For the 2025 school year, there are 38 public high schools serving 23,887 students in Monterey County, CA.
The top ranked public high schools in Monterey County, CA are Pacific Grove High School, Carmel High School and Monterey High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Monterey County, CA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the California public high school average of 28%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in Monterey County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of California public high schools.
Monterey County, CA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 86%, which is equal to the California average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Carmel High School, with ≥99% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in California or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 90% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public high school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Monterey County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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: #66.
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: #77.
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: #88.
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: #99.
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: #1010.
King City High School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
720 Broadway St.
King City, CA 93930
(831) 385-5461
King City, CA 93930
(831) 385-5461
Gr: 9-12 | 1,200 student Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #1111.
Alisal High School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
777 Williams Rd.
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 796-7600
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 796-7600
Gr: 9-12 | 2,791 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1212.
Wellington M. Smith Junior
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1420 Natividad Rd.
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 755-3979
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 755-3979
Gr: 4-12 | 34 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #1313.
Marina High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
298 Patton Pkwy.
Marina, CA 93933
(831) 583-2060
Marina, CA 93933
(831) 583-2060
Gr: 9-12 | 725 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #1414.
Rancho San Juan High School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1100 Rogge Rd.
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 273-7700
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 273-7700
Gr: 9-12 | 1,658 student Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #15 - 1615. - 16.
Everett Alvarez High School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1900 Independence Blvd.
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 796-7800
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 796-7800
Gr: 9-12 | 2,072 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #15 - 1615. - 16.
North Salinas High School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
55 Kip Dr.
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 796-7500
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 796-7500
Gr: 9-12 | 2,125 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1717.
Monterey County Home Charter
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
901 Blanco Cir.
Salinas, CA 93912
(831) 755-0331
Salinas, CA 93912
(831) 755-0331
Gr: K-12 | 254 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #1818.
Greenfield High School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
225 South El Camino Real
Greenfield, CA 93927
(831) 674-2751
Greenfield, CA 93927
(831) 674-2751
Gr: 9-12 | 1,333 student Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1919.
North Monterey County High School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
13990 Castroville Blvd.
Castroville, CA 95012
(831) 633-5221
Castroville, CA 95012
(831) 633-5221
Gr: 9-12 | 1,284 student Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #2020.
Soledad High School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
425 Gabilan Dr.
Soledad, CA 93960
(831) 678-6400
Soledad, CA 93960
(831) 678-6400
Gr: 9-12 | 1,503 student Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #2121.
Seaside High School
(Math: 5% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2200 Noche Buena St.
Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 392-3530
Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 392-3530
Gr: 9-12 | 1,134 student Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #2222.
Gonzales High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
501 Fifth St.
Gonzales, CA 93926
(831) 675-2495
Gonzales, CA 93926
(831) 675-2495
Gr: 9-12 | 777 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #2323.
Central Bay High (Continuation School)
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
17500 Pesante Rd.
Salinas, CA 93907
(831) 663-2997
Salinas, CA 93907
(831) 663-2997
Gr: 9-12 | 27 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #2424.
El Puente
Alternative School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
20 Sherwood Pl.
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 796-7700
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 796-7700
Gr: 7-12 | 349 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #25 - 2625. - 26.
Pinnacle Coastal Valley High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
760 Broadway St.
King City, CA 93930
(831) 385-4661
King City, CA 93930
(831) 385-4661
Gr: 9-12 | 138 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #25 - 2625. - 26.
Pinnacles High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
690 Main St.
Soledad, CA 93960
(831) 678-6301
Soledad, CA 93960
(831) 678-6301
Gr: 9-12 | 33 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #2727.
Portola-butler Continuation High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
760 Broadway St.
King City, CA 93930
(831) 385-4661
King City, CA 93930
(831) 385-4661
Gr: 9-12 | 59 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #2828.
North Monterey County Center For Independent Study
Alternative School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
17500 Pesante Rd.
Salinas, CA 93907
(831) 633-7050
Salinas, CA 93907
(831) 633-7050
Gr: K-12 | 131 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #2929.
Learning For Life Charter
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3180 Imjin Rd. Ste. 110
Marina, CA 93933
(831) 582-9820
Marina, CA 93933
(831) 582-9820
Gr: 7-12 | 156 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #3030.
Soledad Virtual Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
690 Main St.
Soledad, CA 93960
(831) 678-6300
Soledad, CA 93960
(831) 678-6300
Gr: K-12 | 62 students Student-teacher ratio: 31:1
Rank: #3131.
Salinas Community
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
615 Leslie Dr.
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 755-9520
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 755-9520
Gr: 7-12 | 104 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #3232.
Mount Toro High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
10 Sherwood Pl.
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 796-7700
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 796-7700
Gr: 9-12 | 217 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #3333.
Central Coast High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
200 Coe Ave.
Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 392-3560
Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 392-3560
Gr: 9-12 | 114 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #3434.
Monterey County Special Education
Special Education School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
901 Blanco Cir.
Salinas, CA 93912
(831) 755-0300
Salinas, CA 93912
(831) 755-0300
Gr: K-12 | 281 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: n/an/a
Mission Trails Rop
Vocational School
867 East Laurel Dr.
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 753-4209
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 753-4209
Gr: 9-12
Show 3 more public schools in Monterey County, CA (out of 38 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 high schools in Monterey County, CA?
The top ranked public high schools in Monterey County, CA include Pacific Grove High School, Carmel High School and Monterey High School.
How many public high schools are located in Monterey County?
38 public high schools are located in Monterey County.
What is the racial composition of students in Monterey County?
Monterey County public high schools minority enrollment is 90% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public high schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Monterey County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Monterey County include: Everett Alvarez High School vs. Alisal High School, Carmel Valley High School vs. Carmel High School, Alisal High School vs. Everett Alvarez High School
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