Mira Costa High School is the only comprehensive public high school in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District, and it’s one of the most-searched public high schools in the South Bay for good reason. Serving roughly 2,500 students in grades 9 through 12, “Costa” — as it’s known locally — has built a reputation for academic rigor, a deep bench of Advanced Placement and Honors coursework, and standout arts and athletics programs. This profile pulls together verified details from the school’s official website and the California Department of Education so families researching Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach have one accurate reference point.
Located at 1401 Artesia Boulevard in Manhattan Beach, California, Mira Costa draws its student body primarily from the Manhattan Beach (90266) and Hermosa Beach (90254) ZIP codes, with additional students admitted through interdistrict attendance permits. As a public school, there is no tuition, and admission follows residency and permit rules set by Manhattan Beach Unified School District rather than a competitive private-school application process. The campus operates on a traditional semester schedule and has been open since 1950, making it a long-established fixture of the coastal Manhattan Beach community.
This article walks through Mira Costa High School’s basic information, contact and location details, academic offerings, admissions and enrollment rules, facilities, leadership, community life, and accreditation status — followed by a straight-talking FAQ built around what parents actually search for, from “is Mira Costa a good school” to how attendance boundaries work. Whether you’re a Manhattan Beach or Hermosa Beach family already zoned for Costa, or a parent considering an interdistrict permit, this guide is meant to be the fastest way to get accurate answers.
Basic Information
Mira Costa High School is a public, non-charter high school operating on a traditional educational program within Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD). According to the school’s own 2025–2026 school profile, enrollment stands at approximately 2,502 students, broken out as 633 freshmen, 590 sophomores, 643 juniors, and 636 seniors. The California Department of Education’s School Directory lists the school as Active, with an official CDS (County-District-School) code and a school type of “High Schools (Public)” serving grades 9 through 12 only. Mira Costa is the sole comprehensive high school in MBUSD, which also operates one middle school, five elementary schools, and one preschool.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| School Name | Mira Costa High School |
| District | Manhattan Beach Unified School District |
| CDS Code | 19-75333-1935808 |
| NCES/Federal School ID | 06328 |
| School Type (CDE) | High Schools (Public) |
| Sector | Public, non-charter |
| Educational Program Type | Traditional |
| Grade Span | 9–12 |
| Status | Active |
| CDE-Recorded Open Date | July 1, 1980 |
| Campus Established | 1950 (per official school profile) |
| 2025–2026 Enrollment | Approx. 2,502 students |
| CEEB Code | 051895 |
Contact & Location
Mira Costa High School sits at 1401 Artesia Boulevard in Manhattan Beach, a short distance from the coast in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. The district’s mailing address for the school is separate from its physical campus address, so families sending paperwork by mail should use the Peck Avenue address rather than the Artesia Boulevard street address. The school’s main office can be reached by phone or fax, and Mira Costa maintains active Facebook and Instagram accounts for day-to-day campus updates, alongside its official district website and calendar tools linked from the homepage.
| Contact Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Physical Address | 1401 Artesia Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266-6968 |
| Mailing Address | 325 South Peck Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 |
| Phone | (310) 318-7337 |
| Fax | (310) 303-3814 |
| Official Website | miracosta.mbusd.org |
| facebook.com/MiraCostaHS | |
| instagram.com/miracostahs | |
| District | Manhattan Beach Unified School District |
Academics & Curriculum
Academics at Mira Costa run on a six-period traditional semester schedule with an optional zero period, and students need 230 credits to graduate, with five credits awarded per completed semester course. The school’s 2025–2026 profile lists 28 total AP courses and 15 total Honors courses spanning English, world languages, math, science, social studies, and the AP Capstone program (AP Research and AP Seminar). On 2025 testing, 1,359 students sat for 2,947 AP exams across 32 subjects with an 87% pass rate at a score of 3 or higher, and the school does not rank students or release class rank, instead reporting both weighted and unweighted GPA.
