Capistrano Unified School District

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Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) is the largest school district in Orange County, California, United States. It is the 9th largest district in the state^[3] and the 78th largest in the country.^[4] The district currently has 54,036 students^[5] and administers 33 elementary schools, two K-8 schools, ten middle schools, six comprehensive high schools, five charter schools, and multiple alternative education programs.

CUSD has 40 California Distinguished Schools, 11 National Blue Ribbon Schools, 19 Golden Bell winning programs, and 36 California Business Honor Roll Schools, among many other award-winning schools and school programs.^[6] The district has a graduation rate of 97.2%, much higher than California's average of 85.1%. Every CUSD high school is ranked in the top 1000 US high schools by U.S. News & World Report.

Formed in 1965, Capistrano Unified School District encompasses 195 square miles (510 km²) and employs 3,992 people, making it the largest employer in South Orange County.^[5] With Laguna Beach Unified School District, it is part of the College and Career Advantage (formerly South Coast Regional Occupational Program) (ROP).