- Fountain Valley High — Grades 9–12 · 3,171 students
- Huntington Beach High — Grades 9–12 · 2,645 students
- Westminster High — Grades 9–12 · 2,529 students
- Edison High — Grades 9–12 · 2,049 students
- Marina High — Grades 9–12 · 1,997 students
- Ocean View High — Grades 9–12 · 1,154 students
- Valley Vista High — Grades 9–12 · 263 students
- Coast High — Grades 9–12 · 159 students
Zip code 90742 is not served by one district. An elementary district and a separate secondary district each cover this area, which is normal in this state — which one your child attends depends on their grade.
| GRADES | DISTRICT | RATING |
|---|---|---|
| K–8 Elementary | Huntington Beach City Elementary School District 4,703 students · 8 schools | 10/10 |
| 9–12 Secondary | Huntington Beach Union High School District 14,522 students · 8 schools | 9/10 |
| Metric | Huntington Beach Union High School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 14,522 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 8 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $13,062/yr | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | — | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 9/10 — Excellent | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington Beach Union High School District (this district) | 9/10 | 83rd | 14,522 |
| Los Alamitos Unified School District | 10/10 | 95th | 8,934 |
| Los Angeles Unified School District | 6/10 | 53rd | 427,795 |
| Compton Unified School District | 6/10 | 55th | 17,437 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 963 rated districts in CA → 83rd percentile → 9/10.
Source: California Dept. of Education CAASPP Smarter Balanced, 2023–24 school year. Full methodology →
About Huntington Beach Union High School District
Families in zip code 90742 (Sunset Beach, California) are assigned to Huntington Beach Union High School District for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Understanding the 9/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Huntington Beach Union High School District 9 out of 10 — top-tier among California public school districts. 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.
Huntington Beach Union High 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 90742 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 90742
Children in zip code 90742 are assigned to Huntington Beach Union High School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 90742, 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 Huntington Beach Union High School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. 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 Sunset Beach
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Huntington Beach Union High School District serves zip code 90742, homes in and around zip code 90742 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 Huntington Beach Union High 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 90742.
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, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Huntington Beach Union High School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 90742 data.