For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,673 students in Carmel, CA (there are 4 private schools, serving 480 private students). 78% of all K-12 students in Carmel, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%). Carmel has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in California.
The top ranked public schools in Carmel, CA are Carmel River Elementary School, Carmel Middle School and Carmel High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carmel, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the California public school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 80% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Carmel have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Carmel, CA (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Carmel River Elementary School
(Math: 73% | 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
Grades: K-5
| 380 students
Rank: #22.
Carmel Middle School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
4380 Carmel Valley Rd.
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-2785
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-2785
Grades: 6-8
| 473 students
Rank: #33.
Carmel High School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3600 Ocean Ave.
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-1821
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-1821
Grades: 9-12
| 799 students
Rank: #44.
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
Grades: 9-12
| 21 students
Rank: n/an/a
37320 Nason Rd.
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-1546
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-1546
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
8460 Carmel Valley Rd.
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-8047
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-8047
Grades: K
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Carmel, CA?
The top ranked public schools in Carmel, CA include Carmel River Elementary School, Carmel Middle School and Carmel High School. Carmel has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in California.
How many public schools are located in Carmel?
6 public schools are located in Carmel.
What percentage of students in Carmel go to public school?
78% of all K-12 students in Carmel are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Carmel?
Carmel public schools minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Carmel are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Carmel include: Carmel Valley High School vs. Carmel High School
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