Serving 919 students in grades 6-8, Bernice Ayer Middle School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 74% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 41% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 919 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 41%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 60% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 74% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 61% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Bernice Ayer Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Bernice Ayer Middle School's student population of 919 students has grown by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 41 teachers has grown by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
919 students
Total Classroom Teachers
41 teachers
Year Founded
1998
Colors
Blue and Yellow
School Calendar
School Motto
Be Ready / Act Respectfully / Make Good Decisions / Show Integrity
School Rankings
Bernice Ayer Middle School ranks within the top 20% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Bernice Ayer Middle School is 0.56, 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
#999 out of 9523 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
74%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
61%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
Asian
2%
12%
Hispanic
30%
56%
White
59%
20%
Two or more races
9%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)17.5%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
31%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Sharks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bernice Ayer Middle School's ranking?
Bernice Ayer Middle School is ranked #999 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in California.
What schools are Bernice Ayer Middle School often compared to?
Bernice Ayer Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Shorecliffs Middle School, Vista Del Mar Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Bernice Ayer Middle School?
919 students attend Bernice Ayer Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Bernice Ayer Middle School students are White, 30% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Bernice Ayer Middle School?
Bernice Ayer Middle School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Bernice Ayer Middle School offer ?
Bernice Ayer Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is Bernice Ayer Middle School part of?
Bernice Ayer Middle School is part of Capistrano Unified School District.
School Reviews
Review Bernice Ayer Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.
