El Capitan High School is a public high school in Lakeside, California, United States, a census-designated place in San Diego, and serves students in grades nine through twelve. Opened in 1959, El Capitan is the fifth of twelve high schools to be constructed in the Grossmont Union High School District.
Serving 1,830 students in grades 9-12, El Capitan High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 19% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
Minority enrollment is 50% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,830 students
- Minority Enrollment: 50%
- Graduation Rate: 87% (Top 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
El Capitan High School's student population of 1,830 students has grown by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has declined by 76% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,830 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Year Founded
1959
School Calendar
School Motto
Pursuing Excellence Through Community
School Rankings
El Capitan High School ranks within the top 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of El Capitan High School is 0.61, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#4446 out of 9523 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
21:1
American Indian
2%
1%
Asian
3%
12%
Hispanic
38%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
50%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
87%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
32%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
24%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is El Capitan High School's ranking?
El Capitan High School is ranked #4446 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are El Capitan High School often compared to?
El Capitan High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Granite Hills High School, Santana High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 60% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of El Capitan High School?
The graduation rate of El Capitan High School is 87%, which is equal to the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend El Capitan High School?
1,830 students attend El Capitan High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of El Capitan High School students are White, 38% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, 2% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What grades does El Capitan High School offer ?
El Capitan High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is El Capitan High School part of?
El Capitan High School is part of Grossmont Union High School District.
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