San Diego Unified School District

San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) is the second-largest public school district in California. It serves the city of San Diego and its surrounding areas. Established in 1854, SDUSD encompasses a diverse student population and offers a wide range of educational programs across numerous schools.

Educational Programs and Services

SDUSD operates 176 schools, including 117 elementary schools, 24 middle schools, 22 high schools, and 13 alternative schools. The district provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes International Baccalaureate (IB) programs as well as Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) initiatives.

It also offers dual language programs and visual and performing arts education. Specialized career pathways are available in sectors such as arts, media, entertainment, business, finance, engineering, health science, and public services.

Student Demographics and Support Services

The district serves approximately 95,233 students with a student-teacher ratio of 22.20:1. About 26.5% of the enrollment consists of English learners.

SDUSD is committed to supporting its diverse student population through special education programs, gifted and talented education (GATE), and resources tailored for students from military families.

Community Engagement and Initiatives

SDUSD actively engages with the community through partnerships and initiatives to enhance educational opportunities. One key partnership is with the Ocean Discovery Institute.

Together, they established a $15 million tuition-free learning and research center in the City Heights neighborhood. This center provides students access to scientific research and conservation education.

Recent Developments

The district has faced funding and policy challenges. In July 2025, SDUSD experienced uncertainty due to the withholding of $13 million in federal education funds.

These funds are crucial for supporting teacher training, services for English learners, and enrichment programs. Despite these issues, SDUSD is striving to maintain quality education and sustain its status as one of the top-performing large urban school districts in the U.S.

Headquarters Location

The district's headquarters are located at 4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103.

Location

• San Diego, CA, USA - main district headquarters and service area.