For the 2025 school year, there are 149 public schools serving 73,351 students in Monterey County, CA (there are , serving 3,758 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Monterey County, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Monterey County, CA are Robert Down Elementary School, Carmel River Elementary School and Tularcitos Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Monterey County, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 22% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Monterey County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 90% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Monterey County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Robert Down Elementary School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
485 Pine Ave.
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 646-6540
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 646-6540
Gr: K-5 | 403 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #22.
Carmel River Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Monte Verde St. And 15th Ave.
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-4609
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-4609
Gr: K-5 | 380 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #33.
Tularcitos Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
35 Ford Rd.
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
(831) 659-2276
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
(831) 659-2276
Gr: K-5 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #44.
Lagunita Elementary School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
975 San Juan Grade Rd.
Salinas, CA 93907
(831) 449-2800
Salinas, CA 93907
(831) 449-2800
Gr: K-6 | 61 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #55.
Carmel Middle School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
4380 Carmel Valley Rd.
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-2785
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-2785
Gr: 6-8 | 473 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #66.
Toro Park Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
22500 Portola Dr.
Salinas, CA 93908
(831) 484-9691
Salinas, CA 93908
(831) 484-9691
Gr: K-3 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #77.
Pacific Grove High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
615 Sunset Dr.
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 646-6590
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 646-6590
Gr: 9-12 | 520 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #88.
Pacific Grove Middle School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
835 Forest Ave.
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 646-6568
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 646-6568
Gr: 6-8 | 445 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #99.
Carmel High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3600 Ocean Ave.
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-1821
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-1821
Gr: 9-12 | 799 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #1010.
Washington Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
340 Corral De Tierra Rd.
Salinas, CA 93908
(831) 484-1331
Salinas, CA 93908
(831) 484-1331
Gr: 4-5 | 155 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #1111.
San Benancio Middle School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
43 San Benancio Rd.
Salinas, CA 93908
(831) 484-1172
Salinas, CA 93908
(831) 484-1172
Gr: 6-8 | 260 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #1212.
Forest Grove Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1065 Congress Ave.
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 646-6560
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 646-6560
Gr: K-5 | 345 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #1313.
La Mesa
(Math: 49% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1 La Mesa Way
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 649-1872
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 649-1872
Gr: K-8 | 654 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #1414.
Monterey High School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
101 Herrmann Dr.
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 392-3801
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 392-3801
Gr: 9-12 | 1,326 student Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #1515.
Big Sur Charter
Charter School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
304 Foam St.
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 324-4573
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 324-4573
Gr: K-12 | 89 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #1616.
Monterey Bay Charter
Charter School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1004 David Ave.
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 655-4638
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 655-4638
Gr: K-8 | 478 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #1717.
Monte Vista
(Math: 42% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
100 Toda Vista Dr.
Monterey, CA 93942
(831) 392-3890
Monterey, CA 93942
(831) 392-3890
Gr: K-8 | 651 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #1818.
Carmel Valley High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
27335 Schulte Rd.
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-4462
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-4462
Gr: 9-12 | 21 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #1919.
Phoenix Academy Community Day
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
667 Meyer Ave.
King City, CA 93930
(831) 385-4400
King City, CA 93930
(831) 385-4400
Gr: 5-8
Rank: #2020.
Carr Lake Community Day
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
10 Sherwood Pl.
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 796-7700
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 796-7700
Gr: 7-12 | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #2121.
Community High (Continuation School)
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1004 David Ave.
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 646-6535
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 646-6535
Gr: 9-12 | 14 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #2222.
Buena Vista Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
18250 Tara Dr.
Salinas, CA 93908
(831) 455-8936
Salinas, CA 93908
(831) 455-8936
Gr: 6-8 | 333 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #2323.
Mission Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
36825 Foothill Rd.
Soledad, CA 93960
(831) 678-3524
Soledad, CA 93960
(831) 678-3524
Gr: K-8 | 127 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #2424.
Pacific Valley (K-12)
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
69325 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
(805) 927-4507
Big Sur, CA 93920
(805) 927-4507
Gr: K-12 | 17 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #2525.
Spreckels Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
Fourth St. And Hatton Ave.
Spreckels, CA 93962
(831) 455-1831
Spreckels, CA 93962
(831) 455-1831
Gr: K-5 | 555 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #2626.
Captain Cooper Elementary School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2452
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2452
Gr: K-5 | 47 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #2727.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
705 California St.
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 753-5625
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 753-5625
Gr: K-6 | 644 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #2828.
International School Of Monterey
Charter School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1720 Yosemite St.
Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 583-2165
Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 583-2165
Gr: K-8 | 428 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #2929.
George C. Marshall Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
225 Normandy Rd.
Monterey, CA 93942
(831) 899-7052
Monterey, CA 93942
(831) 899-7052
Gr: K-6 | 496 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #3030.
Graves Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
15 Mcfadden Rd.
Salinas, CA 93908
(831) 422-6392
Salinas, CA 93908
(831) 422-6392
Gr: K-8 | 35 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #3131.
Salinas High School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
726 South Main St.
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 796-7400
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 796-7400
Gr: 9-12 | 2,446 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #3232.
Bradley Elementary School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
65600 Dixie St.
Bradley, CA 93426
(805) 472-2310
Bradley, CA 93426
(805) 472-2310
Gr: K-8 | 39 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #3333.
