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#7329 of 9,539 schools in CA

Sweetwater High

High School · Sweetwater Union High

2900 Highland Ave., National City, CA 91950

Enrollment

2,425

Student-Teacher

24.5:1

Score

5.0

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#7,329 of 9,539

In National City

#4 of 15

public schools

In district

#20 of 28

Sweetwater Union High

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Sweetwater High

5.0/10

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

Olivewood

3.7/10

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

John A. Otis Elementary

4.6/10

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

About Sweetwater High

Sweetwater High is a public high school in National City, CA, part of Sweetwater Union High. Sweetwater High serves approximately 2,425 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 24.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Sweetwater High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 out of 10 and ranks #7,329 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Sweetwater High show 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.0 pts below district
  • This school 5.0 · Average
  • District avg 6.0
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Sweetwater High is a large school: 2,425 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.

Sweetwater High runs 24.5:1 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.

34% of students at Sweetwater 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 Progress3.7Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-2.15 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.1Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency11.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency44.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-16.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-11.8 pts
Overall Proficiency28% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)24% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+3.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile44th
College Readiness6.6Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate84%
AP Participation31.6%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.0Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio24.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,647
Chronic Absenteeism34.1%

Sweetwater High — Students at Sweetwater High score 28% 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

89.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 34.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 51.7% (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
51%
ELA
44%
2010
Math
68%
ELA
62%
2011
Math
65%
ELA
55%
2012
Math
66%
ELA
55%
2013
Math
65%
ELA
52%
2014
Math
21%
ELA
52%
2015
Math
22%
ELA
53%
2016
Math
19%
ELA
53%
2017
Math
18%
ELA
51%
2018
Math
25%
ELA
56%
2019
Math
25%
ELA
56%
2020*
Math
26%
ELA
49%
2021*
Math
26%
ELA
49%
2024
Math
11.1%
ELA
44.1%

* 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: 3.7/10.

How Sweetwater High Compares

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

Overall Score
5.0/10
23th percentile in CA
Academic
6.1/10
Average
Growth
3.7/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
3.0/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.6
Sports
22
11 boys' · 11 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
90%
Teaching Staff
25:1 student-teacher ratio
99 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
34.1%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
31.6% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics22sports offered
11 boys'·11 girls'·22 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 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

2900 Highland Ave., National City, CA 91950

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Sweetwater High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. SOUTH BAY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (rated 7.2/10, 0.9 miles away, in nearby Chula Vista), which scores notably higher. Another option is BEREAN BIBLE BAPTIST ACADEMY (rated 5.4/10, 1.6 miles away, in nearby Chula Vista), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Rosebank Elementary (rated 5.3/10, 1.4 miles away, in nearby Chula Vista), with a very similar rating. For more schools in National City, see our National City schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.8 mi
School Distance Rating
Olivewood National City 0.2 mi 3.7
John A. Otis Elementary National City 0.7 mi 4.6
National City Middle National City 0.7 mi 4.6
Kimball National City 0.9 mi 4.8
SOUTH BAY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Chula Vista 0.9 mi 7.2
Las Palmas National City 1.0 mi 3.8
Hawking S.T.E.A.M. Charter Chula Vista 1.2 mi 5.0
Feaster (Mae L.) Charter Chula Vista 1.2 mi 3.5
Central Elementary National City 1.2 mi 4.7
Howard Gardner Community Charter Chula Vista 1.3 mi 1.6
Lincoln Acres National City 1.3 mi 3.4
Integrity Charter National City 1.4 mi 3.1
Faithful Ambassadors Bible Baptist Academy National City 1.4 mi
BEREAN BIBLE BAPTIST ACADEMY Chula Vista 1.6 mi 5.4
Berean Bible Baptist Academy Chula Vista 1.6 mi
Rosebank Elementary Chula Vista 1.4 mi 5.3
Granger Junior High National City 1.5 mi 5.2
Vista Square Elementary Chula Vista 1.7 mi 5.2
Davila Day Chula Vista 1.8 mi
Chula Vista Middle Chula Vista 1.8 mi 5.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 91950 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$63,858

Median Home Value

$580,700

Median Rent

$1,600/mo

Population

57,173

College Educated

16.5%

Homeownership

35.2%

Avg Commute

25.9 min

Poverty Rate

14.3%

Median Age

36.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Cesar Chavez High Stockton, CA 5.0
Nevada Union High Grass Valley, CA 5.0
Peter Johansen High Modesto, CA 5.0
Stagg Senior High Stockton, CA 5.0
Tennyson High Hayward, CA 5.0
Thomas Downey High Modesto, CA 5.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Sweetwater High

What grades does Sweetwater High serve?

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

How many students attend Sweetwater High?

Sweetwater High has an enrollment of approximately 2,425 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Sweetwater High?

The student-teacher ratio at Sweetwater High is 24.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Sweetwater High rank in CA?

Sweetwater High ranks #7,329 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Sweetwater High's MySchoolScout rating?

Sweetwater High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 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 Sweetwater High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Sweetwater High has 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Sweetwater High a charter school?

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

Is Sweetwater High a Title I school?

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

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

89.5% of students at Sweetwater 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
63 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
50 Good Transit
Bike Score
65 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,425
Student-Teacher Ratio
24.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
99
Free/Reduced Lunch
89.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
San Diego County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
34.1%
4-Year Graduation
84.0%

District

Sweetwater Union High
District Enrollment
35,226
Schools in District
29
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,647
District Rank
#20 of 28

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.

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