Top Rankings
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Highest overall rank (Top 10%)
Math Proficiency
Highest math proficiency (Top 10%)
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 5%)
Science Proficiency
Highest science proficiency (Top 10%)
Graduation Rate
Highest graduation rate (Top 10%)
Diversity
Most diverse schools (Top 1%)
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 2,995 students in Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. This district's average high testing ranking is 10/10, which is in the top 10% of public high schools in California.
Public High Schools in Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the California public high school average of 28%), and reading proficiency score of 82% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Public High School in Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District have a Graduation Rate of 94%, which is more than the California average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Santa Monica High School, with 96% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in California or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public high school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (CA)
# Schools
17 Schools
2,817 Schools
# Students
8,630 Students
2,139,525 Students
# Teachers
452 Teachers
100,737 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
19:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, which is ranked #122 of all 1,910 school districts in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 94% has increased from 91% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#119 out of 1932 school districts
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
75%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
29%
Graduation Rate
94%
87%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.67
0.63
% American Indian
n/a
1%
% Asian
8%
11%
% Hispanic
30%
56%
% Black
7%
5%
% White
48%
22%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $30,981 is higher than the state median of $19,974. The school district revenue/student has grown by 14% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $43,289 is higher than the state median of $18,396. The school district spending/student has grown by 14% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$267 MM
$116,387 MM
Spending
$374 MM
$107,188 MM
Revenue / Student
$30,981
$19,974
Spending / Student
$43,289
$18,396
Best Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Public High Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Santa Monica High School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
601 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 395-3204
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 395-3204
Gr: 9-12 | 2,573 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #22.
Malibu High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
30215 Morning View Dr.
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 457-6801
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 457-6801
Gr: 9-12 | 390 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #33.
Olympic High (Continuation School)
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
721 Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 392-2494
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 392-2494
Gr: 9-12 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
