For the 2024 school year, there are 85 public schools serving 35,549 students in Santa Cruz County, CA (there are 31 private schools, serving 6,402 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, Santa Cruz High School and Soquel High 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 55% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 66% (versus the 49% statewide average). Schools in Santa Cruz County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Santa Cruz County (2024)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Happy Valley Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | 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
Grades: K-6
| 109 students
Rank: #22.
Santa Cruz High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
415 Walnut Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 429-3960
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 429-3960
Grades: 9-12
| 1,131 students
Rank: #33.
Soquel High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
401 Old San Jose Rd.
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 429-3909
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 429-3909
Grades: 9-12
| 1,022 students
Rank: #44.
C. T. English Middle School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 79% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
23800 Summit Rd.
Los Gatos, CA 95033
(408) 353-1123
Los Gatos, CA 95033
(408) 353-1123
Grades: 6-8
| 168 students
Rank: #55.
Loma Prieta Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | 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
Grades: K-5
| 254 students
Rank: #66.
Westlake Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 75% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1000 High St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 429-3878
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 429-3878
Grades: K-5
| 485 students
Rank: #77.
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
Grades: K-5
| 126 students
Rank: #88.
Scotts Valley Middle School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
8 Bean Creek Rd.
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(831) 438-0610
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(831) 438-0610
Grades: 6-8
| 486 students
Rank: #99.
Scotts Valley High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
555 Glenwood Dr.
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(831) 439-9555
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(831) 439-9555
Grades: 9-12
| 734 students
Rank: #1010.
Tierra Pacifica Charter
Charter School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
986 Bostwick Ln.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 462-9404
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 462-9404
Grades: K-8
| 155 students
Rank: #1111.
Brook Knoll Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
151 Brook Knoll Dr.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-2454
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-2454
Grades: K-5
| 438 students
Rank: #1212.
Rio Del Mar Elementary School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 70% )
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
819 Pinehurst Dr.
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 688-2053
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 688-2053
Grades: K-6
| 424 students
Rank: #1313.
San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 67% )
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
7155 Highway 9
Felton, CA 95018
(831) 335-4475
Felton, CA 95018
(831) 335-4475
Grades: K-5
| 564 students
Rank: #1414.
Vine Hill Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
151 Vine Hill Sch Rd.
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(831) 438-1090
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(831) 438-1090
Grades: K-5
| 521 students
Rank: #1515.
Lakeside Elementary School
(Math: 40-59% | 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
Grades: K-5
| 66 students
Rank: #1616.
Diamond Technology Institute
Charter School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
112 Diamond Dr.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6225
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6225
Grades: 9-12
| 71 students
Rank: #1717.
Mountain Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | 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
Grades: K-6
| 142 students
Rank: #1818.
San Lorenzo Valley High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
7105 Highway 9
Felton, CA 95018
(831) 335-4425
Felton, CA 95018
(831) 335-4425
Grades: 9-12
| 707 students
Rank: #1919.
Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
8005 Winkle Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(831) 464-5670
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(831) 464-5670
Grades: K-5
| 238 students
Rank: #2020.
Valencia Elementary School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 64% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
250 Aptos Sch Rd.
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 728-7836
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 728-7836
Grades: K-6
| 475 students
Rank: #2121.
Main Street Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 61% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3400 N. Main St.
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 464-5650
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 464-5650
Grades: K-5
| 404 students
Rank: #2222.
Mission Hill Middle School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 66% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
425 King St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 429-3860
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 429-3860
Grades: 6-8
| 565 students
Rank: #23 - 2423. - 24.
Bonny Doon Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 60-64% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1492 Pine Flat Rd.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 427-2300
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 427-2300
Grades: K-6
| 117 students
Rank: #23 - 2423. - 24.
Live Oak Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 60-64% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1916 Capitola Rd.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 475-2000
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 475-2000
Grades: K-5
| 323 students
Rank: #25 - 2625. - 26.
Costanoa Continuation High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
840 N. Branciforte Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3898
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3898
Grades: 9-12
| 82 students
Rank: #25 - 2625. - 26.
