For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 3,872 students in Monterey, CA (there are 6 private schools, serving 1,073 private students). 79% of all K-12 students in Monterey, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Monterey, CA are La Mesa, Monterey High School and Big Sur Charter. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Monterey, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 56% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Monterey have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Monterey, CA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
La Mesa
(Math: 49% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1 La Mesa Way
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 649-1872
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 649-1872
Gr: K-8 | 689 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #22.
Monterey High School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
101 Herrmann Dr.
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 392-3801
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 392-3801
Gr: 9-12 | 1,401 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #33.
Big Sur Charter
Charter School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
304 Foam St.
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 324-4573
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 324-4573
Gr: K-12 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #44.
Monte Vista
(Math: 42% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
100 Toda Vista Dr.
Monterey, CA 93942
(831) 392-3890
Monterey, CA 93942
(831) 392-3890
Gr: K-8 | 688 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #55.
George C. Marshall Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
225 Normandy Rd.
Monterey, CA 93942
(831) 899-7052
Monterey, CA 93942
(831) 899-7052
Gr: K-6 | 516 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #66.
Bay View Academy
Charter School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
222 Casa Verde Ave.
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 717-4630
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 717-4630
Gr: K-8 | 477 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Monterey, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in Monterey, CA include La Mesa, Monterey High School and Big Sur Charter.
How many public schools are located in Monterey?
6 public schools are located in Monterey.
What percentage of students in Monterey go to public school?
79% of all K-12 students in Monterey are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Monterey?
Monterey public schools minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Monterey are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Monterey include: Big Sur Charter vs. Bay View Academy, George C. Marshall Elementary School vs. Bay View Academy, Bay View Academy vs. Big Sur Charter
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