Terra Nova High School

Terra Nova High School

Public High School | Grade 9-12
1450 Terra Nova Blvd,  Pacifica, CA
Jefferson Union High School District
3.3
2.0
697 Students
A-
Niche Grade

School Details

Head of School
Dorene Basuino
Student Teacher Ratio
18:1
Average SAT Score
1260
Average ACT Score
27
Math Proficiency
37%
Reading Proficiency
72%
Average GPA
3.59
Graduation Rate
92%
Annual Tuition
$0

Niche Grade

B+
Academics
B
Teachers
B+
College Prep
C-
Administration
C+
Resources/Facilities
B-
Clubs and Activities
B+
Sports
C
Food
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.59
Reading Proficiency
72%
Math Proficiency
37%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
18:1
Teachers
39
Full Time Teachers
39
Teachers in First or Second Year
18.4%
College Prep
Average SAT
1260
Math
620
Verbal
640
Average ACT
27
Math
26
English
26
Reading
27
Science
27
Number of AP Courses
9
AP Pass Rate
72.8%
AP Math Enrollment
Low
AP Science Enrollment
Very High
Other AP Enrollment
Very High
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Average
Boys Athletic Participation
Average

GreatSchools Rating

Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Test Scores

Math
14%
State Average
17.9%
Science
7.1%
State Average
9.9%
GreatSchools Test Scores Rating
GreatSchools
The Test Score Rating reflects annual state test results for this school compared with scores statewide.

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
137:1

Student Diversity

Male
51.3%
Female
48.4%
White
40.7%
Hispanic
29.4%
Two or more races
13.8%
Asian or Pacific Islander
13.7%
Black
1.4%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%
Native American
<1%

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
IB Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
University of California - Santa Barbara 109 Students
University of California - Davis 106 Students
San Diego State University 100 Students
San Francisco State University 98 Students
University of California - Santa Cruz 97 Students
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 96 Students
University of California - Los Angeles 94 Students
University of California - San Diego 88 Students
University of California - Berkeley 76 Students
University of California - Irvine 73 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Psychology 61 Students
Business 53 Students
Nursing 34 Students
Biology 32 Students
Environmental Science 29 Students
Communications 21 Students
English 19 Students
Computer Science 17 Students
Kinesiology and Exercise Science 17 Students
Marine Biology and Oceanography 13 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.3 226 Reviews
4.0 Senior
11/26/2024
I've thoroughly enjoyed my four years at Terra Nova. As a resident of San Francisco, I opted to attend Terra Nova rather than an SF Unified high school because the community and extracurricular opportunities are unique and inviting. I am grateful for the education Terra Nova has given me. While some of the students are not always the most inclusive, the staff and administration put in the effort to make the campus a welcoming and safe place.
4.0 Alum
6/27/2023
The best parts of Terra Nova high school were the friends I made, people at the school, and the sports communities I was apart of. The worst parts were probably some of the teachers and how strict some of the rules were/how hard staff were on kids struggling.
5.0 Senior
7/18/2022
large school with a variety of class options. Numerous clubs and resources that students can access.
GreatSchools Reviews
2.0 13 Reviews
1.0 parent
9/23/2025
I am leaving this review with a heavy heart and a deep sense of outrage. The Terra Nova High School administration, under Principal Megan Carey and Vice Principal Steve Pofahl, has allegedly fostered a culture of negligence that has put students in harm's way. The public statements from the district...
1.0 parent
3/4/2024
Get away while you can!!!This school is a cesspool of horrible teachers, violence, ridiculous incompetent teachers, a bitter unresponsive principal, and a superintendent that cares more about race than education and fairness. Sending you kid here is child abuse!
1.0 parent
8/24/2023
Bullying is a huge problem and the principal and vice principal do not take is seriously. I met with them because of an issue with my daughter being bullied and her best friend was jumped twice. My daughter was told that she was next to be jumped. I asked how they can keep my daughter safe and they...
2.0 parent
9/22/2022
Not a great school. Education isn’t well and doesn’t take care of kids.

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Terra Nova High School is a public school for students in grades 9-12 in Pacifica, CA and is served by the Jefferson Union High School District in California. Annual tuition is $0. The school has a total enrollment of 697 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 18:1. Academic records show that 37% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 72% are proficient in reading. Terra Nova High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A- and a GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.59, the graduation rate is 92%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1260 and an ACT score of 27. The average home value in this area is $1,417,062. Discover additional schools in the area, like Oceana High School, Pacific Bay Christian School, Cabrillo Elementary School, and more. Learn more about what Pacifica has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Terra Nova High School.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.