Best Public Schools in Costa Mesa, CA

Costa Mesa, California is served by 26 public schools across elementary, middle, high, and alternative education levels, primarily within the high-performing Newport-Mesa Unified district, which ranks well above state averages in core academic subjects.

The district features standout schools like Early College High, ranking in the state's top 1% with a 100% graduation rate, and top-tier elementary schools such as Maude B. Davis Elementary. However, performance varies widely, with some schools, including Back Bay High and Whittier Elementary, facing significant academic challenges and high rates of chronic student absenteeism.

While the district overall performs strongly, parents should note the sharp contrasts between schools; the single traditional Charles W. Tewinkle Middle school shows middling performance, and the area's alternative schools serve vulnerable populations with much lower graduation rates. The data suggests that school choice within Costa Mesa is critical, as outcomes and student support systems differ dramatically from one campus to the next.