Best Public Schools in Oceanside, CA

The city of Oceanside, California is home to 38 schools across 3 school districts: Oceanside Unified, Vista Unified, and Bonsall Unified. The schools include 22 elementary, 6 middle, 6 high, and 4 alternative schools, serving students from diverse backgrounds.

Among the standout schools in the area, Mission Vista High is the top performer, ranking in the top 6% of California high schools with consistently high test scores, a 96.6% graduation rate, and low chronic absenteeism. Another high-achieving school is Coastal Academy Charter, a public charter with strong academic performance across all grade levels and a 92.5% graduation rate. At the elementary level, Bonsall West Elementary stands out, ranking in the top 21% of California elementary schools with over 50% of students proficient in English and math.

However, the data also reveals significant disparities in educational outcomes across Oceanside schools. Graduation rates range from as low as 13.5% at SIATech to as high as 96.6% at Mission Vista High, and chronic absenteeism varies from just 2.9% at Coastal Academy Charter to over 80% at Surfside High (Continuation). These gaps suggest inequities in resources and opportunities that need to be addressed to ensure all students in Oceanside receive a high-quality education.