Costa Mesa High vs Paularino Elementary
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in California, United States, 1.4 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Costa Mesa High
Costa Mesa · Public high · Grades 7–12
1,730 students
Paularino Elementary
Costa Mesa · Public elementary · Grades K–6
371 students
| Measure | Costa Mesa High Costa Mesa, California | Paularino Elementary Costa Mesa, California |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 34 Lower 50% | 46 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #718 of 1,343 | #2156 of 5,693 |
| National rank | #12343 of 16,910 | #28271 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | High | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades 7–12 | Grades K–6 |
| Students | 1,730 | 371 |
| Enrollment | 1,730 | 371 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 73.2% | 70.6% |
| Students per teacher | 19.7 | 16.1 |
| Reading proficiency | 51% | 57% |
| Math proficiency | 32% | 41% |
| city | Costa Mesa | Costa Mesa |
| state | California | California |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Paularino Elementary scores higher on the Success Index (US) (45.5 vs 34.3).
- •Paularino Elementary does better on math proficiency (41% vs 32%).
- •Paularino Elementary does better on reading proficiency (57% vs 51%).
- •Paularino Elementary does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (70.6% vs 73.2%).
- •Paularino Elementary does better on students per teacher (16.1 vs 19.7).
- •Costa Mesa High is the larger school with 1,730 students compared with 371.
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 Costa Mesa High better than Paularino Elementary?
On the Success Index (US), Paularino Elementary ranks higher (45.5 vs 34.3 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 Costa Mesa High and Paularino Elementary?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Costa Mesa and Costa Mesa in California.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Costa Mesa High: 1,730. Paularino Elementary: 371. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Costa Mesa High and Paularino Elementary rank in California?
Costa Mesa High is 718th of 1,343 and Paularino Elementary is 2156th of 5,693 among high schools in California on the 2025 Success Index (US).