Tesoro High School

1 Tesoro Creek Rd.

School District

Capistrano Unified
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:26
Type

public

School Map for Capistrano Unified School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 23, 2025

This school is not great as one might think based on their score. The score is really just based on test scores, not the overall quality of the education kids are getting. The school is listed as having 22-30 kids per class which is not the case. Classes are packed with way over 30 kids & some as many as 50+. This school has teachers that care very little to help or teach their students. They provide no real instruction, no help when students ask due to struggling to comprehend the material at hand. They give busy work so they don't have to instruct. When students struggle with testing, they refuse to give any kind of study guide or help because it's simply too much work for said teachers, yes this was told to my child by a teacher. Yet, other teachers that teach the same subject are able to do this for their students just fine. So many some teachers are simply unwilling to help students or are just lazy. This school leans heavily on test grades for the bulk of the kids' grades, which wouldn't be so bad if they had proper teaching & teachers willing to help review things with students to help prepare them & ensure they are learning the material, but that's not the case here. They only care about test results and nothing else. The wellbeing and mental health of the kids is not a concern as again, "too much work" for some teachers and they don't care about the stress or pressure put on kids. The environment at this school is detrimental to kids. -Lunch time is awful. Thousands of kids all go to lunch at the same time, but the insanely limited number of tables makes it so the majority of kids don't have a place to sit and eat their lunch. Kids aren't allowed inside to eat so on days when it's over 100 degrees out, it's miserable & dangerous. When kids are forced to sit on the ground in over 100 degrees weather as there's no other option and as a bonus, ants crawl all over their food, this is not an exaggeration. Only a few bathrooms at the school and all far from each other, yet often times, some of the bathrooms are locked for no reason, this adds to the kids' stress when they have limited time between classes & already long lines at the bathroom & they reach a bathroom and it's closed. This happens often with no warning or reason. Kids should be provided with basic needs like available bathroom facilities that are open for use. Yes, there are a few good teacher here, but the bad ones make things miserable. The principal provides no help in these situations.
Submitted by other on July 15, 2024

My experience at Tesoro High School has been incredibly damaging. I came here expecting a supportive environment, but instead encountered consistent rudeness and dismissiveness from several teachers and staff as a whole.Throughout my time here, there was a pervasive lack of empathy and understanding. I faced dismissive attitudes and unfair treatment when seeking clarification or assistance. The refusal of several teachers and staff to acknowledge their mistakes and provide opportunities to resolve issues left me feeling ignored and disrespected.Even outside of academics, arbitrary grading practices added unnecessary frustration. This highlighted a culture of inconsistency and unfair treatment within the school.When I sought help from the counselor, hoping for understanding and support, I was met with dismissal. Instead of addressing my concerns about the overall school environment, they brushed them aside as unchangeable, leaving me feeling unheard.This experience at Tesoro High School has had a profound impact on me. No student should endure such mistreatment and disrespect in a place that should foster growth and learning. It is my hope that future students receive the respect and support they deserve, unlike what I experienced here.
Submitted by other on December 22, 2023

I started this school year with many expectations for a good educational environment, but sadly, my experience has been nothing more than disappointing. The teachers at this school seem more interested in assigning work than actually engaging with their students. The teachers here have made me not want to talk to them. For example, the teachers at this school are very very rude. The way they speak to you is unacceptable. They will talk to you like you dont belong at this school. There were many times that during a situation it was their fault, but instead of apologizing they always blamed me for their mistakes. Other times they were angry and treated me with their anger. This is honestly unacceptable. Firstly, the school environment is far from conducive to learning. The classrooms are outdated and lack the necessary resources. The classrooms at this school are so old it is unbelievable. It feels like stepping back in time when you walk through the halls. The facilities desperately need an upgrade, and the overall ambiance is stale and uninspiring. The counselors are equally disappointing in their roles. My attempts to communicate with them about my academic progress were met with indifference. Whenever I tried to talk to them they were either unavailable or I had to wait weeks to see them and even then they would try to have a talk that I already knew. Its very disappointing to see such a lack of concern for the students. It seems like they are just there to fulfill a requirement rather than genuinely caring about the students future. They have the most important job, yet they know nothing about their job or the answers to your questions. Moreover, the extracurricular activities offered are minimal. Also the traffic and carpool situation adds an unnecessary layer of stress to the daily routine. The schools inability to manage the flow of vehicles during drop off and pick up times reflects a lack of planning and consideration. Its disappointing that Tesoro cannot implement an efficient and streamlined carpool system to alleviate the burden on parents and ensure a smoother daily experience. In conclusion, Tesoro High School has been a letdown in almost every aspect. From the outdated facilities to the indifferent teachers and counselors, its clear that this institution is not invested in providing a quality education or a supportive environment for its students. I would advise any prospective parents to think twice before enrolling their children here.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2023

