Is El Capitan High a good school?

El Capitan High ranks 1024 th of 2323 California high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

How many students attend El Capitan High?

In the 2023-24 school year, 1,811 students attended El Capitan High.

What is the racial makeup of El Capitan High?

Students at El Capitan High are 67% Hispanic, 14% White, 13% Asian, 4% African American, 2% Two or more races.

What schools feed into El Capitan High?

El Capitan High is fed by the following schools: Elementary : Alicia Reyes Elementary Elementary : Allan Peterson Elementary Elementary : Donn B. Chenoweth Elementary Elementary : Franklin Elementary Elementary : Joe Stefani Elementary : Leontine Gracey Elementary Elementary : Margaret Sheehy Elementary Elementary : Snelling-Merced Falls Elementary Middle : Herbert H. Cruickshank Middle Middle : Tenaya Middle

El Capitan High

Summary:

El Capitan High is a public high school located in Merced, California, serving grades 9-12 with a total enrollment of 1,839 students. The school is part of the Merced Union High School District, which is ranked 1079 out of 1568 districts in California and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger.

El Capitan High has consistently maintained high four-year graduation rates, ranging from 95.9% to 97.8% over the past five years, which is significantly higher than the district and state averages. The school also has relatively low dropout rates, ranging from 1.0% to 2.6% over the past five years, lower than the district and state averages. However, El Capitan High has seen a significant increase in chronic absenteeism, from 15.0% in 2017-2018 to 69.7% in 2020-2021, a concerning trend that needs to be addressed. The school's test scores in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science are generally higher than the Merced Union High School District average but lower than the state average, with particularly strong performance in English Language Arts.

When compared to other high schools in the Merced Union High School District, El Capitan High generally performs better than Atwater High and Golden Valley High in terms of test scores, graduation rates, and dropout rates, but lags behind Merced High in several key metrics. The school's varying performance across different student subgroups suggests that it may need to implement targeted interventions and support programs to address the needs of underperforming groups, such as Asian and Hispanic students, English Language Learners, and students with disabilities.

Detail:

Public 9-12

100 West Farmland
Merced, CA 95348-8632

(209) 384-5500

District: Merced Union High

SchoolDigger Rank:
1024^th of 2,323 California High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $8,947

Feeder schools for El Capitan High:

Elementary:	Alicia Reyes Elementary
	Allan Peterson Elementary
	Donn B. Chenoweth Elementary
	Franklin Elementary
	More...
	Joe Stefani
	Leontine Gracey Elementary
	Margaret Sheehy Elementary
	Snelling-Merced Falls Elementary
Middle:	Herbert H. Cruickshank Middle
	Tenaya Middle

Student/teacher ratio: 21.1

Number of students: 1,811

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

66.5%

White:

14.1%

Asian:

12.7%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 74.1%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details El Capitan High ranks better than 55.9% of high schools in California. It also ranks first among 8 ranked high schools in the Merced Union High School District! (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 44.01. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at El Capitan High who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Student population at El Capitan High is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (66.5%), White (14.1%), Asian (12.7%). (See more...)

Compare Details 74.1% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at El Capitan High is 21.1. 7 high schools in the Merced Union High School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)

Compare El Capitan High employs 85.7 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at El Capitan High is $8,947. 4 high schools in the Merced Union High School District spend more per student.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

El Capitan High:

SchoolDigger ranks El Capitan High 1024^th of 2323 California public high schools. (See El Capitan High in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

English Language Learner students:

Special Education students:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Homeless students:

Female students:

Male students:

Asian students:

African American students:

Hispanic students:

White students:

Merced Union High:

SchoolDigger ranks Merced Union High 1079^th of 1568 California school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for El Capitan High

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Rank History for all students at El Capitan High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile
2015	57.92	789^th	1994	60.4%
2016	62.14	735^th	2039	64.0%
2017	58.37	829^th	2021	59.0%
2018	52.43	964^th	2017	52.2%
2019	63.36	667^th	2133	68.7%
2021	47.42	642^nd	1290	50.2%
2022	52.42	877^th	2123	58.7%
2023	35.61	1261^st	2348	46.3%
2024	44.01	1024^th	2323	55.9%

