For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,673 students in Carmel, CA (there are 4 private schools, serving 486 private students). 77% of all K-12 students in Carmel, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
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 59% (versus the California public school average of 34%), 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 10% 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 (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Carmel River Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | 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
Gr: K-5 | 380 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #22.
Carmel Middle School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
4380 Carmel Valley Rd.
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-2785
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-2785
Gr: 6-8 | 473 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #33.
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: #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
Gr: 9-12 | 21 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: n/an/a
8460 Carmel Valley Rd.
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-8047
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-8047
Gr: K
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.
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?
77% 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
Recent Articles
Do We Still Need Libraries in Public Schools in 2026
An updated look at the role of public school libraries in 2026, their impact on literacy, equity, and digital learning, and why they remain essential today.
The History of Public Schools in the United States
Explore the history of public schools in the U.S., from colonial roots to 2026 reforms shaping equity, funding, and classroom innovation.
Special-Program Registration Deadlines Explained
Learn what to know about special-program registration deadlines for magnet, CTE, and dual-enrollment options in public schools.