Rose Ferrero Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
400 Entrada Dr.
Soledad, CA 93960
(831) 678-6480
Soledad, CA 93960
(831) 678-6480
Gr: K-6 | 493 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #3434.
Chualar Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
24285 Lincoln St.
Chualar, CA 93925
(831) 679-2313
Chualar, CA 93925
(831) 679-2313
Gr: K-8 | 262 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #3535.
Bay View Academy
Charter School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
222 Casa Verde Ave.
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 717-4630
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 717-4630
Gr: K-8 | 497 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Show 100 more public schools in Monterey County, CA (out of 149 total schools)
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Monterey County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Baldwin Park Community Day (Closed 2005)
Alternative School
1121-a Baldwin St.
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 753-6080
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 753-6080
Gr: K-6 | 18 students Minority enrollment: 89%
680 Belden
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 649-1264
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 649-1264
Gr: K-7 | 273 students Minority enrollment: 45%
Boronda Community Day (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
1114 Fontes Ln.
Salinas, CA 93907
(831) 751-3142
Salinas, CA 93907
(831) 751-3142
Gr: 4-7 | 6 students
Chalone High School (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
690 Main St.
Soledad, CA 93960
(831) 678-6300
Soledad, CA 93960
(831) 678-6300
Gr: 9-12 | 63 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Community Day (Closed 2005)
Alternative School
13998 Casroville Blvd.
Castroville, CA 95012
(831) 633-8523
Castroville, CA 95012
(831) 633-8523
Gr: 7-12 | 34 students Minority enrollment: 88%
1900 Independence Blvd.
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 796-7810
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 796-7810
Gr: 9-12 | 2,184 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Po Box 1219
Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 392-0200
Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 392-0200
Gr: 9-12 | 166 students Minority enrollment: 47%
490 El Camino Real
Greenfield, CA 93927
(831) 674-5586
Greenfield, CA 93927
(831) 674-5586
Gr: 3-6 | 453 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
1700 Via Casoli
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 649-1744
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 649-1744
Gr: K-6 | 197 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Greenfield Community Day (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
493 El Camino Real
Greenfield, CA 93927
(831) 674-2840
Greenfield, CA 93927
(831) 674-2840
Gr: 4-8
800 Broadway Street
King City, CA 93930
(831) 674-3275
King City, CA 93930
(831) 674-3275
Gr: 9-12 | 6 students
8515 Prunedale North Rd.
Salinas, CA 93907
(831) 663-1777
Salinas, CA 93907
(831) 663-1777
Gr: K-12 | 924 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
1720 Yosemite St.
Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 899-7019
Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 899-7019
Gr: K-2 | 193 students Minority enrollment: 93%
3066 Lake Dr.
Marina, CA 93933
(831) 384-0255
Marina, CA 93933
(831) 384-0255
Gr: K-6 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Millennium Charter High School (Closed 2020)
Charter School
901 Blanco Cir.
Salinas, CA 93912
(831) 755-0300
Salinas, CA 93912
(831) 755-0300
Gr: 9-12 | 129 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
251 Soledad Dr.
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 649-1287
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 649-1287
Gr: K-5 | 422 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Monterey Bay Charter School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
1004 David Ave.
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 655-4638
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 655-4638
Gr: K-8 | 422 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
760 Brd.way St.
King City, CA 93930
(831) 385-4661
King City, CA 93930
(831) 385-4661
Gr: 9-12 | 90 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Pinnacles High Continuation School (Closed 2005)
Alternative School
P.o. Box 939
Gonzales, CA 93926
(831) 678-3066
Gonzales, CA 93926
(831) 678-3066
Gr: 9-12 | 64 students Minority enrollment: 98%
415 Pearl St.
King City, CA 93930
(831) 385-1144
King City, CA 93930
(831) 385-1144
Gr: 2-5 | 477 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Somavia High School (Closed 2020)
Alternative School
650 Elko St.
Gonzales, CA 93926
(831) 675-1081
Gonzales, CA 93926
(831) 675-1081
Gr: 9-12 | 28 students Minority enrollment: 89%
215 South El Camino Real
Greenfield, CA 93927
(831) 674-3275
Greenfield, CA 93927
(831) 674-3275
Gr: K-12 | 100 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Uplift California South Charter (Closed 2023)
Charter School
65600 Dixie St.
Bradley, CA 93426
(415) 845-2423
Bradley, CA 93426
(415) 845-2423
Gr: 9-12 | 46 students Student-teacher ratio: 46:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Ventana High (Continuation School) (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
2015 El Camino Real
Greenfield, CA 93927
(831) 674-3275
Greenfield, CA 93927
(831) 674-3275
Gr: 9-12
73101 Pleyto St. #86
Bradley, CA 93426
(831) 920-5393
Bradley, CA 93426
(831) 920-5393
Gr: K-12 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
100 Toda Vista Dr.
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 649-1951
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 649-1951
Gr: 8 | 129 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Monterey County, CA?
The top ranked public schools in Monterey County, CA include Robert Down Elementary School, Carmel River Elementary School and Tularcitos Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Monterey County?
149 public schools are located in Monterey County.
What percentage of students in Monterey County go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Monterey County are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Monterey County?
Monterey County public schools minority enrollment is 90% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Monterey County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Monterey County include: Forest Grove Elementary School vs. Robert Down Elementary School, Gavilan View Middle School vs. John Gutierrez Middle School, Robert Down Elementary School vs. Forest Grove Elementary School
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