enrollment

1,842

Student-Teacher

20.2:1

Score

7.5

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#2,472 of 9,539

In EL Centro

#3 of 21

public schools

In district

#1 of 4

Central Union High

School environment

8.6 / 10

Excellent

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Southwest High

7.5/10

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

De Anza Magnet

5.5/10

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

St. Marys School

Nearby

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

About Southwest High

Southwest High is a public high school in EL Centro, CA, part of Central Union High. Southwest High serves approximately 1,842 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 20.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Southwest High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 out of 10 and ranks #2,472 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Southwest High show 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.7 pts above district
  • This school 7.5 · Very Good
  • District avg 5.8
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Southwest High runs 20.2:1 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 Progress6.5Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-1.31 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics7.0Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency17.8% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency56% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-10.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+0.1 pts
Overall Proficiency37% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)32% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+4.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile57th
College Readiness8.0Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate87%
AP Participation16.6%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment8.6Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,038
Chronic Absenteeism21.1%

Southwest High — Students at Southwest High score 37% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 32%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

75.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 35.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 57.5% (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
57%
ELA
52%
2010
Math
55%
ELA
49%
2011
Math
59%
ELA
53%
2012
Math
61%
ELA
56%
2013
Math
62%
ELA
56%
2014
Math
21%
ELA
54%
2015
Math
30%
ELA
60%
2016
Math
28%
ELA
60%
2017
Math
20%
ELA
58%
2018
Math
25%
ELA
63%
2019
Math
25%
ELA
63%
2020*
Math
25%
ELA
63%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
63%
2024
Math
17.8%
ELA
56%

* 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: 6.5/10.

How Southwest High Compares

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

Overall Score
7.5/10
74th percentile in CA
Academic
7.0/10
Very Good
Growth
6.5/10
Average
Environment
8.6/10
Excellent
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.6
Sports
26
13 boys' · 13 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
75%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
91 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
21.1%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered IB Programme
16.6% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·167 IB enrolled·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics26sports offered
13 boys'·13 girls'·38 teams (incl. JV)·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

2001 Ocotillo Dr., EL Centro, CA 92243

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Southwest High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Central Union High (rated 6.9/10, 1.3 miles away), with a comparable rating. Another option is Desert Oasis High (Continuation) (rated 5.6/10, 1.8 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Imperial Pathways Charter (rated 5.0/10, 1.9 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in EL Centro, see our EL Centro schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.8 mi
School Distance Rating
De Anza Magnet El Centro 0.4 mi 5.5
St. Marys School El Centro 0.7 mi
ST MARY S SCHOOL El Centro 0.8 mi 4.3
Margaret Hedrick Elementary El Centro 0.9 mi 3.4
Wilson Jr. High El Centro 1.0 mi 6.9
Christian Home Academy El Centro 1.0 mi
Imperial Valley Home School Academy El Centro 1.2 mi 6.8
Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences San Diego 1.2 mi 8.5
Sunflower Elementary El Centro 1.2 mi 6.8
Central Union High El Centro 1.3 mi 6.9
Calvary Chapel Christian School El Centro El Centro 1.4 mi
Harding Elementary El Centro 1.4 mi 6.9
Desert Garden Elementary El Centro 1.3 mi 6.6
Lincoln Elementary El Centro 1.5 mi 4.4
McCabe Elementary El Centro 1.9 mi 5.7
Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary El Centro 2.0 mi 5.0
Imperial County Special Education El Centro 1.9 mi 3.2
Imperial County Juvenile Hall/Community El Centro 1.9 mi
Imperial Pathways Charter El Centro 1.9 mi 5.0
Desert Oasis High (Continuation) El Centro 1.8 mi 5.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 92243 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$55,890

Median Home Value

$286,100

Median Rent

$992/mo

Population

48,556

College Educated

16.2%

Homeownership

51.5%

Avg Commute

22.6 min

Poverty Rate

20.2%

Median Age

31.5

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Alta Loma High Alta Loma, CA 7.5
Arroyo High San Lorenzo, CA 7.5
Baldwin Park High Baldwin Park, CA 7.5
Bell Senior High Bell, CA 7.5
Chatsworth Charter High Chatsworth, CA 7.5
Encinal Junior/Senior High Alameda, CA 7.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Southwest High

What grades does Southwest High serve?

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

How many students attend Southwest High?

Southwest High has an enrollment of approximately 1,842 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Southwest High?

The student-teacher ratio at Southwest High is 20.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Southwest High rank in CA?

Southwest High ranks #2,472 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Southwest High's MySchoolScout rating?

Southwest High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 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 Southwest High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Southwest High has 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Southwest High a charter school?

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

Is Southwest High a Title I school?

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

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

75.1% of students at Southwest 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
36 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
34 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,842
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
91
Free/Reduced Lunch
75.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Imperial County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
21.1%
4-Year Graduation
87.0%

District

Central Union High
District Enrollment
4,023
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$19,038
District Rank
#1 of 4

How we rate schools

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