School overview
At a glance
Reported students
950
NCES CCD 2024–25, where reported
Teachers (FTE)
33.7
NCES CCD 2024–25
Student–teacher ratio
28.2:1
Calculated, not a class-size measure
Grades served
KG–06
NCES preliminary directory 2025–26
School benchmarks
California elementary enrollment
98th percentile
Compared with 5,929 same-level schools reporting enrollment.
District median enrollment
547
Melinda Heights Elementary: 950 reported students.
State peer staffing position
98th percentile
28.2:1 reported; state peer median 22.4:1. Ratio is not class size.
Profile interpretation
What the reported data says about Melinda Heights Elementary
Melinda Heights Elementary is a public elementary school serving grades KG–06 in Rancho Santa Margarita. It is one of 33 current school records connected to Saddleback Valley Unified. NCES reports 950 students for 2024–25.
Among 5,929 elementary schools in California with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 455 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 98th percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.
The reported student–teacher ratio is 28.2:1, above the California median of 22.4:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.
The two largest reported race and ethnicity groups are White (51.3%) and Hispanic or Latino (23.8%). English learners represent 7.2% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 13%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.
The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports access to gifted and talented programming. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.
Turn data into a school visit
Questions worth asking Melinda Heights Elementary
- 1How do the reported 28.2:1 student–teacher ratio and 33.7 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
- 2Which advanced, gifted, career, arts, and computer-science courses are available this year, and how do students qualify?
- 3How are the school's 0 counselor FTE allocated across grades and student needs?
- 4What meal assistance, transportation, after-school, and family-support services are currently available?
Student context
Enrollment needs
- English learners
- 7.2%
- Students with disabilities
- 13%
- Free/reduced-price lunch
- 27.8%
- Lunch program
- Yes under Provision 2
People available to students
Support staff
- Counselors (FTE)
- 0
- Nurses (FTE)
- 0
- Psychologists (FTE)
- 1
- Social workers (FTE)
- 0
Student demographics
Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment
- White51.3%
- Hispanic23.8%
- Black0.7%
- Asian13.7%
- American Indian / Alaska Native0.3%
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0.1%
- Multiracial10.1%
Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25 where reported, otherwise CRDC 2021–22. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Privacy rules can produce missing values.
Learning opportunities
Programs reported by the school
Advanced Placement
Not reported
Gifted and talented
Offered
Computer science
Not reported
Program availability is from CRDC 2021–22 and can change. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.
Continue exploring
Other schools in Saddleback Valley Unified
Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.
Foothill Ranch Elementary
Elementary · Grades KG–06
990 reported students
Ralph A. Gates DLI Magnet Elementary
Elementary · Grades KG–06
896 reported students
Portola Hills Elementary
Elementary · Grades KG–06
809 reported students
Lake Forest Elementary
Elementary · Grades KG–06
640 reported students
Trabuco Mesa Elementary
Elementary · Grades KG–06
640 reported students
Rancho Canada Elementary
Elementary · Grades KG–06
633 reported students