Average
#6344 of 9,539 schools in CA
Valley Center High
High School · Valley Center-Pauma Unified
31322 Cole Grade Rd., Valley Center, CA 92082
Enrollment
1,094
Student-Teacher
21.5:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,094
Student-Teacher
21.5:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#6,344 of 9,539
In Valley Center
#4 of 9
public schools
In district
#2 of 8
Valley Center-Pauma Unified
Shortlisting around Valley Center High?
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Valley Center High
High School in Valley Center · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Oak Glen High
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Valley Center Primary
2.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Valley Center High
Valley Center High is a public high school in Valley Center, CA, part of Valley Center-Pauma Unified. Valley Center High serves approximately 1,094 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 21.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Valley Center High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10 and ranks #6,344 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for Valley Center High show 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 5.5 · Average
- District avg 6.2
- CA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
Valley Center High runs 21.5:1 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.
Valley Center High sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
39% of students at Valley Center 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 metricsView breakdown
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Valley Center High — Students at Valley Center High score 35% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
61.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 30 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 2.5/10.
How Valley Center High Compares
See how Valley Center High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
31322 Cole Grade Rd., Valley Center, CA 92082
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Valley Center High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. All Tribes Charter (rated 7.4/10, 4.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Oak Glen High (rated 6.9/10, 0.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Valley High (Continuation) (rated 5.7/10, 8.9 miles away, in nearby Escondido), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Valley Center, see our Valley Center schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Oak Glen High Valley Center | 0.1 mi | 6.9 |
| Valley Center Primary Valley Center | 2.7 mi | 3.4 |
| Morning Star Ranch Training Program Valley Center | 2.4 mi | — |
| Pauma Elementary Pauma Valley | 2.8 mi | 3.6 |
| Valley Center Elementary Valley Center | 3.1 mi | 3.0 |
| Valley Center Prep Valley Center | 3.1 mi | 4.1 |
| Ambleside Academy Valley Center | 3.1 mi | — |
| Lilac Valley Center | 3.0 mi | 3.1 |
| All Tribes Elementary Charter Valley Center | 4.1 mi | 6.9 |
| All Tribes Charter Valley Center | 4.1 mi | 7.4 |
| Valley Center Middle Valley Center | 4.6 mi | 2.9 |
| Vivian Banks Charter Pala | 6.6 mi | 6.4 |
| Reidy Creek Elementary Escondido | 8.4 mi | 6.8 |
| Valley High (Continuation) Escondido | 8.9 mi | 5.7 |
| Rincon Middle Escondido | 9.1 mi | 6.4 |
| Orange Glen Elementary Escondido | 9.3 mi | 5.2 |
| North Broadway Elementary Escondido | 9.0 mi | 5.7 |
| Quantum Academy Escondido | 9.4 mi | 8.3 |
| Glen View Elementary Escondido | 9.4 mi | 7.6 |
| Ideal School Escondido | 9.7 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 92082 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$118,602
Median Home Value
$779,500
Median Rent
$1,473/mo
Population
20,596
College Educated
31.5%
Homeownership
87.9%
Avg Commute
35.8 min
Poverty Rate
9%
Median Age
41.7
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ACADEMY OF OUR LADY OF PEACE San Diego, CA | 5.5 |
| BISHOP MONTGOMERY HIGH Torrance, CA | 5.5 |
| Mt. Diablo High Concord, CA | 5.5 |
| Union Mine High El Dorado, CA | 5.5 |
| Avenal High Avenal, CA | 5.4 |
| Delhi High Delhi, CA | 5.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Valley Center High
What grades does Valley Center High serve?
Valley Center High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Valley Center High?
Valley Center High has an enrollment of approximately 1,094 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Valley Center High?
The student-teacher ratio at Valley Center High is 21.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Valley Center High rank in CA?
Valley Center High ranks #6,344 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is Valley Center High's MySchoolScout rating?
Valley Center High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 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 Valley Center High?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Valley Center High has 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Valley Center High a charter school?
No, Valley Center High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Valley Center High a Title I school?
No, Valley Center High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Valley Center High?
61.7% of students at Valley Center 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,094
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 51
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 61.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- San Diego County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 39.3%
- Phone
- (760) 751-5500
- 4-Year Graduation
- 95.0%
Resources & Links
District
Valley Center-Pauma Unified- District Enrollment
- 3,711
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,832
- District Rank
- #2 of 8
Other Schools in This District
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