Best Public Schools in Santa Cruz, CA

The city of Santa Cruz, California is home to 26 schools spanning 14 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 7 high schools, and 2 alternative schools across 5 different school districts. The data reveals a diverse set of educational options in the area, with some standout high-performing schools as well as lower-performing alternatives that may need additional support.

At the top of the pack is Pacific Collegiate Charter, a public charter high school that consistently ranks among the top schools in the state with exceptional test scores, graduation rates, and low chronic absenteeism. Other high-performing schools include Happy Valley Elementary and Bonny Doon Elementary, which are both ranked in the top 20% of California elementary schools. In contrast, the alternative and continuation high schools, such as Santa Cruz County Community and Costanoa Continuation High, struggle with low test scores, high dropout rates, and high chronic absenteeism.

Across the district, graduation rates range from a high of 96.2% at Santa Cruz High to a low of 44.1% at Santa Cruz County Court. Chronic absenteeism is also a significant issue, with many schools reporting rates over 20%. The data highlights the need to address these disparities and ensure all students in the Santa Cruz area have access to a quality education, regardless of the school they attend.