- Arroyo Vista Elementary — 0.4 mi · Grades K–5 · 508 students
- Arroyo Vista Middle — 0.4 mi · Grades 6–8 · 329 students
- Tijeras Creek Elementary — 0.8 mi · Grades K–5 · 315 students
- Philip J. Reilly Elementary — 1.4 mi · Grades K–5 · 421 students
- Las Flores Elementary — 2.5 mi · Grades K–5 · 328 students
- Las Flores Middle — 2.5 mi · Grades 6–8 · 593 students
- Tesoro High — 2.5 mi · Grades 9–12 · 2,030 students
- Castille Elementary — 2.7 mi · Grades K–5 · 482 students
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| Metric | Capistrano Unified School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 41,855 | 3,544 | Much larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 59 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $17,395/yr | $17,619/yr | ≈ Near avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 10/10 — Excellent | — | Above average |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 963 rated districts in CA → 91st percentile → 10/10.
Source: California Dept. of Education CAASPP Smarter Balanced, 2023–24 school year. Full methodology →
About Capistrano Unified School District
Capistrano Unified School District is the public school district assigned to zip code 92688 in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Serving students from Kindergarten – 12th, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 92688. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Understanding the 10/10 Rating
Capistrano Unified School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 10/10, placing it in the top-tier tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in California’s CAASPP Smarter Balanced assessments (2023–24 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because California is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Capistrano Unified School District ranks among the highest-performing public school districts in California on state assessments, with reading and math proficiency rates in roughly the top 10–20% statewide. Homes in and around zip code 92688 often carry a measurable premium relative to neighboring areas served by lower-rated districts. Families moving here for academic strength will find a district whose students test well above the state norm. Even within top-rated districts, individual school performance varies — confirm your specific school assignments directly with the district.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 92688
Children in zip code 92688 are assigned to Capistrano Unified School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Kindergarten – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 92688, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Capistrano Unified School District at (949)234-9200 or visit www.capousd.org. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — California districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Rancho Santa Margarita
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Capistrano Unified School District serves zip code 92688, homes in and around zip code 92688 often carry a measurable premium over comparable properties in adjacent lower-rated districts. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In California, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Capistrano Unified School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 92688.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Capistrano Unified School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 92688 data.