Serving 422 students in grades 7-8, Portola Middle School 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 15% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is equal to the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 7-8
- Enrollment: 422 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Portola Middle School's student population of 422 students has declined by 34% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has declined by 33% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-8
Total Students
422 students
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Year Founded
1958
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. Jun 12, 2026
School Motto
Empower students with the tools necessary to be effective leaders in a competitive global society.
School Rankings
Portola Middle School 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 Portola Middle School 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
#7574 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
6%
12%
Hispanic
88%
56%
Black
n/a
5%
White
4%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
80%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Orange Unified School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Portola Middle School's ranking?
Portola Middle School is ranked #7574 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?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 30% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Portola Middle School?
422 students attend Portola Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
88% of Portola Middle School students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Asian, 4% of students are White, 1% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Portola Middle School?
Portola Middle School has a student ration of 21:1, which is equal to the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Portola Middle School offer ?
Portola Middle School offers enrollment in grades 7-8
What school district is Portola Middle School part of?
Portola Middle School is part of Orange Unified School District.
School Reviews
Review Portola Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
