For the 2026-27 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 58 students in Big Sur, CA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Big Sur, CA are Pacific Valley (K-12) and Captain Cooper Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Big Sur, CA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 70% (versus the California public elementary school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 30% (versus the 46% statewide average). Elementary schools in Big Sur have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of California public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Big Sur, CA (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #22.
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: 62%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Big Sur, CA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Big Sur, CA include Pacific Valley (K-12) and Captain Cooper Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Big Sur?
2 public elementary schools are located in Big Sur.
What is the racial composition of students in Big Sur?
Big Sur public elementary schools minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
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.