El Toro High

Summary:

El Toro High is a public high school located in Lake Forest, California, serving 2,031 students in grades 9-12 as part of the Saddleback Valley Unified School District, which is ranked 376 out of 1,568 districts in the state.

El Toro High consistently ranks among the top high schools in California, with a statewide ranking between 163 and 415 over the past several years. The school's academic performance is impressive, with a higher percentage of students proficient or better in English Language Arts/Literacy, Mathematics, and Science compared to the district and the state. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, 66.96% of 11th-grade students at El Toro High were proficient or better in English Language Arts/Literacy, compared to 63.78% for the district and 55.73% for the state. El Toro High also maintains a high four-year graduation rate, ranging from 91.4% to 95.3% over the past five years, and a relatively low dropout rate of 2.3% to 6.2% during the same period.

While El Toro High's academic achievements are commendable, the school faces some challenges. Chronic absenteeism has increased from 10.6% in 2017-2018 to 17.1% in 2022-2023, and the school's performance varies across different student subgroups, with White and multi-racial students tending to perform better than Asian, Hispanic, and English Language Learner students. Additionally, the school's ranking for homeless students is particularly low, indicating a need for additional support and resources for this population. Compared to nearby schools, El Toro High's academic performance is generally stronger than other schools within the Saddleback Valley Unified School District, but some schools outside the district, such as Capistrano Valley High and Irvine High, have higher academic achievement and rankings.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 25255 Toledo Way
       Lake Forest, CA  92630-4203


(949) 586-6333

District: Saddleback Valley Unified

SchoolDigger Rank:
333rd of 2,323 California High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $6,328 Help


Feeder schools for El Toro High:

Elementary:    La Madera Elementary
    Lake Forest Elementary
    Portola Hills Elementary
    Rancho Canada Elementary
    More...
Middle:    Serrano Intermediate

Student/teacher ratio:  22.1 Help
Number of students:  1,972

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
44.0%
White:
32.7%
Asian:
14.2%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  50.7% Help


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 Compare El Toro High to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details El Toro High ranks better than 85.7% of high schools in California. It also ranks 3rd among 5 ranked high schools in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 79.56. (See more...)
Help
The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at El Toro High who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Student population at El Toro High is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (44%), White (32.7%), Asian (14.2%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 50.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at El Toro High is 22.1. 3 high schools in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare El Toro High employs 89 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at El Toro High is $6,328. 4 high schools in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

El Toro High:

SchoolDigger ranks El Toro High 333rd of 2323 California public high schools. (See El Toro High in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Homeless students:
Female students:
Military Connected students:
Male students:
Asian students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Saddleback Valley Unified:

SchoolDigger ranks Saddleback Valley Unified 376th of 1568 California school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for El Toro High.

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Rank History for El Toro High

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Compare

Rank History for all students at El Toro High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 90.05 21st 1653 98.7%
2005 88.93 31st 1901 98.4%
2006 81.64 104th 1968 94.7%
2007 83.06 84th 2063 95.9%
2008 78.90 139th 2117 93.4%
2009 72.41 223rd 2238 90.0%
2010 79.05 150th 2281 93.4%
2011 75.66 196th 2367 91.7%
2012 74.64 225th 2354 90.4%
2013 80.00 139th 2426 94.3%
2015 87.05 235th 1994 88.2%
2016 85.11 285th 2039 86.0%
2017 91.31 167th 2021 91.7%
2018 84.82 317th 2017 84.3%
2019 89.26 185th 2133 91.3%
2021 87.60 163rd 1290 87.4%
2022 90.23 203rd 2123 90.4%
2023 74.66 415th 2348 82.3%
2024 79.56 333rd 2323 85.7%
See the entire list of California High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at El Toro High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 79.96 61st 366 83.3%
2019 82.93 52nd 422 87.7%
2022 70.38 148th 515 71.3%
2023 70.68 173rd 786 78.0%
2024 71.12 169th 804 79.0%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at El Toro High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 65.91 181st 938 80.7%
2019 59.76 191st 941 79.7%
2021 84.80 38th 467 91.9%
2022 74.96 79th 1044 92.4%
2023 71.45 64th 1323 95.2%
2024 44.44 356th 1350 73.6%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at El Toro High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 57.29 354th 1547 77.1%
2024 57.49 361st 1534 76.5%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at El Toro High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 64.05 644th 1862 65.4%
2019 70.17 460th 1937 76.3%
2021 77.10 211th 1126 81.3%
2022 72.78 386th 1943 80.1%
2023 66.72 485th 2247 78.4%
2024 61.35 576th 2235 74.2%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Homeless students at El Toro High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 68.30 61st 290 79.0%
2023 39.02 236th 417 43.4%
2024 45.10 250th 451 44.6%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Homeless Students!

