Monterey County Schools & Education
Monterey County, California
School Score
54/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
86.8%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
86.8%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,795
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
54/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#32
of 58 counties (1 = best)
Explore Monterey County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Monterey County, California
A Vast Network of Monterey Schools
Monterey County supports a massive educational framework of 151 public schools serving 75,189 students across 34 districts. This includes 84 elementary schools and 31 high schools, reflecting the significant geographic and population diversity of the Central Coast.
Graduation Rates Near State Benchmarks
The county's graduation rate of 86.8% nearly matches both the national (87%) and California (87.5%) averages. While the per-pupil expenditure of $8,795 is slightly above the state average, the composite school score of 55.7 sits just below the state mark.
Major Districts and Charter Options
Monterey Peninsula Unified is the largest district with 9,227 students, followed closely by Salinas City Elementary. Charter schools represent a modest part of the landscape, with 8 schools making up 5.3% of the total county count.
From Urban Centers to Rural Valleys
Attending school here varies by locale, with 50 suburban and 45 urban campuses complementing 27 rural schools. The average school size is 533 students, though Alisal High operates at a much larger scale with 2,852 enrolled.
Find Your Home Near Monterey Schools
Whether you prefer the suburban feel of Monterey or the urban energy of Salinas, there is a school district to match your family's needs. Use school performance data as your guide to finding the perfect property in this scenic county.
School Overview
Total Schools
151
in Monterey County
Total Enrollment
75,189
students
School Districts
34
districts
Charter Schools
8
5% of total
School Type Breakdown
34 School Districts in Monterey County
Salinas Union High
Monterey Peninsula Unified
Salinas City Elementary
Alisal Union
Soledad Unified
North Monterey County Unified
Greenfield Union Elementary
Santa Rita Union Elementary
South Monterey County Joint Union High
King City Union
151 Public Schools in Monterey County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alisal High | Salinas Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,852 |
| Salinas High | Salinas Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,567 |
| Everett Alvarez High | Salinas Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,146 |
| North Salinas High | Salinas Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,112 |
| Rancho San Juan High | Salinas Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,699 |
| Soledad High | Soledad Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,534 |
| Monterey High | Monterey Peninsula Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,399 |
| Greenfield High | South Monterey County Joint Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,384 |
| North Monterey County High | North Monterey County Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,286 |
| King City High | South Monterey County Joint Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,227 |
| La Paz Middle | Salinas Union High | 7–8 | Middle | 1,148 |
| Seaside High | Monterey Peninsula Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,130 |
| Harden Middle | Salinas Union High | 7–8 | Middle | 1,096 |
| Washington Middle | Salinas Union High | 7–8 | Middle | 1,067 |
| El Sausal Middle | Salinas Union High | 7–8 | Middle | 1,035 |
| Sherwood Elementary | Salinas City Elementary | KG–6 | Primary | 911 |
| Chalone Peaks Middle | King City Union | 6–8 | Middle | 887 |
| Carmel High | Carmel Unified | 9–12 | High | 858 |
| La Gloria Elementary | Gonzales Unified | KG–5 | Primary | 840 |
| Monte Bella Elementary | Alisal Union | KG–6 | Primary | 837 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,795
State avg $8,762
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Monterey County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in Monterey County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Monterey County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Monterey County, California?
Monterey County supports a massive educational framework of 151 public schools serving 75,189 students across 34 districts. This includes 84 elementary schools and 31 high schools, reflecting the significant geographic and population diversity of the Central Coast.
How do schools in Monterey County perform academically?
The county's graduation rate of 86.8% nearly matches both the national (87%) and California (87.5%) averages. While the per-pupil expenditure of $8,795 is slightly above the state average, the composite school score of 55.7 sits just below the state mark.
What are the major school districts in Monterey County, California?
Monterey Peninsula Unified is the largest district with 9,227 students, followed closely by Salinas City Elementary. Charter schools represent a modest part of the landscape, with 8 schools making up 5.3% of the total county count.
What is the school experience like in Monterey County?
Attending school here varies by locale, with 50 suburban and 45 urban campuses complementing 27 rural schools. The average school size is 533 students, though Alisal High operates at a much larger scale with 2,852 enrolled.
How can I find homes near good schools in Monterey County, California?
Whether you prefer the suburban feel of Monterey or the urban energy of Salinas, there is a school district to match your family's needs. Use school performance data as your guide to finding the perfect property in this scenic county.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.