Photo: Dicklyon · CC BY-SA 4.0Pacifica’s public schools outscore 79% of California districts
On the state math tests, 44% of Pacifica’s students scored proficient, above the California average (33%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Pacifica, 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 92% 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.
Pacifica’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 261 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Pacifica’s, its schools beat 60%, lower than their 79% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 56% and math 44% across both districts in spring 2022, against 47% and 33% statewide; 90% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
Jefferson Union High spends $23,810 per student and Pacifica $15,588, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
Good Shepherd Elementary School (private), Pacific Bay Christian School (private) and Spectrum Center-Peninsula (private) are 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 Pacifica’s grade
A−: better than 79% of California school districts, #175 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 Pacifica, with each school’s own grade.
9th grade in Pacifica
Terra Nova High
Grades 9–12 · 740 students · 20:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Pacifica
Terra Nova High
Grades 9–12 · 740 students · 20:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Pacifica
Terra Nova High
Grades 9–12 · 740 students · 20:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Pacifica
Terra Nova High
Grades 9–12 · 740 students · 20:1 students per teacher
Pacifica runs its own schools through grade 8 (Pacifica School District). From grade 9, students attend the Jefferson Union High School District, shared with Brisbane, Colma, Daly City and South San Francisco. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Pacifica
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
Pacifica vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Pacifica’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Pacifica | A− | Pacifica K–8 · Jefferson Union High 9–12 |
| Daly City | B | Jefferson Elementary K–8 · Jefferson Union High 9–12 |
| San Bruno | A− | San Bruno Park Elementary K–8 · San Mateo Union High 9–12 |
| South San Francisco | B+ | South San Francisco Unified K–12 · Jefferson Union High 9–12 |
2 of the 3 neighbors share Jefferson Union High with Pacifica for grades 9–12, so their letters differ mainly through the lower grades.
Every school in Pacifica
11 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).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (Pacifica Independent Home Study).
Questions about Pacifica’s schools
Are Pacifica’s schools good?
By California’s own tests, yes: the public schools Pacifica children attend outscore 79% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade, #175 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 60%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Pacifica in?
Two districts: Pacifica School District runs grades K–8, and Jefferson Union High School District runs grades 9–12, shared with Brisbane, Colma, Daly City and South San Francisco.
Where do Pacifica kids go to high school?
Terra Nova High, with 740 students; its own test results earn an A+.
What is Pacifica’s graduation rate?
90% of the class of 2023 in Jefferson Union High School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does Pacifica spend per student?
$23,810 in Jefferson Union High School District and $15,588 in Pacifica School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Pacifica?
Yes: Good Shepherd Elementary School (Catholic, grades K–8, 198 students), Pacific Bay Christian School (religious, grades 6–12, 181 students) and Spectrum Center-Peninsula (special education, grades 1–12, 45 students).
Parents talk
What Pacifica families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Pacifica → 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.