Making Waves Academy is a charter school located in Richmond, California, United States. It started in 2007, and has a middle school and high school.
Serving 1,078 students in grades 5-12, Making Waves Academy ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 21% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 39% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 5-12
- Enrollment: 1,078 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 30% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 21% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Making Waves Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
School Overview
Making Waves Academy's student population of 1,078 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 56 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 5-12
Total Students
1,078 students
Total Classroom Teachers
56 teachers
Year Founded
2007
Colors
Grey, Royal blue
School Calendar
School Rankings
Making Waves Academy ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Making Waves Academy is 0.22, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#5820 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
4%
12%
Hispanic
88%
56%
Black
7%
5%
White
1%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
65%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
15%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Marlins
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Making Waves Academy's ranking?
Making Waves Academy is ranked #5820 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
21% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Making Waves Academy?
The graduation rate of Making Waves Academy is 90-94%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Making Waves Academy?
1,078 students attend Making Waves Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
88% of Making Waves Academy students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Black, 4% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Making Waves Academy?
Making Waves Academy has a student ration of 19:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Making Waves Academy offer ?
Making Waves Academy offers enrollment in grades 5-12
What school district is Making Waves Academy part of?
Making Waves Academy is part of Making Waves Academy School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
This school is the best school I have ever been to .we may get out late but it's worth it. We learn a lot more thing than other school.this is my second year so I don't know how the other grades are but so far this school is the best school I have ever went to
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