See the entire list of California High School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at El Capitan High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	25.40	739^th	938	21.2%
2019	67.89	128^th	941	86.4%
2021	74.92	59^th	467	87.4%
2022	60.16	201^st	1044	80.7%
2023	29.42	836^th	1323	36.8%
2024	32.20	736^th	1350	45.5%

See the entire list of Best California High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at El Capitan High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	17.69	1459^th	1547	5.7%
2024	27.17	1089^th	1534	29.0%

See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at El Capitan High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	53.40	886^th	1862	52.4%
2019	60.71	661^st	1937	65.9%
2021	46.21	600^th	1126	46.7%
2022	45.97	952^nd	1943	51.0%
2023	28.52	1452^nd	2247	35.4%
2024	42.02	1079^th	2235	51.7%

See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Migrant students at El Capitan High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	19.58	86^th	89	3.4%

See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Migrant Students!

Rank History for Homeless students at El Capitan High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile
2022	64.20	77^th	290	73.4%
2023	39.83	232^nd	417	44.4%
2024	69.23	98^th	451	78.3%

See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Homeless Students!

Rank History for Female students at El Capitan High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	48.04	940^th	1760	46.6%
2019	57.21	694^th	1833	62.1%
2021	43.07	589^th	1054	44.1%
2022	41.96	1002^nd	1858	46.1%
2023	34.81	1229^th	2118	42.0%
2024	42.39	1019^th	2098	51.4%

See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at El Capitan High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	36.84	585^th	1052	44.4%
2019	50.88	401^st	1117	64.1%
2021	33.85	353^rd	555	36.4%
2022	26.62	929^th	1161	20.0%

See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at El Capitan High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	50.80	897^th	1834	51.1%
2019	63.24	609^th	1880	67.6%
2021	45.02	577^th	1122	48.6%
2022	59.05	664^th	1916	65.3%
2023	33.93	1225^th	2207	44.5%
2024	42.84	975^th	2172	55.1%

See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at El Capitan High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	12.37	517^th	581	11.0%
2019	24.21	464^th	582	20.3%
2022	32.56	425^th	581	26.9%
2023	28.65	539^th	731	26.3%
2024	17.42	584^th	712	18.0%

See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at El Capitan High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	29.71	404^th	582	30.6%
2019	50.74	255^th	592	56.9%
2022	77.54	83^rd	522	84.1%
2023	51.22	290^th	720	59.7%
2024	42.84	353^rd	721	51.0%

See the entire list of Best California High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at El Capitan High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	51.21	883^rd	1742	49.3%
2019	62.92	576^th	1814	68.2%
2022	42.64	1028^th	1861	44.8%
2023	27.76	1430^th	2142	33.2%
2024	41.39	1080^th	2125	49.2%

See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at El Capitan High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	CA State Percentile
2018	54.79	594^th	1173	49.4%
2019	67.38	376^th	1222	69.2%
2022	56.08	517^th	1204	57.1%
2023	38.38	785^th	1434	45.3%
2024	50.59	581^st	1406	58.7%

See the entire list of Best California High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: California Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: California Department of Education

Review counts

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Enrollment information for El Capitan High

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
2014	134	50	112	448	8	0	7	0	759
2015	200	56	160	688	8	1	11	0	1124
2016	269	87	217	961	11	1	11	0	1557
2017	286	94	221	1001	6	1	18	0	1627
2018	297	86	233	1018	7	5	18	0	1664
2019	289	76	228	1001	9	3	25	0	1631
2020	315	68	234	1047	8	6	24	0	1702
2021	300	68	229	1145	5	7	32	0	1786
2022	304	71	237	1195	11	11	16	1	1846
2023	283	79	241	1186	5	11	32	2	1839
2024	256	69	230	1205	4	10	34	3	1811

