Summary:
This analysis covers two public high schools serving grades 9-12 in zip code 93455, which is in Santa Maria, California, both part of the Santa Maria Joint Union High district.
Parents will find a notable difference between the two schools. Ernest Righetti High is the larger, higher-performing school, with a strong 95.4% graduation rate and English proficiency well above the state average. However, its math scores are below the state average, indicating an area for focus. In contrast, Delta High is a much smaller school facing significant academic challenges, with proficiency rates in core subjects far below state averages and an extremely high chronic absenteeism rate of 66.2%, which is a major barrier to student success.
Despite their differences, both schools maintain graduation rates above 91%. The district's overall middling ranking is influenced by balancing these two distinct school profiles. For families, the key considerations are the stark contrast in academic performance and school environment, with Ernest Righetti showing positive momentum and Delta High requiring substantial intervention, particularly to address student attendance.
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