Sweetwater High School is a high school in National City, California, United States. Established in 1920, it is one of the oldest high schools in San Diego County. The flagship of Sweetwater Union High School District, SUHI predominantly serves the National City community with an enrollment of 2,675 students.
Serving 2,290 students in grades 9-12, Sweetwater High 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 9% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 25:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,290 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
- Minority Enrollment: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 88% (Top 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Sweetwater High School's student population of 2,290 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 90 teachers has declined by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,290 students
Total Classroom Teachers
90 teachers
Year Founded
1920
Colors
Red, White, Grey
School Calendar
School Rankings
Sweetwater High 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 Sweetwater High School is 0.39, 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
#7374 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
9%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
13%
12%
Hispanic
77%
56%
Black
2%
5%
White
7%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
88%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
80%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sweetwater Union High School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Captain Inferno
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweetwater High School's ranking?
Sweetwater High School is ranked #7374 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Sweetwater High School often compared to?
Sweetwater High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Eastlake High School, Otay Ranch Senior High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Sweetwater High School?
The graduation rate of Sweetwater High School is 88%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Sweetwater High School?
2,290 students attend Sweetwater High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
77% of Sweetwater High School students are Hispanic, 13% of students are Asian, 7% of students are White, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Sweetwater High School?
Sweetwater High School has a student ration of 25:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Sweetwater High School offer ?
Sweetwater High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Sweetwater High School part of?
Sweetwater High School is part of Sweetwater Union High School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I recommend sweetwater high school to the parents because it has a great quality of academic programs,it is great in sports and other estracurricular activities, such as school clubs. They have great teachers that are always there for students that need extra help with homeworks or any other question. The teachers put all their effort towards the students because they want them to learn what they need to learn for a succesfull future.
5 10/10/2025
Erratum in your statistics: Sweetwater is most assuredly NOT a charter school. We are a REAL public school, a part of Sweetwater Union High School District (In fact, the first of the district's 25 comprehensive schools. There is only one charter school in SUHSD, The MAAC Charter School. The rest are real public schools, governed by a democratically elected school board (all elected after the scandal that removed the entire previous school board.)
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