| Academic Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Six periods daily, 55-minute classes, optional zero period |
| Graduation Requirement | 230 credits (5 credits per completed semester course) |
| AP Courses Offered | 28 (2025–2026) |
| Honors Courses Offered | 15 (2025–2026) |
| 2025 AP Pass Rate (Score 3+) | 87% (2,947 exams across 32 subjects) |
| 2025 Mean SAT (Overall) | 1,277 (vs. 1,086 CA state average) |
| 2025 Mean ACT Composite | 26.5 (vs. 28.6 national benchmark) |
| Class Rank Policy | Not ranked; weighted and unweighted GPA reported |
| Career/Technical Options | SoCal ROC pathways, Biotechnology 3-year pathway, Technology & Engineering (Project Lead the Way) |
Admissions & Fees
Because Mira Costa is a public school within Manhattan Beach Unified School District, there is no tuition or private-school-style application. Enrollment is instead governed by residency: for grades 9–12, students living in the Manhattan Beach ZIP code (90266) or the Hermosa Beach ZIP code (90254) are zoned to attend Mira Costa as their school of residence. Families living outside those boundaries — including students in Redondo Beach — must apply for an interdistrict attendance permit through MBUSD before enrollment paperwork can be processed, and permits are subject to district policy and available space rather than guaranteed acceptance.
| Admissions Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tuition | None (public school) |
| Attendance Boundary (Grades 9–12) | Manhattan Beach (ZIP 90266) and Hermosa Beach (ZIP 90254) |
| Out-of-Boundary Students | Must apply for an MBUSD interdistrict attendance permit |
| North Redondo Beach (ZIP 90278) | May apply for a permit with priority consideration per district policy |
| Enrollment Basis | Residency or approved interdistrict permit |
| Application Point of Contact | Manhattan Beach Unified School District enrollment office |
Facilities
Mira Costa’s single comprehensive campus supports a wide range of programs beyond standard classrooms, reflecting the breadth of its academic and extracurricular offerings. The school’s official profile documents dedicated program spaces for its three-year Biotechnology pathway (which includes lab-based work such as DNA extraction and forensic DNA mapping), its Technology & Engineering department covering computer science, cybersecurity, and VEX robotics, and its visual and performing arts programs, which include a Grammy Award–winning music department with choirs, bands, and orchestras. The campus also supports 39 varsity athletic teams and a full slate of student media facilities for its journalism, broadcast, and yearbook programs. Specific building-by-building facility specs (gym square footage, pool details, theater capacity, etc.) are not published on the official site; families wanting a firsthand look can request a Principal Tour directly through the school.
| Facility/Program Area | Notes |
|---|---|
| Biotechnology Lab Pathway | 3-year program; dual-enrollment credit available for Biotechnology I and II |
| Technology & Engineering | Project Lead the Way curriculum; Computer Science, Cybersecurity Club, VEX Robotics |
| Visual & Performing Arts | Music (band, choir, orchestra), Drama/Tech, Visual Arts (painting, ceramics, photography, AP Studio Art) |
| Athletics Facilities | Support 39 varsity teams across Bay League and CIF competition |
| Student Media | La Vista newspaper, Mustang Morning News broadcast studio, Hoofprints yearbook, Papercut literary magazine |
| Library | MCHS Library (mchslibrary.org) |
| Campus Tours | Available via the school’s Principal Tours page |
Staff & Leadership
Mira Costa’s administration is led by Principal Dr. Jennifer Huynh, supported by four vice principals overseeing different aspects of student life and operations, under the district leadership of Superintendent Dr. John Bowes. The school’s 2025–2026 profile reports 110 teachers, 93 classified employees, 5 administrators, 8 school counselors plus one counselor on special assignment, 3 college and career counselors, 3 psychologists, 2 speech therapists, and dedicated athletic and activities directors — a staffing structure that reflects the size and program breadth of a school serving 2,500-plus students across four grade levels.
| Role | Name(s) |
|---|---|
| Superintendent (MBUSD) | Dr. John Bowes |
| Principal | Dr. Jennifer Huynh |
| Vice Principals | Scott Hughes, Raeann Marti, Dr. Deborah Park, Kimberly Price |
| Head Counselor | Keshia Simmons |
| Teachers | 110 (2025–2026) |
| Classified Employees | 93 |
| School Counselors | 8, plus 1 Counselor on Special Assignment |
| College & Career Counselors | 3 |
| Psychologists | 2025–2026: 3 |
| Speech Therapists | 2 |
Community & Events
Student life at Mira Costa runs through its Associated Student Body (ASB), which the school’s profile credits with overseeing more than 100 student-run clubs and organizations spanning academics, culture, athletics, and philanthropy, alongside school-wide events like pep rallies and awareness weeks. Community support runs deep as well: the Mira Costa PTSA, the MBX Foundation (“Beyond the Classroom”), and the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation (MBEF) all provide fundraising and enrichment support, while programs like Link Crew pair incoming freshmen with junior and senior mentors and the Friendship Foundation creates an inclusive social space for general and special education students to connect. The school also publishes a yearly athletics and academic calendar and shares updates through Peachjar e-flyers.