Rank History for Female students at El Toro High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 84.91 262nd 1760 85.1%
2019 87.16 199th 1833 89.1%
2021 84.96 146th 1054 86.1%
2022 87.76 207th 1858 88.9%
2023 74.75 380th 2118 82.1%
2024 78.95 320th 2098 84.7%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at El Toro High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 58.60 296th 1052 71.9%
2019 51.00 400th 1117 64.2%
2021 57.30 152nd 555 72.6%
2022 53.74 345th 1161 70.3%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Military Connected students at El Toro High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 39.92 149th 233 36.1%
2024 17.93 207th 234 11.5%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Military Connected Students!

Rank History for Male students at El Toro High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 80.13 366th 1834 80.0%
2019 88.14 185th 1880 90.2%
2021 87.10 153rd 1122 86.4%
2022 90.16 176th 1916 90.8%
2023 71.87 433rd 2207 80.4%
2024 77.74 342nd 2172 84.3%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at El Toro High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 73.16 174th 581 70.1%
2019 76.09 137th 582 76.5%
2022 81.82 91st 581 84.3%
2023 64.13 287th 731 60.7%
2024 48.88 400th 712 43.8%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at El Toro High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 58.81 718th 1742 58.8%
2019 69.05 451st 1814 75.1%
2022 78.36 292nd 1861 84.3%
2023 54.70 722nd 2142 66.3%
2024 61.29 574th 2125 73.0%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at El Toro High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 81.63 198th 1173 83.1%
2019 87.77 104th 1222 91.5%
2022 86.75 115th 1204 90.4%
2023 71.85 285th 1434 80.1%
2024 82.64 133rd 1406 90.5%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: California Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

El Toro High Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: California Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Monday, December 12, 2011

Open Quote This is such a wonderful school. It has such a great sense of community and they exceed all goals. The students are all a family and they always go above and beyond the call of duty. Close Quote



Enrollment information for El Toro High

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 2043 32 176 118 3 n/a n/a 0 2372
1989 1810 35 230 145 2 n/a n/a 0 2222
1990 1716 35 237 157 4 n/a n/a 0 2149
1991 1672 39 260 178 5 n/a n/a 0 2154
1992 1696 40 259 222 7 n/a n/a 0 2224
1993 1635 32 277 225 8 n/a n/a 0 2177
1994 1668 44 253 241 7 n/a n/a 0 2213
1995 1756 54 264 268 7 n/a n/a 0 2349
1996 1756 54 264 268 7 n/a n/a 0 2349
1997 1838 61 273 303 6 n/a n/a 0 2481
1998 1919 62 274 317 5 n/a n/a 0 2577
1999 1961 45 259 354 4 n/a n/a 0 2623
2000 1936 37 260 389 5 n/a n/a 0 2627
2001 1902 34 243 382 6 n/a n/a 0 2567
2002 1796 43 266 408 5 n/a n/a 0 2518
2003 1796 43 266 408 5 n/a n/a 0 2518
2004 1799 46 288 433 4 n/a n/a 0 2570
2005 1792 49 304 453 7 n/a n/a 0 2605
2006 1803 42 298 505 10 n/a n/a 1 2659
2007 1802 53 293 553 10 n/a n/a 3 2714
2008 1782 55 283 612 10 n/a n/a 0 2742
2009 1828 63 281 662 4 6 17 0 2861
2010 1798 62 263 711 7 7 77 0 2925
2011 1679 59 264 727 9 8 87 0 2833
2012 1575 56 271 753 9 6 96 0 2766
2013 1442 58 293 754 12 5 126 0 2690
2014 1325 57 299 792 7 5 138 0 2623
2015 1253 52 291 803 7 3 139 0 2548
2016 1197 62 283 814 5 2 155 0 2518
2017 1150 54 304 829 6 4 139 0 2486
2018 1100 56 299 840 3 4 134 0 2436
2019 1031 38 310 847 2 5 119 0 2352
2020 974 33 314 865 1 9 126 0 2322
2021 891 36 307 844 1 9 131 0 2219
2022 812 35 291 878 4 6 143 2 2171
2023 717 35 288 850 3 5 129 4 2031
2024 644 31 280 867 4 7 135 4 1972

