For the 2025 school year, there are 85 public schools serving 34,133 students in Santa Cruz County, CA (there are , serving 6,153 private students). 85% of all K-12 students in Santa Cruz County, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Santa Cruz County, CA are Happy Valley Elementary School, Pacific Collegiate Charter and Loma Prieta Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Santa Cruz County, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 30% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Santa Cruz County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Santa Cruz County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Happy Valley Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
3125 Branciforte Dr.
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(831) 429-1456
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(831) 429-1456
Gr: K-6 | 122 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #22.
Pacific Collegiate Charter
Charter School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3004 Mission St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 479-7785
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 479-7785
Gr: 7-12 | 540 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #33.
Loma Prieta Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
23800 Summit Rd.
Los Gatos, CA 95033
(408) 353-1106
Los Gatos, CA 95033
(408) 353-1106
Gr: K-5 | 259 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #44.
Brook Knoll Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
151 Brook Knoll Dr.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-2454
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-2454
Gr: K-5 | 467 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #55.
C. T. English Middle School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
23800 Summit Rd.
Los Gatos, CA 95033
(408) 353-1123
Los Gatos, CA 95033
(408) 353-1123
Gr: 6-8 | 162 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #66.
Westlake Elementary School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1000 High St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 429-3878
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 429-3878
Gr: K-5 | 471 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #77.
Vine Hill Elementary School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
151 Vine Hill School Rd.
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(831) 438-1090
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(831) 438-1090
Gr: K-5 | 532 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #88.
Lexington Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
19700 Old Santa Cruz Hwy.
Los Gatos, CA 95033
(408) 335-2150
Los Gatos, CA 95033
(408) 335-2150
Gr: K-5 | 171 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #99.
Lakeside Elementary School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
19621 Black Rd.
Los Gatos, CA 95033
(408) 354-2372
Los Gatos, CA 95033
(408) 354-2372
Gr: K-5 | 77 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #1010.
Main Street Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3400 North Main St.
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 464-5650
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 464-5650
Gr: K-5 | 389 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #1111.
Scotts Valley Middle School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
8 Bean Creek Rd.
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(831) 438-0610
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(831) 438-0610
Gr: 6-8 | 451 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #1212.
Mountain Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3042 Old San Jose Rd.
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 475-6812
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 475-6812
Gr: K-6 | 163 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #1313.
Pacific Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
50 Ocean St.
Davenport, CA 95017
(831) 425-7002
Davenport, CA 95017
(831) 425-7002
Gr: K-6 | 167 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #14 - 1514. - 15.
Slvusd Charter
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
325 Marion Ave.
Ben Lomond, CA 95005
(831) 335-0932
Ben Lomond, CA 95005
(831) 335-0932
Gr: K-12 | 290 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #14 - 1514. - 15.
Tierra Pacifica Charter
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
986 Bostwick Ln.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 462-9404
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 462-9404
Gr: K-8 | 163 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #1616.
Scotts Valley High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
555 Glenwood Dr.
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(831) 439-9555
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(831) 439-9555
Gr: 9-12 | 655 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #1717.
Valencia Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
250 Aptos School Rd.
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 728-7836
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 728-7836
Gr: K-6 | 487 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #1818.
Santa Cruz High School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
415 Walnut Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 429-3960
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 429-3960
Gr: 9-12 | 1,104 student Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #1919.
Rio Del Mar Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
819 Pinehurst Dr.
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 688-2053
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 688-2053
Gr: K-6 | 408 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #2020.
Bonny Doon Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1492 Pine Flat Rd.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 427-2300
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 427-2300
Gr: K-6 | 97 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #2121.
San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
7155 Highway 9
Felton, CA 95018
(831) 335-4475
Felton, CA 95018
(831) 335-4475
Gr: K-5 | 562 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #2222.
Mission Hill Middle School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
425 King St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 429-3860
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 429-3860
Gr: 6-8 | 500 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #23 - 2423. - 24.
Diamond Technology Institute
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
112 Diamond Dr.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6225
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6225
Gr: 9-12 | 83 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #23 - 2423. - 24.
Opal Cliffs
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4510 Jade St.
Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 464-5630
Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 464-5630
Gr: K-8 | 6 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #2525.
