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Average

#3626 of 9,533 schools in CA

Top 38% in state

Vista High

High School · Vista Unified

1234 Arcadia Ave., Vista, CA 92084

Enrollment

1,896

Student-Teacher

19:1

Score

6.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Vista

#9 of 34

public schools

California high schools

#681 of 1,892

In district

#6 of 27

Vista Unified

School environment

8.0 / 10

Very strong

About Vista High

Vista High serves 1,896 students in grades 9-12 in Vista, California, operating as a comprehensive public high school in San Diego County. With 100 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 19:1, providing reasonable class sizes for individualized attention. Academically, Vista High has room for growth, with 40% of students achieving proficiency in English Language Arts and 17% in mathematics.

The school ranks in the 38th percentile statewide among California high schools, indicating opportunities for continued improvement in student outcomes. Despite these academic challenges, the school serves a stable community environment that supports educational development. The school draws from the 92084 zip code area, where families enjoy a median household income of $94,768 and median home values of $689,500.

With 28% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher and a relatively low poverty rate of 9.3%, the surrounding community of nearly 50,000 residents demonstrates economic stability that can support student success. Located on Arcadia Avenue, Vista High sits in a large suburban setting that offers students access to both educational resources and community amenities, creating an environment where students can pursue their academic and personal growth goals.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.7Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.65 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.3Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency16.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency39.9%
Math vs. State Avg-11.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-16 pts
Overall Proficiency28%
Expected (poverty-adj.)33%
vs. Expected-5.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile34th
College Readiness9.5Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation16.6%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment8.0Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio19:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,290

Vista High — Students at Vista High score 28% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

72.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 17.0%
School
State
31.8%
ELA Proficiency 45.7%
School
State
51.5%

Based on 8 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
17%
ELA
56%
2021*
Math
18%
ELA
47%
2024
Math
16.5%
ELA
39.9%

* 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: 4.7/10.

How Vista High Compares

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

Overall Score
6.9/10
62th percentile in CA
Academic
5.3/10
5.3/10
Growth
4.7/10
Below average
Environment
8.0/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
73%
Teaching Staff
19:1 student-teacher ratio
100 teachers

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs IB Programme
16.6% participation·110 IB enrolled·CRDC 2020-21

Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

1234 Arcadia Ave., Vista, CA 92084

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Vista High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. North County Trade Tech High (rated 7.4/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Major General Raymond Murray High (rated 6.5/10, 1.8 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Vista Adult Transition Center (rated 6.3/10, 0.1 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Vista, see our Vista schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Vista Adult Transition Center Vista 0.1 mi 6.3
Vista Springs Charter Temecula 0.4 mi 5.7
Bobier Elementary Vista 0.4 mi 4.4
Guajome Park Academy Charter Vista 0.7 mi 8.2
Guajome Learning Centers Vista 0.7 mi 3.7
NEW HAVEN YFS Vista 0.8 mi
Golden Grove Academy Vista 0.9 mi
Vista Academy of Visual and Performing Arts Vista 1.1 mi 6.1
California Avenue Elementary Vista 1.1 mi
North County Trade Tech High Vista 1.1 mi 7.4
Foothill Oak Elementary Vista 1.1 mi 3.4
Vista Magnet Middle School of Technology Science and Math Vista 1.3 mi 6.8
Maryland Elementary Vista 1.2 mi 4.7
Alta Vista High (Continuation) Vista 1.2 mi 5.5
Vista Visions Academy Vista 1.2 mi 6.2
Vista Innovation and Design Academy Vista 1.6 mi 5.9
Major General Raymond Murray High Vista 1.8 mi 6.5
VISTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Vista 1.8 mi 7.1
ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC SCHOOL Vista 1.9 mi 8.1
Mission Meadows Elementary Vista 1.9 mi 4.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 92084 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$97,410

Median Home Value

$745,800

Median Rent

$1,936/mo

Population

49,533

College Educated

27.1%

Homeownership

57.6%

Avg Commute

28.1 min

Poverty Rate

9.5%

Median Age

34.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Vista High has a median household income of $97,410. It is an area where 27% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $745,800, with a median rent of $1,936/month. The local poverty rate of 9.5% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 28 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Chatsworth Charter High Chatsworth, CA 6.9
Del Mar High San Jose, CA 6.9
Granite Bay High Granite Bay, CA 6.9
Livermore High Livermore, CA 6.9
Lynwood High Lynwood, CA 6.9
Oak Grove High San Jose, CA 6.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Vista High

What grades does Vista High serve?

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

How many students attend Vista High?

Vista High has an enrollment of approximately 1,896 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Vista High?

The student-teacher ratio at Vista High is 19:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Vista High rank in CA?

Vista High is ranked #3626 out of 9,533 schools in CA.

What is Vista High's MySchoolScout rating?

Vista High has a composite rating of 6.9 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Vista High?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Vista High has 17.0% math proficiency and 45.7% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Vista High a charter school?

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

Is Vista High a Title I school?

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

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

72.9% of students at Vista 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
64 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
33 Some Transit
Bike Score
47 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
Elevated (1,187/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Vista). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,896
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
Teachers (FTE)
100
Free/Reduced Lunch
72.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
San Diego County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Vista Unified
District Enrollment
18,469
Schools in District
28
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,647
District Rank
#6 of 27

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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