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San Dieguito Union High School District

San Dieguito High Academy

#7 in Best Public High Schools in San Diego Area
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • Public
  • 9-12
  • Encinitas, CA
  • 427 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
      B
    9. Food
      A-
    10. Resources & Facilities
      B-
    View Full Report Card
    San Dieguito High Academy is a top rated, public school located in Encinitas, CA. It has 1,834 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 24 to 1. According to state test scores, 65% of students are at least proficient in math and 87% in reading.
    Address
    800 Santa Fe Dr.
    Encinitas, CA 92024
    Telephone
    (760) 753-1121
    Website
    sduhsd.net
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    San Dieguito High Academy Rankings

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

    Academics

    Percent Proficient - Reading
    87%
    Percent Proficient - Math
    65%
    Average Graduation Rate
    97%
    Average SAT
    1250
    567 responses
    Average ACT
    28
    273 responses
    AP Enrollment
    39%
    Niche College Admissions Calculator
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    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+
    Median Household Income
    $103,842
    National
    $55,322
    Median Rent
    $1,837
    National
    $949
    Median Home Value
    $862,300
    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
    98%
    of students agree that they feel safe at their school.64 responses
    Poll
    91%
    of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.64 responses
    Poll
    What are your favorite school events or traditions?
    Based on 245 responses
    Report
    • Exhibition day
      22%
    • Hour Lunch
      16%
    • Late Start
      13%
    • Flag football tournament
      12%
    • Homeroom olympics
      9%
    • Minimum Day
      8%
    • Community Day
      8%

    Students

    Diversity
    A-
    Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
    Students
    1,834
    Free or Reduced Lunch
    9%
    46%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.63 responses
    100%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.63 responses
    41%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.63 responses

    Teachers

    Student-Teacher Ratio
    24:1
    National
    17:1
    Average Teacher Salary
    $83,842
    Teachers in First/Second Year
    7.9%
    82%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.78 responses
    97%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.78 responses
    87%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.78 responses

    Clubs & Activities

    Clubs & Activities
    B+
    Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
    Girls Athletic Participation
    Low
    Boys Athletic Participation
    Low
    Expenses Per Student
    $15,908/ year
    National
    $12,239
    95%
    of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.84 responses
    56%
    of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.84 responses
    81%
    of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.84 responses
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    San Dieguito High Academy Reviews

    427 reviews
    All Categories
    San Dieguito Academy is different from most high schools. The most prominent feature is a strong sense of community -- and that's not just a cliche, it's really palpable at this school. Student-made paintings and murals decorate the walls of many buildings. Many fun school-wide events occur throughout the year, such as students-vs-teachers tournaments of soccer and ping-pong.

    Academics are equally strong, with many great teachers (though not all) and a huge selection of AP classes to challenge yourself with or build up a resume for college. Several academic as well as non-academic clubs are available.

    Notably, it doesn't have a football team -- and for the most part we don't miss it. Being inclusive of all kinds of people is one of the key features of SDA, and on any day you might see people casually dressed in whimsical costumes. It's not as if cliques are nonexistent, but they are significantly less powerful here.

    I wouldn't have spent my 4 years anywhere else!
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    San Dieguito Academy is said to have one of the most accepting student bodies in the San Diego area. However, students and administration are far from their claims. Students say openly homophobic or transphobic comments as well as anti-Chicano and anti-Latinx sentiment.

    Gay youth use SDA as a safe haven from prejudice at other schools. But, queer students form their own cliques. Very infrequently can gay students find themselves in a majority straight friend group without facing discrimination.

    As well, the school, even having a 30%+ population of Latinx students, is very segregated. WASC reviewed the school in March of 2019. As a part of this check in, teachers had to choose specific individuals from their classes that worked particularly hard or exhibited academic motivation and drive to represent the school in a panel of around 50-75 students. When I arrived, less than five students were of Latinx descent.
    I absolutely love attending this high school! Most of the teachers are incredibly caring and leave a lasting impact on students' lives. I come back to visit whenever I'm home from college just to say "hi". I was able to be challenged academically and make tons of lasting friendships. Taking all the AP classes was a big help, since I went to college with a semester's worth of credits.