Esencia Middle vs Ladera Ranch Middle
A head-to-head comparison of two middle schools in California, United States, 4.2 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Esencia Middle
Rancho Mission Viejo · Public middle · Grades 6–8
349 students
Ladera Ranch Middle
Ladera Ranch · Public middle · Grades 6–8
1,064 students
| Measure | Esencia Middle Rancho Mission Viejo, California | Ladera Ranch Middle Ladera Ranch, California |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 58 Top 50% | 81 Top 10% |
| State rank | #321 of 1,334 | #58 of 1,334 |
| National rank | #5813 of 15,369 | #1310 of 15,369 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Middle | Middle |
| Year range | Grades 6–8 | Grades 6–8 |
| Students | 349 | 1,064 |
| Enrollment | 349 | 1,064 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 22.3% | 19% |
| Students per teacher | 21.8 | 23.1 |
| Reading proficiency | – | 85% |
| Math proficiency | – | 78% |
| city | Rancho Mission Viejo | Ladera Ranch |
| state | California | California |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Ladera Ranch Middle scores higher on the Success Index (US) (81.1 vs 58.4).
- •Ladera Ranch Middle does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (19% vs 22.3%).
- •Esencia Middle does better on students per teacher (21.8 vs 23.1).
- •Ladera Ranch Middle is the larger school with 1,064 students compared with 349.
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 Esencia Middle better than Ladera Ranch Middle?
On the Success Index (US), Ladera Ranch Middle ranks higher (81.1 vs 58.4 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 Esencia Middle and Ladera Ranch Middle?
About 4.2 km in a straight line, between Rancho Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch in California.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Esencia Middle: 349. Ladera Ranch Middle: 1,064. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Esencia Middle and Ladera Ranch Middle rank in California?
Esencia Middle is 321st of 1,334 and Ladera Ranch Middle is 58th of 1,334 among middle schools in California on the 2025 Success Index (US).