Colton High vs Costa Mesa High
A head-to-head comparison of two high schools in California, United States, 69 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Colton High
Colton · Public high · Grades 9–12
1,729 students
Costa Mesa High
Costa Mesa · Public high · Grades 7–12
1,730 students
| Measure | Colton High Colton, California | Costa Mesa High Costa Mesa, California |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 23 Lower 50% | 34 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #1045 of 1,343 | #718 of 1,343 |
| National rank | #14795 of 16,910 | #12343 of 16,910 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | High | High |
| Year range | Grades 9–12 | Grades 7–12 |
| Students | 1,729 | 1,730 |
| Enrollment | 1,729 | 1,730 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 90.7% | 73.2% |
| Students per teacher | 19.4 | 19.7 |
| Reading proficiency | 49% | 51% |
| Math proficiency | 16% | 32% |
| city | Colton | Costa Mesa |
| state | California | California |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Costa Mesa High scores higher on the Success Index (US) (34.3 vs 22.8).
- •Costa Mesa High does better on math proficiency (32% vs 16%).
- •Costa Mesa High does better on reading proficiency (51% vs 49%).
- •Costa Mesa High does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (73.2% vs 90.7%).
- •Colton High does better on students per teacher (19.4 vs 19.7).
- •Costa Mesa High is the larger school with 1,730 students compared with 1,729.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Colton High better than Costa Mesa High?
On the Success Index (US), Costa Mesa High ranks higher (34.3 vs 22.8 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Colton High and Costa Mesa High?
About 69 km in a straight line, between Colton and Costa Mesa in California.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Colton High: 1,729. Costa Mesa High: 1,730. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Colton High and Costa Mesa High rank in California?
Colton High is 1045th of 1,343 and Costa Mesa High is 718th of 1,343 among high schools in California on the 2025 Success Index (US).