Santa Monica High School, officially abbreviated to Samohi or SMHS, is a public high school in Santa Monica, California. Founded in 1891, it changed location several times in its early years before settling into its present campus at 601 Pico Boulevard. It is a part of the Santa Monica–Malibu Unified School District.
Serving 2,588 students in grades 9-12, Santa Monica High 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 51% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 82% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,588 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 96% (Top 10% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 51% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 82% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 49% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Santa Monica High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Santa Monica High School's student population of 2,588 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 130 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,588 students
Total Classroom Teachers
130 teachers
Year Founded
1891
Colors
Blue, Gold
School Calendar
School Rankings
Santa Monica High 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 Santa Monica High School is 0.70, which is more 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
#1055 out of 9523 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
82%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
21:1
Asian
8%
12%
Hispanic
35%
56%
Black
7%
5%
White
40%
20%
Two or more races
10%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
96%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
31%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Viking
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santa Monica High School's ranking?
Santa Monica High School is ranked #1055 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in California.
What schools are Santa Monica High School often compared to?
Santa Monica High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like El Segundo High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
51% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 82% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Santa Monica High School?
The graduation rate of Santa Monica High School is 96%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Santa Monica High School?
2,588 students attend Santa Monica High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
40% of Santa Monica High School students are White, 35% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Asian, and 7% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Santa Monica High School?
Santa Monica High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Santa Monica High School offer ?
Santa Monica High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Santa Monica High School part of?
Santa Monica High School is part of Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.
School Reviews
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