Secondary education in San Diego, California 2025

Public Schools

San Diego boasts over 700 public schools, primarily serving children living in their respective districts. Quality varies, so visiting and meeting the staff is advisable. There are also dual language immersion public schools, teaching in English and Spanish, with some offering German, Chinese, and French.

Specialized Schools

These government-funded institutions specialize in specific subjects, making them ideal for foreign students with exceptional talents in certain areas. Options include a focus on mathematics, science, performing arts, and more. Auditions may be required for admission.

Charter Schools

Charter schools offer high-quality education with more flexibility in teaching methods and curricula than public schools. Some offer specialized programs and alternative teaching philosophies.

International Schools

These educational institutions offer the globally recognized International Baccalaureate certificate, suitable for foreign students.

Private Schools

San Diego hosts over 300 private schools, each with different educational approaches including:

• Co-educational,
• Single-gender,
• Christian religious,
• Alternative (Montessori, Waldorf).

Private schools offer in-depth knowledge in subjects like math, chemistry, biology, and physics. Admission requirements can include entrance exams and interviews. They are often rated higher than public schools and are among the top 10 educational institutions in the country. Classes typically have 8-12 students, with flexibility in choosing subjects and scheduling. Mandatory subjects include English, mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, social sciences, and physical education. These educational centres are an ideal way for foreign students to adapt to the American education system, with a day full of classes and extracurricular activities. They emphasize high academic performance, active participation, leadership development, and independent learning.

Education starts at age 6, with mandatory schooling until 16. High school students aiming for university study until 18, completing 12 grades. The education system consists of three stages:

• Elementary (1st-5th grade),
• Middle (6th-8th grade),
• High (9th-12th grade).

Students prepare for college or vocational training. After high school, students take the SAT exam, available in two types:

• SAT I: standard test including math and verbal sections,
• SAT II: advanced test covering three chosen subjects from a wide range, required for top universities.

The best private schools in San Diego typically admit students aged 12-14. Boarding schools, where students live year-round with full amenities, are particularly popular among foreign students and their parents. These centres often have excellent facilities, modern residences, sports facilities, dining halls, libraries, parks, and recreational areas, with round-the-clock security and strict discipline. The staff includes highly qualified and experienced teachers, hired through a competitive process.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Many middle schools in San Diego offer the International Baccalaureate program, which includes four stages:

• Primary Years (ages 3-12),
• Middle Years (ages 11-16),
• Diploma Program (ages 16-18),
• Career-related Program (ages 16-18).

In the primary years, students learn about the world around them, math, art, and engage in physical development. Middle Years involve research work and various experiments. The Diploma Program teaches critical thinking and information processing, including six subject groups:

• English Language and Literature,
• A Second Language,
• Social Sciences,
• Experimental Sciences,
• Mathematics,
• Arts.

Students study three subjects at a standard level and three at a higher level. Standard courses involve 150 teaching hours, and higher-level courses 240 hours. Additional components include:

• Theory of Knowledge,
• CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service),
• An extended essay of 4,000 words.

Upon completion, students take exams and are graded on a scale of 1-7, with 7 being the highest. The total IB score is out of 45, with universities generally requiring scores from 32 upwards.

Advanced Placement (AP)

High schools in San Diego offer Advanced Placement courses, preparing students for further education. These courses help students specialize, work in teams, and adapt to university-level teaching. AP graduates often have a better chance of getting into top universities (sometimes directly into the second year) and are more likely to receive scholarships. AP credits can also help students finish university earlier and save money.

In high school, students select several disciplines related to their chosen specialty. These one-year courses cover over 40 subjects such as:

• Chemistry,
• Biology,
• Physics,
• History,
• Economics,
• Politics,
• Foreign Languages,
• Art,
• Philosophy, etc.

The exact list varies by school. Students typically choose up to five subjects. Final scores range from 1-5, with 5 being the highest, and exams are held in the summer (usually May), lasting 1.5-3.5 hours.

The cost of education in San Diego's primary schools starts from $10,000/year, and in middle schools from $65,000/year. Diploma + Advanced Placement programs in high schools cost from $36,000/year, and IB programs from $73,000/year. Summer English programs start from $5,000 for three weeks.

Foreign students must pass an English language test (California English Language Development Test) when applying to a chosen school. Required documents include:

• A completed application form,
• Recommendations from teachers or principals,
• Grade transcripts for the last three years,
• English proficiency certificate, usually TOEFL,
• Portfolio,
• Motivational essay describing the goal of studying at the chosen educational institution.