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at El Toro High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 2372 97.9 24.2 n/a
1989 2222 93.3 23.8 n/a
1990 2149 89.3 24.0 n/a
1991 2154 86.8 24.8 n/a
1992 2224 88.2 25.2 4
1993 2177 92.5 23.5 4.8
1994 2213 98.8 22.4 5.8
1995 2349 100.8 23.3 7.3
1996 2349 100.8 23.3 7.3
1997 2481 103.2 24.0 8.1
1998 2577 110.4 23.3 7.3
1999 2623 117.8 22.3 8
2000 2627 110.6 23.8 6.6
2001 2567 110.6 23.2 7.7
2002 2518 104.0 24.2 9.8
2003 2518 104.0 24.2 9.8
2004 2570 101.0 25.4 10.4
2005 2605 98.2 26.5 10.8
2006 2659 103.2 25.8 10.1
2007 2714 108.2 25.1 8.6
2008 2742 116.6 23.5 11.8
2009 2861 110.0 23.9 13
2010 2925 110.0 26.5 15.8
2011 2833 n/a n/a 18.1
2012 2766 98.3 28.1 n/a
2013 2690 96.6 27.8 26.2
2014 2623 91.9 28.5 27
2015 2548 99.0 25.7 20.1
2016 2518 101.0 24.9 23.5
2017 2486 101.5 24.4 23.4
2018 2436 100.8 24.1 28.9
2019 2352 94.1 24.9 29.8
2020 2322 n/a n/a 29.6
2021 2219 93.4 23.7 29
2022 2171 89.8 24.1 33.6
2023 2031 88.5 22.9 48.5
2024 1972 89.0 22.1 50.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio El Toro High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 2372 97.9 24.2 n/a
1989 2222 93.3 23.8 n/a
1990 2149 89.3 24.0 n/a
1991 2154 86.8 24.8 n/a
1992 2224 88.2 25.2 4
1993 2177 92.5 23.5 4.8
1994 2213 98.8 22.4 5.8
1995 2349 100.8 23.3 7.3
1996 2349 100.8 23.3 7.3
1997 2481 103.2 24.0 8.1
1998 2577 110.4 23.3 7.3
1999 2623 117.8 22.3 8
2000 2627 110.6 23.8 6.6
2001 2567 110.6 23.2 7.7
2002 2518 104.0 24.2 9.8
2003 2518 104.0 24.2 9.8
2004 2570 101.0 25.4 10.4
2005 2605 98.2 26.5 10.8
2006 2659 103.2 25.8 10.1
2007 2714 108.2 25.1 8.6
2008 2742 116.6 23.5 11.8
2009 2861 110.0 23.9 13
2010 2925 110.0 26.5 15.8
2011 2833 n/a n/a 18.1
2012 2766 98.3 28.1 n/a
2013 2690 96.6 27.8 26.2
2014 2623 91.9 28.5 27
2015 2548 99.0 25.7 20.1
2016 2518 101.0 24.9 23.5
2017 2486 101.5 24.4 23.4
2018 2436 100.8 24.1 28.9
2019 2352 94.1 24.9 29.8
2020 2322 n/a n/a 29.6
2021 2219 93.4 23.7 29
2022 2171 89.8 24.1 33.6
2023 2031 88.5 22.9 48.5
2024 1972 89.0 22.1 50.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for El Toro High

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2018 $6,328

Data source: California Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on El Toro High

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 185th of 2133 High schoolsRanks 415th of 2348 High schools
 9%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
11th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (El Toro High)72.263.3
 8.9%
   11th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Saddleback Valley Unified)67.965
 2.9%
   11th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (California)57.355.4
 1.9%
11th Grade Mathematics (El Toro High)51.739.5
 12.2%
   11th Grade Mathematics (Saddleback Valley Unified)45.237.9
 7.2%
   11th Grade Mathematics (California)32.227.4
 4.9%
11th Grade Science (El Toro High)50.738.7
 12.1%
   11th Grade Science (Saddleback Valley Unified)49.444.2
 5.2%
   11th Grade Science (California)30.431.7
 1.3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students23522031
 13.6%
African American3835
 7.9%
American Indian23
 50%
Asian310288
 7.1%
Hispanic847850
 0.4%
Pacific Islander55
White1031717
 30.5%
Two or More Races119129
 8.4%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients29.8%48.5%
 18.7%


Schools Near El Toro High









Frequently Asked Questions about El Toro High

Students at El Toro High are 44% Hispanic, 33% White, 14% Asian, 7% Two or more races, 2% African American.

In the 2023-24 school year, 1,972 students attended El Toro High.

El Toro High is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : La Madera Elementary
Elementary : Lake Forest Elementary
Elementary : Portola Hills Elementary
Elementary : Rancho Canada Elementary
Elementary : Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary
Middle : Serrano Intermediate

El Toro High ranks 333rd of 2323 California high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the California Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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