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at El Capitan High

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2014	759	33.0	23.0	75
2015	1124	51.0	22.0	72.6
2016	1557	66.0	23.5	74.2
2017	1627	69.2	23.5	68.7
2018	1664	75.0	22.1	69.7
2019	1631	75.8	21.5	66.9
2020	1702	n/a	n/a	66.2
2021	1786	81.2	21.9	70
2022	1846	83.3	22.1	70.6
2023	1839	84.5	21.7	70.9
2024	1811	85.7	21.1	74.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio El Capitan High

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2014	759	33.0	23.0	75
2015	1124	51.0	22.0	72.6
2016	1557	66.0	23.5	74.2
2017	1627	69.2	23.5	68.7
2018	1664	75.0	22.1	69.7
2019	1631	75.8	21.5	66.9
2020	1702	n/a	n/a	66.2
2021	1786	81.2	21.9	70
2022	1846	83.3	22.1	70.6
2023	1839	84.5	21.7	70.9
2024	1811	85.7	21.1	74.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for El Capitan High

Year	Total Expenditures Per Pupil
2018	$8,947

Data source: California Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on El Capitan High

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 667^th of 2133 High schools	Ranks 1261^st of 2348 High schools	22.4%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
11th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (El Capitan High)	59.6	40.8	18.7%
11th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Merced Union High)	47.2	39.9	7.3%
11th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (California)	57.3	55.4	1.9%
11th Grade Mathematics (El Capitan High)	25	14.8	10.2%
11th Grade Mathematics (Merced Union High)	17.3	10.8	6.5%
11th Grade Mathematics (California)	32.2	27.4	4.9%
11th Grade Science (El Capitan High)	30.9	19.9	11%
11th Grade Science (Merced Union High)	20.9	18.8	2%
11th Grade Science (California)	30.4	31.7	1.3%
12th Grade Science (El Capitan High)	25.4	6.7	18.8%
12th Grade Science (Merced Union High)	16.3	17.4	1.1%
12th Grade Science (California)	25.6	26.9	1.3%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	1631	1839	12.8%
African American	76	79	3.9%
American Indian	9	5	44.4%
Asian	228	241	5.7%
Hispanic	1001	1186	18.5%
Pacific Islander	3	11	266.7%
White	289	283	2.1%
Two or More Races	25	32	28%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	66.9%	70.9%	4%

