| Index | Santa Maria | California | National |
| Average Test Scores | 35% | 43% | 48% |
| Student/Teacher ratio | 22:1 | 20:1 | 16:1 |
| Total public schools | 20 | 8,308 | 79,221 |
| Total private schools | 8 | 3,438 | 24,874 |
| Total post-secondary schools | 3 | 1,085 | 7,963 |
| Index | Santa Maria | California | National |
| Completed 8th grade | 58.8% | 81.1% | 84.3% |
| Completed high school | 56.4% | 79.8% | 83.0% |
| Completed some college | 40.0% | 61.5% | 59.4% |
| Completed associate degree | 19.6% | 39.8% | 38.5% |
| Completed bachelors | 13.1% | 32.0% | 30.3% |
| Completed masters | 3.9% | 11.9% | 11.5% |
| Completed professional degree | 1.2% | 3.9% | 3.3% |
| Completed doctorate | 0.3% | 1.6% | 1.3% |
There are a total of 20 public schools, 8 private schools and 3 post-secondary schools in Santa Maria. Using the proficiency score averages, the average test scores for Santa Maria, CA schools is 35%. The average student to teacher ratio is 22:1. In Santa Maria, CA, an average of 58.8% of students have completed 8th grade and an average of 56.4% have completed high school.
| City | Population | Avg. Test Scores | National Avg. |
| Pismo Beach, CA | 8,306 | 56% | 16.7% |
| Vandenberg AFB, CA | 3,743 | 51% | 5.9% |
| Arroyo Grande, CA | 18,441 | 49% | 1.9% |
| Nipomo, CA | 18,602 | 46% | 4.2% |
| Grover Beach, CA | 13,974 | 45% | 6.9% |
| Santa Maria, CA | 109,248 | 35% | 26.9% |
| City | Population | Avg. Test Scores | National Avg. |
| Davie, FL | 109,448 | 70% | 45.4% |
| West Covina, CA | 109,502 | 47% | 2.2% |
| Tyler, TX | 109,766 | 41% | 14.8% |
| San Tan Valley, AZ | 108,601 | 40% | 16.4% |
| Highlands Ranch, CO | 110,471 | 62% | 28.2% |
| Santa Maria, CA | 109,248 | 35% | 26.9% |
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