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Public School
Poway Unified School District

Del Norte High School

#4 in Best Public High Schools in San Diego Area
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • Public
  • 9-12
  • San Diego, CA
  • 324 reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Academics
    A+
  2. Diversity
    A
  3. Teachers
    A+
  4. College Prep
    A+
  5. Clubs & Activities
    B
  6. Health & Safety
    A+
  7. Administration
    A
  8. Sports
    A-
  9. Food
    B-
  10. Resources & Facilities
    B-
View Full Report Card
Del Norte High School is a top rated, public school located in San Diego, CA. It has 2,032 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 28 to 1. According to state test scores, 72% of students are at least proficient in math and 75% in reading.
Address
16601 Nighthawk Ln.
San Diego, CA 92127
Telephone
(858) 487-0877
Website
powayusd.com

Del Norte High School Rankings

Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.

Academics

Percent Proficient - Reading
75%
Percent Proficient - Math
72%
Average Graduation Rate
99%
Average SAT
1300
367 responses
Average ACT
29
191 responses
AP Enrollment
48%
Niche College Admissions Calculator
Living in the Area
A
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Cost of Living
    D+
  2. Good for Families
    A-
  3. Housing
    C-
Area Feel
Suburban
Median Household Income
$71,535
National
$55,322
Median Rent
$1,503
National
$949
Median Home Value
$523,600
National
$184,700

Culture & Safety

Health & Safety
A+
Based on chronic student absenteeism, suspensions/expulsions, and survey responses on the school environment from students and parents.
Poll
90%
of students agree that they feel safe at their school.39 responses
Poll
85%
of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.39 responses
Poll
What are your favorite school events or traditions?
Based on 137 responses
Report
  • Football games
    18%
  • Homecoming week
    15%
  • Graduation
    12%
  • Playing football and Pep Rallies.
    12%
  • School Dances
    12%
  • Spirit Weeks
    10%
  • Going to Performing Arts
    5%

Students

Diversity
A
Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
Students
2,032
Free or Reduced Lunch
11%
100%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.47 responses
79%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.47 responses
89%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.47 responses

Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio
28:1
National
17:1
Average Teacher Salary
$85,939
Teachers in First/Second Year
25.6%
79%
of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.58 responses
86%
of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.58 responses
83%
of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.58 responses

Clubs & Activities

Clubs & Activities
B
Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
Girls Athletic Participation
High
Boys Athletic Participation
High
Expenses Per Student
$11,349/ year
National
$12,239
92%
of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.66 responses
44%
of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.66 responses
85%
of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.66 responses
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Del Norte High School Reviews

324 reviews
All Categories
Looking back at my time at Del Norte is most definitely prepared me for college. Majority of the teachers at here care about your success ESPECIALLY the math department. They are awesome! The teachers I had would always be willing to work with students. However, the science department is for sure the weakest. I had a teacher that just expected us to teach the material to our self's because she said it would be like that in college..that is FAR from true. The thing I enjoyed least about my time at this school is the school atmosphere. Del Norte is very competitive and a lot of people judged you based on how many AP classes you were taking and if you were going to a UC or prestigious out-of-state college. It was so frustrating! At the end of the day however,I realize that I was college ready because Del Norte pushed me a lot. When you go to college it definitely pays off and you see it when your around college peers.
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The thing I like best about Del Norte is its inclusivity. As I child I would hear horror stories of seniors throwing freshmen into lockers and different cliques portrayed in Mean Girls. I never experienced any of that at Del Norte and I have formed amazing relationships with genuinely caring teachers, classmates, and counselors. It is more academically challenging than I am comfortable with, but it ensures my success in the future. Drugs and parties are uncommon because of the high competition and drive for success in each individual. With a broad variety of clubs, extra curriculars, sports, and academics, I would not want to attend any other school.
I love attending Del Norte High School. It has provided me with timeless friendships from the numerous sports and activities that are offered. It is fairly a newer school, and provides a welcoming safe environment. I walk to school everyday and I never feel unsafe. Although the football team does not have a high number of wins, the games are still very exciting. The student spirit was overwhelming and exciting as I walked into the pep rally as a freshman. At every home game, the students not only wear the school colors, but they also paint their faces. Although it may seem like our school is all fun and games, it also provides the competitive atmosphere every student needs. Every student is college driven and strives for education. Each student pushes each other to be their best.