My older son was dyslexic and was supported very well by this school. He developed strategies to overcome his learning difficulties and performed well in his academics. He just finished his freshman year at University getting on the dean’s list both semesters and finishing out the year with a 3.9/4.0 GPA. My second child is currently in 11th grade taking 6 AP classes and targeting highly competitive universities. The point is this school will work with students and get them to reach their high potential. Of course there are other factors such as the motivation of the student and the support at home. The majority of the students are driven to do well and that culture is contagious. Kids are very nice. My kids moved here from out of state (11th Grade and 8th -middle school) and they felt very welcomed and developed a lot of strong friendships.
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2022

Great high school great Academics, great AP courses and great athletic programs for all appetites football tennis baseball basketball. I know of numerous families that transferred from jaw dropping expensive local private schools to give their teenagers a better education at this school instead! Principle is caring and attentive… so are the teachers.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2019

Both of my children have gone to this school . We started in the private catholic school education for elementary to middle school. I was apprehensive to go the public school route. But It proved to be the best thing we did for our children. My son is going to a 4 year college upon graduation. The academics are challenging for those who want to be challenged and they have modifications for children who need more help. I am a parent of two children who fit both of those. Academics and athletics come easy for one, and the other one struggles with academics. Both have had amazing experiences and the activities and opportunities for parents to be involved in makes it feel like a very small school. We have made friendships for life through Tesoro and the parents of students.
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2018

My kid has has a wonderful experience academically and athletically. Coaches appear to be fair and teachers do their best to communicate within 24 hours when I have a question.
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2018

Both my kids have hated their high school experience at THS as well as 3 other kids from my extended family that have had a bad experience over the last 10 years. Send your kids elsewhere!!
Submitted by other on June 19, 2018

Tesoro is a great and excellent public high school, despite some of it's rowdy, rude, conservative students, the teachers are excellent and I am glad I attended Tesoro! Go Titans!
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2018

The staff is supportive and caring. Although at times Teachers are very demanding, the classes prepare them for College. Nice campus, respectful kids and approachable staff. PTSA is hardworking.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2017

Not the best. Not the worst. Really depends on the teachers you get.
Submitted by student on March 30, 2017

I was study in this school, and his school is fun
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2014

I am giving 4 stars to the teachers at Tesoro and some of the office staff but I marked some points off for the way the clubs/organizations and the athletic program are run on campus. I am satisfied with approximately 90% of the teachers my child has had at Tesoro and am particularly impressed with the math and science departments. However, I agree with the comment the reviewer made on May 7, 2014, that students are only recognized or given perks such being granted membership of the National Honor Society only if they are part of ASB. In addition, there is definitely some politicking when it comes to the athletics program.
Submitted by student on May 07, 2014

Tesoro High School is laughable. I am a sophomore excelling at an ivy league school no thanks to Tesoro though. Sure, some of the teachers are great but it's a gamble. Students that are not on the AP tract are neglected. The principles and vice principles are corrupt at best. Not to mention the athletics program is run completely by politics and largely is based off of parent reputation. In addition to all of this, students that do excel are only acknowledged if they are part of ASB, yet another laughable program. All in all this school does not deserve any of the quality reviews it is given. Clearly they are by naive parents who do not actually have to attend Tesoro.
Submitted by other on August 12, 2013

Oh also, in addition to my previous comment below this comment.... For those who assume that the staff doesn't care, I would have to say they are wrong. They reach out to all students who are in need of help. They do help, as long as you respond to their help. Also, if you ask for help, they help!
Submitted by student on August 04, 2013

Tesoro High School at times can be overwhelming. If you are an AP student such as myself Tesoro will cater to your needs. The History department is by far the best in the school. Everyone tells you from day one to get involved at Tesoro, this is probably the best advice i ever received. However, if you are not a good math student good luck, because Tesoro's math department is really slacking. The department wide policy is 85% of your grade is weighted towards test taking making it very hard for those who struggle in math and on tests to get a good grade in the class. While I personally have had a great experience despite the overwhelming work load at times, i can see that non-AP students get neglected by not only the guidance counselors but the teacher's as well. This year I'll be a senior and while for the most part I've had a good experience I really can't wait to leave and explore something other then the bubble that Tesoro is in. P.S. have fun walking in the hallways during passing periods you won't be able to move. Overcrowding is a problem.