Education in El centro, CA
Updated 2026 • Schools and education data
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023 estimates (Population 25+: 26,479)
Education Levels (Age 25+)
Median Earnings by Education Level
Annual median earnings for full-time workers aged 25+
School Enrollment
Education in El centro
What's the educational landscape in El centro, CA? The 16% bachelor's degree attainment rate is below the national average. A total of 25 schools serve students from kindergarten through high school. This page provides detailed information on school quality, teacher-to-student ratios, and educational outcomes.
Schools in El centro, CA
Showing 25 schools — including public, private, and charter schools with student-teacher ratios and graduation rates.
| School Name | District | Level | Teachers | Students | Ratio | Grad. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial Valley ROP | Imperial Valley ROP | High | 0 | 0 | N/A/N/A | — |
| Central Union High | Central Union High | High | 96 | 1957 | 1/20 | 90.8% |
| Desert Oasis High (Continuation) | Central Union High | High | 9 | 128 | 1/14 | — |
| Southwest High | Central Union High | High | 92 | 1889 | 1/20 | 91.3% |
| Phoenix Rising High | Central Union High | Secondary | 2 | 17 | 1/6 | — |
| Mt. Signal Virtual Academy | Central Union High | High | 3 | 102 | 1/27 | — |
| De Anza Magnet | El Centro Elementary | Elementary | 20 | 509 | 1/25 | — |
| Desert Garden Elementary | El Centro Elementary | Elementary | 17 | 412 | 1/24 | — |
| Harding Elementary | El Centro Elementary | Elementary | 23 | 551 | 1/23 | — |
| Margaret Hedrick Elementary | El Centro Elementary | Elementary | 21 | 480 | 1/22 | — |
| Kennedy Middle | El Centro Elementary | Middle | 23 | 459 | 1/19 | — |
| Lincoln Elementary | El Centro Elementary | Elementary | 19 | 421 | 1/22 | — |
| McKinley Elementary | El Centro Elementary | Elementary | 18 | 459 | 1/25 | — |
| Booker T. Washington Elementary | El Centro Elementary | Elementary | 16 | 357 | 1/22 | — |
| Wilson Jr. High | El Centro Elementary | Middle | 32 | 630 | 1/19 | — |
| Sunflower Elementary | El Centro Elementary | Elementary | 15 | 410 | 1/27 | — |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary | El Centro Elementary | Elementary | 17 | 433 | 1/25 | — |
| Imperial Valley Home School Academy | El Centro Elementary | Elementary | 4 | 135 | 1/27 | — |
| El Centro District Wide Preschool | El Centro Elementary | Not reported | 0 | — | — | — |
| McCabe Elementary | McCabe Union Elementary | Elementary | 48 | 1209 | 1/24 | — |
| Meadows Elementary | Meadows Union | Elementary | 20 | 384 | 1/19 | — |
| Imperial County Special Education | Imperial County Office of Education | Other | 38 | 481 | 1/12 | — |
| Imperial County Juvenile Hall/Community | Imperial County Office of Education | Other | 1 | 14 | 1/14 | — |
| Valley Academy | Imperial County Office of Education | Other | 8 | 159 | 1/19 | — |
| Imperial Pathways Charter | Imperial County Office of Education | High | 7 | 206 | 1/26 | — |
Imperial Valley ROP
HighImperial Valley ROP
Central Union High
HighCentral Union High
Desert Oasis High (Continuation)
HighCentral Union High
Southwest High
HighCentral Union High
Phoenix Rising High
SecondaryCentral Union High
Mt. Signal Virtual Academy
HighCentral Union High
De Anza Magnet
ElementaryEl Centro Elementary
Desert Garden Elementary
ElementaryEl Centro Elementary
Harding Elementary
ElementaryEl Centro Elementary
Margaret Hedrick Elementary
ElementaryEl Centro Elementary
Kennedy Middle
MiddleEl Centro Elementary
Lincoln Elementary
ElementaryEl Centro Elementary
McKinley Elementary
ElementaryEl Centro Elementary
Booker T. Washington Elementary
ElementaryEl Centro Elementary
Wilson Jr. High
MiddleEl Centro Elementary
Sunflower Elementary
ElementaryEl Centro Elementary
Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary
ElementaryEl Centro Elementary
Imperial Valley Home School Academy
ElementaryEl Centro Elementary
El Centro District Wide Preschool
Not reportedEl Centro Elementary
McCabe Elementary
ElementaryMcCabe Union Elementary
Meadows Elementary
ElementaryMeadows Union
Imperial County Special Education
OtherImperial County Office of Education
Imperial County Juvenile Hall/Community
OtherImperial County Office of Education
Valley Academy
OtherImperial County Office of Education
Imperial Pathways Charter
HighImperial County Office of Education
Pros & Cons
Pros
- •Friendly community vibe
- •Growing job opportunities
- •Cultural diversity present
- •Accessible public transport
- •Local festivals and events
- •Outdoor activities nearby
- •Affordable cost of living
- •Family-friendly activities
- •Good schools in the area
- •Mild climate year-round
Cons
- •High crime rates reported
- •Limited dining choices
- •Limited nightlife options
- •Some areas face poverty
- •Lower average wages
- •Environmental pollution issues
- •Job market is competitive
- •Public services may lack
- •Few kids' activities available
- •Political divide evident
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in El centro, CA? ▼
The cost of living in El centro, CA is 0% equal to the national average, with a cost of living index of 100 (where 100 represents the U.S. average). Housing typically accounts for the largest portion of living expenses. See full cost of living breakdown →
Is El centro, CA a safe place to live? ▼
El centro, CA is average in terms of safety, with crime rates near the national average. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood. View detailed El centro crime statistics →
How are the schools in El centro, CA? ▼
El centro, CA has 25 schools serving the community, including public, private, and charter options. School quality varies, so we recommend checking specific school ratings and test scores. See El centro school ratings →
What are the best neighborhoods in El centro, CA? ▼
The best neighborhoods in El centro, CA depend on your priorities. For families, look for areas near top-rated schools with lower crime rates. For affordability, neighborhoods vary in price depending on proximity to amenities and schools.
How are the taxes in El centro, CA? ▼
Tax rates in El centro, CA include state and local components. The cost of living index of 100 reflects a moderate cost environment compared to the national average. View detailed El centro tax information →
How does El centro, CA compare to nearby cities? ▼
El centro, CA offers comparable costs to nearby communities. With a cost of living index of 100, median home prices of $0, and a crime rate of 0 per 1,000 residents, you can compare these metrics side-by-side. Use the compare feature to evaluate specific cities.
What is the weather like in El centro, CA? ▼
Weather in El centro, CA varies by season. Climate data varies by season. View detailed El centro climate & environment data →
How do schools in El centro, CA compare to state average? ▼
School quality in El centro, CA varies by district and individual school. We recommend checking specific school ratings, test scores, and parent reviews for the neighborhoods you're considering.
📅 Last Updated: February 2026
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), National Center for Education Statistics