Santa Clara County Schools & Education
Santa Clara County, California
School Score
50/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
82.9%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
82.9%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,513
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
50/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#39
of 58 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Santa Clara County, California
The Epicenter of Silicon Valley Education
Santa Clara County manages a massive network of 411 public schools, educating 235,111 students within 79 districts. This vast system includes 255 elementary schools and 79 high schools, reflecting the region's dense population. Charter schools are highly prevalent here, with 63 campuses making up over 15% of the county's total schools.
High Investment Amidst Graduation Challenges
The county spends $9,513 per pupil, which is nearly $800 more than the California state average. Despite this investment, the graduation rate of 82.9% falls below both the state and national benchmarks of roughly 87%. However, the overall school score of 55.2 remains competitive within the California context.
Massive Districts and High-Enrollment Campuses
San Jose Unified is the region's heavyweight, managing 42 schools and 25,351 students. Other major players include Santa Clara Unified and Cupertino Union, which together serve over 27,000 students. Individual high schools are notably large; Milpitas High leads with 3,026 students, while Evergreen Valley High serves 2,767.
Dynamic Urban Environments and Large Classes
Education in Santa Clara County is overwhelmingly urban, with 342 schools located in city settings. The average school size is 583 students, but many high schools function as mini-cities with enrollments exceeding 2,300 students. This creates a high-energy, diverse academic environment typical of a major metropolitan hub.
Secure a Spot in Top-Tier Districts
The sheer variety of 79 districts means Santa Clara County offers an educational path for every family. From the tech-adjacent schools of Cupertino to the sprawling campuses of San Jose, school quality is a major driver of local real estate value. Researching specific district performance is essential for any family looking to buy in Silicon Valley.
School Overview
Total Schools
411
in Santa Clara County
Total Enrollment
235,111
students
School Districts
79
districts
Charter Schools
63
15% of total
School Type Breakdown
79 School Districts in Santa Clara County
San Jose Unified
East Side Union High
Santa Clara Unified
Cupertino Union
Gilroy Unified
Palo Alto Unified
Fremont Union High
Milpitas Unified
Evergreen Elementary
Oak Grove Elementary
411 Public Schools in Santa Clara County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milpitas High | Milpitas Unified | 9–12 | High | 3,026 |
| Evergreen Valley High | East Side Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,767 |
| Independence High | East Side Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,517 |
| Silver Creek High | East Side Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,315 |
| Homestead High | Fremont Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,311 |
| Mountain View High | Mountain View-Los Altos Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,220 |
| Santa Teresa High | East Side Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,196 |
| Fremont High | Fremont Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,171 |
| Los Altos High | Mountain View-Los Altos Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,141 |
| Los Gatos High | Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High | 9–12 | High | 2,067 |
| Cupertino High | Fremont Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,997 |
| Palo Alto High | Palo Alto Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,992 |
| Branham High | Campbell Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,990 |
| Piedmont Hills High | East Side Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,925 |
| Adrian Wilcox High | Santa Clara Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,859 |
| Santa Clara High | Santa Clara Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,849 |
| Leigh High | Campbell Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,812 |
| Henry M. Gunn High | Palo Alto Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,787 |
| Monta Vista High | Fremont Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,751 |
| Westmont High | Campbell Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,741 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,513
State avg $8,762
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Santa Clara County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Santa Clara County, California?
Santa Clara County manages a massive network of 411 public schools, educating 235,111 students within 79 districts. This vast system includes 255 elementary schools and 79 high schools, reflecting the region's dense population. Charter schools are highly prevalent here, with 63 campuses making up over 15% of the county's total schools.
How do schools in Santa Clara County perform academically?
The county spends $9,513 per pupil, which is nearly $800 more than the California state average. Despite this investment, the graduation rate of 82.9% falls below both the state and national benchmarks of roughly 87%. However, the overall school score of 55.2 remains competitive within the California context.
What are the major school districts in Santa Clara County, California?
San Jose Unified is the region's heavyweight, managing 42 schools and 25,351 students. Other major players include Santa Clara Unified and Cupertino Union, which together serve over 27,000 students. Individual high schools are notably large; Milpitas High leads with 3,026 students, while Evergreen Valley High serves 2,767.
What is the school experience like in Santa Clara County?
Education in Santa Clara County is overwhelmingly urban, with 342 schools located in city settings. The average school size is 583 students, but many high schools function as mini-cities with enrollments exceeding 2,300 students. This creates a high-energy, diverse academic environment typical of a major metropolitan hub.
How can I find homes near good schools in Santa Clara County, California?
The sheer variety of 79 districts means Santa Clara County offers an educational path for every family. From the tech-adjacent schools of Cupertino to the sprawling campuses of San Jose, school quality is a major driver of local real estate value. Researching specific district performance is essential for any family looking to buy in Silicon Valley.
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.