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Very Good

#2515 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 26% in state

Terra Nova High

High School · Jefferson Union High

1450 Terra Nova Blvd., Pacifica, CA 94044

Enrollment

697

Student-Teacher

18.3:1

Score

7.5

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#2,515 of 9,539

In Pacifica

#3 of 8

public schools

In district

#3 of 5

Jefferson Union High

School environment

9.4 / 10

Excellent

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Terra Nova High

7.5/10

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

Ortega Elementary

6.4/10

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

Pacific Bay Christian School

8.2/10

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

About Terra Nova High

Terra Nova High is a public high school in Pacifica, CA, part of Jefferson Union High. Terra Nova High serves approximately 697 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 18.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Terra Nova High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 out of 10 and ranks #2,515 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Terra Nova High show 53% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 66% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.6 pts above district
  • This school 7.5 · Very Good
  • District avg 6.9
  • CA avg 6.5

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress7.5Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.98 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics6.2Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency40.9% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency54.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg+12.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-1.8 pts
Overall Proficiency48% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)64% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-16.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile45th
College Readiness7.4Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate92%
AP Participation27.7%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.4Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$22,123
Chronic Absenteeism20.9%

Terra Nova High — Students at Terra Nova High score 48% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 64%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

17.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 52.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 65.6% (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
60%
ELA
67%
2010
Math
61%
ELA
69%
2011
Math
58%
ELA
66%
2012
Math
71%
ELA
71%
2013
Math
71%
ELA
67%
2014
Math
46%
ELA
64%
2015
Math
43%
ELA
68%
2016
Math
38%
ELA
66%
2017
Math
42%
ELA
57%
2018
Math
36%
ELA
56%
2019
Math
36%
ELA
56%
2020*
Math
74.5%
ELA
84.5%
2021*
Math
74.5%
ELA
84.5%
2024
Math
40.9%
ELA
54.1%

* 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: 7.5/10.

How Terra Nova High Compares

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

Overall Score
7.5/10
74th percentile in CA
Academic
6.2/10
Average
Growth
7.5/10
Very Good
Environment
9.4/10
Excellent
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.6
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
18%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
38 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
20.9%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
27.7% 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

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

Location

1450 Terra Nova Blvd., Pacifica, CA 94044

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Terra Nova High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. PACIFIC BAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 8.2/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Oceana High (rated 7.8/10, 3.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, PACIFIC BAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 7.4/10, 1.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Pacifica, see our Pacifica schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Ortega Elementary Pacifica 0.5 mi 6.4
PACIFIC BAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Pacifica 1.1 mi 8.2
PACIFIC BAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Pacifica 1.1 mi 7.4
Pacific Bay Christian School Pacifica 1.1 mi
Vallemar Elementary Pacifica 1.4 mi 7.5
Cabrillo Elementary Pacifica 1.2 mi 6.0
MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF LINDA MAR INC Pacifica 1.4 mi
Pacifica Independent Home Study Pacifica 1.4 mi
Spectrum Center Peninsula Campus Pacifica 1.4 mi
Portola Elementary San Bruno 2.4 mi 7.5
HIGHLANDS CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS San Bruno 2.5 mi 4.7
John Muir Elementary San Bruno 2.5 mi 6.8
Oceana High Pacifica 3.1 mi 7.8
Ingrid B. Lacy Middle Pacifica 3.1 mi 8.4
Wings Learning Center San Bruno 3.0 mi
Monte Verde Elementary San Bruno 3.1 mi 9.0
GOOD SHEPHERD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Pacifica 3.3 mi 6.4
Stratford School - San Bruno Crestmoor Canyon San Bruno 3.0 mi
STRATFORD SCHOOL San Bruno 3.0 mi 6.2
Westborough Middle South San Francisco 3.5 mi 8.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 94044 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$156,658

Median Home Value

$1,211,700

Median Rent

$3,075/mo

Population

37,540

College Educated

48.5%

Homeownership

68.4%

Avg Commute

28.3 min

Poverty Rate

6.2%

Median Age

44.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
CASTILLEJA SCHOOL Palo Alto, CA 7.5
Da Vinci Charter Academy Davis, CA 7.5
Dozier-Libbey Medical High Antioch, CA 7.5
Ednovate - Legacy College Prep. Santa Ana, CA 7.5
Liberty Ranch High Galt, CA 7.5
Los Angeles High School of the Arts Los Angeles, CA 7.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Terra Nova High

What grades does Terra Nova High serve?

Terra Nova High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Terra Nova High?

Terra Nova High has an enrollment of approximately 697 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Terra Nova High?

The student-teacher ratio at Terra Nova High is 18.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Terra Nova High rank in CA?

Terra Nova High ranks #2,515 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Terra Nova High's MySchoolScout rating?

Terra Nova 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 Terra Nova High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Terra Nova High has 53% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 66% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Terra Nova High a charter school?

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

Is Terra Nova High a Title I school?

No, Terra Nova High is not currently a Title I school.

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

17.9% of students at Terra Nova 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
20 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
8 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
697
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
38
Free/Reduced Lunch
17.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
San Mateo County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
20.9%
4-Year Graduation
92.0%

District

Jefferson Union High
District Enrollment
3,706
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$22,123
District Rank
#3 of 5

How we rate schools

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