For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,658 students in Carmel, CA (there are 3 private schools, serving 338 private students). 85% 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 (2026)
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 | 400 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
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 | 468 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 | 780 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
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 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
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?
85% 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
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.