For the 2026-27 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 1,132 students in Arroyo Grande, CA.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Arroyo Grande, CA are Paulding Middle School, Pacific View Academy and Mesa Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Arroyo Grande, CA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the California public middle school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 46% statewide average). Middle schools in Arroyo Grande have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of California public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public middle school average of 78% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Arroyo Grande, CA (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Paulding Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
600 Crown Hill St.
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3500
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3500
Gr: 7-8 | 544 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #22.
Pacific View Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1065 Mesa View Dr.
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3580
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3580
Gr: K-12 | 114 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #33.
Mesa Middle School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2555 Halcyon Rd.
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3400
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3400
Gr: 7-8 | 474 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Arroyo Grande, California Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Santa Lucia Rop High School (Closed 2023)
Vocational School
602 Orchard St.
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3000
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3000
Gr: 11-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Arroyo Grande, CA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Arroyo Grande, CA include Paulding Middle School, Pacific View Academy and Mesa Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Arroyo Grande?
3 public middle schools are located in Arroyo Grande.
What is the racial composition of students in Arroyo Grande?
Arroyo Grande public middle schools minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public middle schools average of 78% (majority Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Arroyo Grande are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Arroyo Grande include: Mesa Middle School vs. Paulding Middle School, Paulding Middle School vs. Mesa Middle School
Recent Articles
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.