For the 2025-26 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 (2025-26)
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
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide for Parents
Learn what to ask at a public school open house during enrollment season, from academics to safety, to choose the right school for your child.
School Zoning Changes 2026: How Assignments May Shift
School Zoning Changes 2026 could affect your child’s school assignment. Learn how zoning works, what is changing, and how families can prepare.
School Vouchers: Updated Pros and Cons (2025 Review)
Comprehensive 2025 analysis of school vouchers, weighing benefits and challenges for families, funding, outcomes, and policy directions.
