Below Average
#8404 of 9,539 schools in CA
Valley Center Prep
School · Valley Center-Pauma Unified
28751-U Cole Grade Rd., Valley Center, CA 92082
Enrollment
78
Student-Teacher
26:1
Score
4.1
Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
78
Student-Teacher
26:1
Score
4.1
Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#8,404 of 9,539
In Valley Center
#5 of 9
public schools
In district
#3 of 8
Valley Center-Pauma Unified
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Valley Center Prep
School in Valley Center · grades Kindergarten – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Valley Center Elementary
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Valley Center Primary
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Valley Center Prep
Valley Center Prep is a public school in Valley Center, CA, part of Valley Center-Pauma Unified. Valley Center Prep serves approximately 78 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-12th, and has a 26:1 student-teacher ratio. Valley Center Prep has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 out of 10 and ranks #8,404 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for Valley Center Prep show 18% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 4.1 · Below Average
- District avg 4.1
- CA avg 6.3
What Parents Should Know
At 78 students, Valley Center Prep is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
Test scores at Valley Center Prep sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.
Valley Center Prep runs 26:1 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 metricsView breakdown
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Valley Center Prep — Students at Valley Center Prep score 24% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
64.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 26 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: 6.1/10.
How Valley Center Prep Compares
See how Valley Center Prep 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
28751-U Cole Grade Rd., Valley Center, CA 92082
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Valley Center Prep may also want to explore other schools in the area. Quantum Academy (rated 8.3/10, 6.4 miles away, in nearby Escondido), which scores notably higher. Another option is Glen View Elementary (rated 7.6/10, 6.4 miles away, in nearby Escondido), which scores notably higher. Additionally, All Tribes Charter (rated 7.4/10, 4.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Valley Center, see our Valley Center schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 6.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Valley Center Elementary Valley Center | 0.0 mi | 3.0 |
| Valley Center Primary Valley Center | 0.4 mi | 3.4 |
| Ambleside Academy Valley Center | 2.0 mi | — |
| Valley Center High Valley Center | 3.1 mi | 5.5 |
| Oak Glen High Valley Center | 3.2 mi | 6.9 |
| Valley Center Middle Valley Center | 2.7 mi | 2.9 |
| Lilac Valley Center | 3.1 mi | 3.1 |
| Morning Star Ranch Training Program Valley Center | 4.7 mi | — |
| All Tribes Elementary Charter Valley Center | 4.9 mi | 6.9 |
| All Tribes Charter Valley Center | 4.9 mi | 7.4 |
| Pauma Elementary Pauma Valley | 5.7 mi | 3.6 |
| Valley High (Continuation) Escondido | 5.9 mi | 5.7 |
| Orange Glen Elementary Escondido | 6.3 mi | 5.2 |
| Quantum Academy Escondido | 6.4 mi | 8.3 |
| Reidy Creek Elementary Escondido | 6.0 mi | 6.8 |
| Glen View Elementary Escondido | 6.4 mi | 7.6 |
| Ideal School Escondido | 6.6 mi | — |
| Rincon Middle Escondido | 6.4 mi | 6.4 |
| KINGS ACADEMY Escondido | 6.7 mi | 5.4 |
| Rose Elementary Escondido | 6.9 mi | 7.4 |
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 |
|---|---|
| Placer County Special Education Auburn, CA | 4.1 |
| Sven Lokrantz Special Education Center Reseda, CA | 4.1 |
| Walton Development Center Stockton, CA | 4.1 |
| Floyd A. Schelby Merced, CA | 4.0 |
| Freedom Home Madera, CA | 4.0 |
| Home & Hosp/Transition Support San Diego, CA | 4.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Valley Center Prep
What grades does Valley Center Prep serve?
Valley Center Prep serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.
How many students attend Valley Center Prep?
Valley Center Prep has an enrollment of approximately 78 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Valley Center Prep?
The student-teacher ratio at Valley Center Prep is 26:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Valley Center Prep rank in CA?
Valley Center Prep ranks #8,404 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is Valley Center Prep's MySchoolScout rating?
Valley Center Prep has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 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 Prep?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Valley Center Prep has 18% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Valley Center Prep a charter school?
No, Valley Center Prep is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Valley Center Prep a Title I school?
No, Valley Center Prep is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Valley Center Prep?
64.1% of students at Valley Center Prep 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
- Kindergarten – 12th
- Enrollment
- 78
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 26:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 3
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 64.1%
- Type
- alternative
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- San Diego County
- Phone
- (760) 751-0455
- 4-Year Graduation
- 49.5%
Resources & Links
District
Valley Center-Pauma Unified- District Enrollment
- 3,711
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,832
- District Rank
- #3 of 8
Other Schools in This District
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