| Community Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Student Government | ASB; oversees 100+ clubs and organizations |
| Booster/Fundraising Groups | Mira Costa PTSA, MBX Foundation, MBEF |
| Peer Mentoring | Link Crew (junior/senior leaders paired with incoming freshmen) |
| Inclusion Program | Friendship Foundation (general and special education students) |
| Communication Channels | Peachjar e-flyers, PTSA Newsletter, school and athletics calendars |
| Alumni Network | Active alumni page maintained on the official site |
Accreditation
Mira Costa High School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the recognized accrediting body for California public high schools, and maintains a dedicated WASC page on its official website documenting its accreditation cycle and self-study process. Beyond WASC status, the school’s official profile notes it was named a California Distinguished School in 2011 and a Gold Ribbon School in 2015, both state-level recognitions tied to demonstrated academic performance and program quality. These distinctions, combined with strong AP participation and college-matriculation outcomes reported in the school’s own profile, are frequently cited by families researching the school’s academic standing.
| Accreditation/Recognition | Detail |
|---|---|
| Accrediting Body | Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) |
| California Distinguished School | 2011 |
| Gold Ribbon School | 2015 |
| 2024–2025 College Matriculation | 97% of graduates to 4-year or 2-year colleges (79% four-year, 18% two-year) |
| Class of 2025 National Merit | 7 Finalists, 7 Semifinalists, 29 Commended Scholars |
Conclusion
Mira Costa High School remains the academic and community anchor of Manhattan Beach Unified School District — a large, WASC-accredited public high school with an extensive AP and Honors catalog, strong college-matriculation outcomes, and a robust menu of arts, journalism, and athletics programs. For families zoned within Manhattan Beach or Hermosa Beach, enrollment is straightforward through the district’s residency process; for everyone else, an interdistrict attendance permit is the path in. For the most current enrollment deadlines, course catalog, or campus tour scheduling, always confirm directly with Mira Costa High School or Manhattan Beach Unified School District, since school policies and calendars are updated year to year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mira Costa High School a good school?
Mira Costa is WASC-accredited, was named a California Distinguished School (2011) and Gold Ribbon School (2015), and its own 2025 data shows an 87% AP pass rate and 97% college matriculation for its most recent graduating class. Independent ranking sites also rate the school favorably, though families should weigh multiple data points, including their own priorities, when judging fit.
How much is tuition at Mira Costa High School?
There is no tuition. Mira Costa is a public high school within Manhattan Beach Unified School District, and enrollment is based on residency within the district’s attendance boundaries or an approved interdistrict attendance permit.
What are the Mira Costa High School attendance boundaries?
For grades 9–12, the attendance boundary covers the Manhattan Beach ZIP code (90266) and the Hermosa Beach ZIP code (90254). Students living outside these areas, including in Redondo Beach, must apply for an interdistrict attendance permit through MBUSD before they can enroll.
How do I enroll my child at Mira Costa High School?
Families residing within the attendance boundary enroll through Manhattan Beach Unified School District’s standard registration process. Families outside the boundary need to first secure an approved interdistrict attendance permit; enrollment paperwork is not accepted until that permit is approved.
How many AP and Honors classes does Mira Costa offer?
For the 2025–2026 school year, the school’s official profile lists 28 AP courses and 15 Honors courses across subjects including English, math, science, social studies, world languages, and the arts, plus the AP Capstone program.
Does Mira Costa High School rank students by GPA?
No. Per district policy, Mira Costa does not rank students or release class rank. Transcripts instead show both unweighted and weighted GPA, with weighted GPA giving an extra grade point for A, B, or C grades earned in AP or Honors courses.
What is the Mira Costa High School calendar?
The school publishes its academic calendar (currently the 2026–2027 school year calendar) directly on its official website, along with a separate athletics events calendar. Because dates can shift, check the official calendar link on the school’s site for the current year.
Who is the principal of Mira Costa High School?
Dr. Jennifer Huynh currently serves as principal, supported by four vice principals, under Manhattan Beach Unified School District Superintendent Dr. John Bowes.
find more schools visit school in california
