Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Intersofia assumed (based on copyright claims). · CC BY-SA 3.0Del Mar’s public schools outscore 96% of California districts
Math proficiency in Del Mar’s districts is 71%, above the California average (33%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Del Mar, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within California, not nationally.
From California state tests taken in spring 2022, when 96% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Del Mar’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 150 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Del Mar’s, its schools beat 91%, lower than their 96% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 79% and math 71% across both districts in spring 2022, against 47% and 33% statewide; 96% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
San Dieguito Union High spends $15,720 per student and Del Mar Union Elementary $23,146, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
Winston School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Del Mar’s grade
A+: better than 96% of California school districts, #18 of 847 California towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the California average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Del Mar, with each school’s own grade.
Del Mar runs its own schools through grade 6 (Del Mar Union Elementary School District). From grade 7, students attend the San Dieguito Union High School District, shared with Carlsbad, Encinitas, San Diego, San Marcos and Solana Beach. Its school is in San Diego. Parts of Del Mar (6% of its land) are served by Solana Beach Elementary instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Del Mar
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Del Mar vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Del Mar’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Del Mar | A+ | Del Mar Union Elementary K–6 · San Dieguito Union High 7–12 |
| San Diego | B+ | San Diego City Unified K–12 · Sweetwater Union High 7–12 · San Dieguito Union High 7–12 |
| Solana Beach | A+ | Solana Beach Elementary K–6 · San Dieguito Union High 7–12 |
All 2 neighbors share San Dieguito Union High with Del Mar for grades 7–12, so their letters differ mainly through the lower grades.
Every school in Del Mar
19 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with California’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Del Mar’s schools
Are Del Mar’s schools good?
By California’s own tests, yes: the public schools Del Mar children attend outscore 96% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A+ Schools grade, #18 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 91%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Del Mar in?
Two districts: Del Mar Union Elementary School District runs grades K–6, and San Dieguito Union High School District runs grades 7–12, shared with Carlsbad, Encinitas, San Diego, San Marcos and Solana Beach.
Where do Del Mar kids go to high school?
One of 4 high schools, depending on your address: Torrey Pines High, Canyon Crest Academy, San Dieguito HS Academy and La Costa Canyon High.
What is Del Mar’s graduation rate?
96% of the class of 2023 in San Dieguito Union High School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does Del Mar spend per student?
$15,720 in San Dieguito Union High School District and $23,146 in Del Mar Union Elementary School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Del Mar?
Yes: Winston School (special education, grades 6–12, 94 students).
Parents talk
What Del Mar families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Del Mar → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within California. Stars are from neighbors.