San Lorenzo Valley High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
7105 Highway 9
Felton, CA 95018
(831) 335-4425
Felton, CA 95018
(831) 335-4425
Gr: 9-12 | 622 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #2626.
Alternative Family Education
Alternative School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
840 North Branciforte Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3898
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3898
Gr: K-12 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #2727.
Ark Independent Studies
Alternative School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
840 North Branciforte Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3898
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3898
Gr: 6-12 | 52 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #2828.
New Brighton Middle School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
250 Washburn Ave.
Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 464-5660
Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 464-5660
Gr: 6-8 | 611 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #2929.
De Laveaga Elementary School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1145 Morrissey Blvd.
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(831) 429-3807
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(831) 429-3807
Gr: K-5 | 507 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #3030.
Aptos High School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
100 Mariner Way
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 728-7832
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 728-7832
Gr: 9-12 | 1,316 student Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #3131.
Soquel High School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
401 Old San Jose Rd.
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 429-3909
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 429-3909
Gr: 9-12 | 1,048 student Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #3232.
Soquel Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2700 Porter St.
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 464-5655
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 464-5655
Gr: K-5 | 355 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #33 - 3433. - 34.
Green Acres Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
966 Bostwick Ln.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 475-0111
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 475-0111
Gr: K-5 | 301 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #33 - 3433. - 34.
Linscott Charter
Charter School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
220 Elm St.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6301
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6301
Gr: K-8 | 259 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #3535.
Boulder Creek Elementary School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
400 Lomond St.
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
(831) 338-6413
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
(831) 338-6413
Gr: K-5 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Show 50 more public schools in Santa Cruz County, CA (out of 85 total schools)
Loading...
Santa Cruz County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
13575 Empire Grade Rd.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-1652
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-1652
Gr: 9-12 | 37 students
504 Monterey Ave.
Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 464-5640
Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 464-5640
Gr: K-5 | 222 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Cypress Charter High School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
2039 Merrill St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 477-0302
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 477-0302
Gr: 9-12 | 119 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Monarch Elementary Alternative (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
313 Swift St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 426-9346
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 426-9346
Gr: K-8 | 75 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
1815 Salinas Rd./hwy. 1
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 633-5881
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 633-5881
Gr: 6-8 | 541 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
255 Swift St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 429-3900
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 429-3900
Gr: K-5 | 299 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
6134 Highway Nine
Felton, CA 95018
(831) 336-5193
Felton, CA 95018
(831) 336-5193
Gr: K-6 | 409 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
6134 Highway 9
Felton, CA 95018
(831) 338-7298
Felton, CA 95018
(831) 338-7298
Gr: K-6 | 294 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rising Star Elementary School (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
Po Box 50010
Watsonville, CA 95077
(831) 728-8104
Watsonville, CA 95077
(831) 728-8104
Gr: 1-6 | 4 students Minority enrollment: 75%
River View High School (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
325 Marion Ave
Ben Lomond, CA 95005
(831) 335-4425
Ben Lomond, CA 95005
(831) 335-4425
Gr: 9-12
115 Casserly Rd.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6380
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6380
Gr: K-5 | 486 students Minority enrollment: 90%
2039 Merrill St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 477-0302
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 477-0302
Gr: 9-12
Sequoia Academy (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
319 La Fonda Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3410
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3410
Gr: 7-12
Sojourn Middle Charter (Closed 2004)
Charter School
157 Trescony St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 459-8816
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 459-8816
Gr: 6-8 | 30 students Minority enrollment: 22%
Solano Summit Academy (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
15 Madison St.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-9725
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-9725
Gr: 6-8 | 25 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Santa Cruz County, CA?
The top ranked public schools in Santa Cruz County, CA include Happy Valley Elementary School, Pacific Collegiate Charter and Loma Prieta Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Santa Cruz County?
85 public schools are located in Santa Cruz County.
What percentage of students in Santa Cruz County go to public school?
85% of all K-12 students in Santa Cruz County are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Santa Cruz County?
Santa Cruz County public schools minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Santa Cruz County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Santa Cruz County include: Delta Charter vs. Aptos High School, Brook Knoll Elementary School vs. Vine Hill Elementary School, Watsonville High School vs. Pajaro Valley High School
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