Schools Near El Capitan High

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				CAST Science (2024)			Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts/Literacy (2024)		Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics (2024)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2018)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	CAST Science 11th Grade	CAST Science 12th Grade	CAST Science End of Course	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts/Literacy 11th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts/Literacy End of Course	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics 11th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics End of Course	Total
El Capitan High	Public	9-12	100 West Farmland	Merced	95348	Merced County	Merced Union High	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(209) 384-5500	1,811	86	21.1	74.1%	256 (14.1%)	69 (3.8%)	1,205 (66.5%)	230 (12.7%)	4 (0.2%)	10 (0.6%)	34 (1.9%)	44	1024^th of 2323 public high schools	55.9%		35.6	1261^st of 2348 public high schools	46.3%	237	26.3	18.2	25.9	49.7	49.7	13.6	13.6	$8,947
Come Back Charter	Public, Charter	9-12	350 West Yosemite Ave	Merced	95348	Merced County	Merced County Office of Education	Yes	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(209) 386-6025	120	5	23.7	85.0%	21 (17.5%)	7 (5.8%)	86 (71.7%)	2 (1.7%)	2 (1.7%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (1.7%)	18.8	1713^th of 2323 public high schools	26.3%		14.7	1848^th of 2348 public high schools	21.3%	135		6.8	6.8
Merced High	Public	9-12	205 West Olive Ave.	Merced	95348	Merced County	Merced Union High	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(209) 325-1000	1,951	85	22.9	76.9%	264 (13.5%)	127 (6.5%)	1,314 (67.4%)	141 (7.2%)	12 (0.6%)	4 (0.2%)	79 (4.0%)	33	1338^th of 2323 public high schools	42.4%		40.6	1121^st of 2348 public high schools	52.3%	217	16.6	35.7	17.2	42.9	42.9	11.4	11.4	$8,868
Yosemite High (Continuation)	Public	9-12	1900 G St.	Merced	95340	Merced County	Merced Union High	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(209) 325-1600	355	23	15.3	90.1%	38 (10.7%)	25 (7.0%)	272 (76.6%)	6 (1.7%)	2 (0.6%)	2 (0.6%)	8 (2.3%)	7.8	2187^th of 2323 public high schools	5.9%		7.6	2224^th of 2348 public high schools	5.3%	37	2.8		2.6	5.4	5.4	0.0	0.0	$12,315
Independence High (Alternative)	Public	9-12	1900 G St.	Merced	95340	Merced County	Merced Union High	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(209) 325-1600	92	13	7.3	90.2%	15 (16.3%)	5 (5.4%)	69 (75.0%)	1 (1.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (2.2%)	10.4	1989^th of 2323 public high schools	14.4%		14.3	1861^st of 2348 public high schools	20.7%	128	4.8		4.7	16.3	16.3	0.0	0.0	$21,835
Sequoia High	Public	9-12	1900 G St.	Merced	95340	Merced County	Merced Union High	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(209) 325-1700	106	9	11.2	96.2%	11 (10.4%)	10 (9.4%)	81 (76.4%)	1 (0.9%)	1 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (1.9%)								(n/a)								$28,813
Merced County Regional Occupational Program	Public	11-12	632 West 13th St.	Merced	95341	Merced County	Merced County Regional Occupational Program	No	(n/a)	(n/a)	(n/a)	(209) 381-6740	0				0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Golden Valley High	Public	9-12	2121 East Childs Ave.	Merced	95344	Merced County	Merced Union High	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(209) 325-1800	1,955	95	20.5	84.6%	179 (9.2%)	110 (5.6%)	1,404 (71.8%)	194 (9.9%)	14 (0.7%)	3 (0.2%)	50 (2.6%)	35.3	1267^th of 2323 public high schools	45.5%		32.3	1351^st of 2348 public high schools	42.5%	84	16.2	21.1	16.4	47.4	47.4	11.6	11.6	$8,532
Buhach Colony High	Public	9-12	1800 Buhach Rd.	Atwater	95301	Merced County	Merced Union High	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(209) 325-1400	1,658	84	19.8	73.8%	266 (16.0%)	41 (2.5%)	1,136 (68.5%)	161 (9.7%)	14 (0.8%)	6 (0.4%)	33 (2.0%)	34.2	1301^st of 2323 public high schools	44.0%		33	1331^st of 2348 public high schools	43.3%	30	18.3		18.1	46.3	46.3	8.5	8.5	$9,222
Atwater High	Public	9-12	2201 Fruitland Ave.	Atwater	95301	Merced County	Merced Union High	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(209) 325-1200	2,051	99	20.6	80.4%	281 (13.7%)	30 (1.5%)	1,651 (80.5%)	54 (2.6%)	9 (0.4%)	1 (0.0%)	24 (1.2%)	34.6	1292^nd of 2323 public high schools	44.4%		36.8	1233^rd of 2348 public high schools	47.5%	59	18.0		17.8	42.7	42.7	13.9	13.9	$7,848

El Capitan High

El Capitan High:

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Merced Union High:

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for El Capitan High

Rank History for all students at El Capitan High

Rank History for English Language Learner students at El Capitan High

Rank History for Special Education students at El Capitan High

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at El Capitan High

Rank History for Migrant students at El Capitan High

Rank History for Homeless students at El Capitan High

Rank History for Female students at El Capitan High

Rank History for Disabled students at El Capitan High

Rank History for Male students at El Capitan High

Rank History for Asian students at El Capitan High

Rank History for African American students at El Capitan High

Rank History for Hispanic students at El Capitan High

Rank History for White students at El Capitan High

Review counts

Enrollment information for El Capitan High

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at El Capitan High

Student/Teacher Ratio El Capitan High

Per Pupil Expenditures for El Capitan High

Impact of COVID-19 on El Capitan High

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near El Capitan High

Frequently Asked Questions about El Capitan High

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