Santa Cruz County Special Education
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
400 Encinal St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 466-5700
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 466-5700
Grades: K-12
| 102 students
Rank: #2727.
New Brighton Middle School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 67% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
250 Washburn Ave.
Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 464-5660
Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 464-5660
Grades: 6-8
| 660 students
Rank: #2828.
Pacific Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-59% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
50 Ocean St.
Davenport, CA 95017
(831) 425-7002
Davenport, CA 95017
(831) 425-7002
Grades: K-6
| 145 students
Rank: #2929.
Slvusd Charter
Charter School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 69% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
325 Marion Ave.
Ben Lomond, CA 95005
(831) 335-0932
Ben Lomond, CA 95005
(831) 335-0932
Grades: K-12
| 330 students
Rank: #3030.
Boulder Creek Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 56% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
400 Lomond St.
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
(831) 338-6413
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
(831) 338-6413
Grades: K-5
| 445 students
Rank: #3131.
Aptos Junior High School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 58% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1001 Hntngtn Dr.
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 688-3234
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 688-3234
Grades: 7-8
| 598 students
Rank: #3232.
Aptos High School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 67% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
100 Mariner Way
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 728-7832
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 728-7832
Grades: 9-12
| 1,419 students
Rank: #3333.
Alternative Family Education
Alternative School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
840 N. Branciforte Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3898
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3898
Grades: K-12
| 118 students
Rank: #3434.
De Laveaga Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 55% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1145 Morrissey Blvd.
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(831) 429-3807
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(831) 429-3807
Grades: K-5
| 475 students
Rank: #3535.
Santa Cruz City Elementary Alternative Education-monarch
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
840 N. Branciforte Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3898
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3898
Grades: K-5
| 121 students
Show 50 more public schools in Santa Cruz County, CA (out of 85 total schools)
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Santa Cruz County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
13575 Empire Grade Rd.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-1652
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-1652
Grades: 9-12
| 37 students
504 Monterey Ave.
Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 464-5640
Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 464-5640
Grades: K-5
| 222 students
Cypress Charter High School (Closed 2021)
Charter School
2039 Merrill St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 477-0302
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 477-0302
Grades: 9-12
| 119 students
Monarch Elementary Alternative (Closed 2021)
Alternative School
313 Swift St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 426-9346
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 426-9346
Grades: K-8
| 75 students
1815 Salinas Rd./hwy. 1
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 633-5881
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 633-5881
Grades: 6-8
| 541 students
255 Swift St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 429-3900
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 429-3900
Grades: K-5
| 299 students
6134 Highway Nine
Felton, CA 95018
(831) 336-5193
Felton, CA 95018
(831) 336-5193
Grades: K-6
| 409 students
6134 Highway 9
Felton, CA 95018
(831) 338-7298
Felton, CA 95018
(831) 338-7298
Grades: K-6
| 294 students
Rising Star Elementary School (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
Po Box 50010
Watsonville, CA 95077
(831) 728-8104
Watsonville, CA 95077
(831) 728-8104
Grades: 1-6
| 4 students
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
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
115 Casserly Rd.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6380
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6380
Grades: K-5
| 486 students
2039 Merrill St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 477-0302
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 477-0302
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Sequoia Academy (Closed 2021)
Alternative School
319 La Fonda Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3410
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3410
Grades: 7-12
| n/a students
325 Marion Ave.
Ben Lomond, CA 95005
(831) 336-9678
Ben Lomond, CA 95005
(831) 336-9678
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
Sojourn Middle Charter (Closed 2004)
Charter School
157 Trescony St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 459-8816
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 459-8816
Grades: 6-8
| 30 students
Solano Summit Academy (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
15 Madison St.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-9725
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-9725
Grades: 6-8
| 25 students
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, Santa Cruz High School and Soquel High School.
How many public schools are located in Santa Cruz County, CA?
85 public schools are located in Santa Cruz County, CA.
What percentage of students in Santa Cruz County, CA go to public school?
85% of all K-12 students in Santa Cruz County, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Santa Cruz County, CA?
Santa Cruz County, CA public schools minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
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