Best Half Moon Bay Public Schools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,446 students in Half Moon Bay, CA (there are 2 private schools, serving 318 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in Half Moon Bay, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Half Moon Bay, CA are Pilarcitos Alternative High (Continuation School), Half Moon Bay High School and El Granada Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Half Moon Bay, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 29% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Half Moon Bay have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Half Moon Bay, CA (2025-26)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pilarcitos Alternative High (Continuation School)
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
498 Kelly Ave.
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 712-7224
Gr: 9-12 | 41 students Student-teacher ratio: 41:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #22.
Half Moon Bay High School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1 Lewis Foster Dr.
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 712-7200
Gr: 9-12 | 987 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #33.
El Granada Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
400 Santiago St.
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 712-7150
Gr: K-5 | 335 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #44.
Manuel F. Cunha Intermediate
(Math: 26% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
600 Church St.
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 712-7190
Gr: 6-8 | 542 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #55.
Alvin S. Hatch Elementary School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
490 Miramontes Ave.
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 712-7160
Gr: K-5 | 541 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 71%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Half Moon Bay, CA?
How many public schools are located in Half Moon Bay?
5 public schools are located in Half Moon Bay.
What percentage of students in Half Moon Bay go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in Half Moon Bay are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Half Moon Bay?
Half Moon Bay public schools minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Half Moon Bay are often viewed compared to one another?

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