San Diego Unified serves more than 121,000 students in pre-school through grade 12 and is the second largest district in California. The student population is extremely diverse, representing more than 15 ethnic groups and more than 60 languages and dialects.

Since its founding on July 1, 1854, the district has grown from a small, rented school building with one teacher to its current size—more than 226 educational facilities with 13,559 employees. Nearly 6,000 teachers are in classrooms at the district's various educational facilities, which include 117 traditional elementary schools, 9 K-8 schools, 24 traditional middle schools, 22 high schools, 49 charter schools, 13 atypical/ alternative schools and 5 additional program sites.

The San Diego Unified School District is proud to call itself one of the top large urban school districts in the United States. Measures include its top scores on state and national tests, its leadership in areas such as technology, curriculum, neighborhood and specialty schools, career-technical education and food services. Its graduates include Hall of Fame sports stars, along with some of the nation's top scientists, writers and leaders.