Charter7-12 Verified
Pacific Collegiate School
Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County · Santa Cruz County Office of Education
4.6(88)
SpEd supportTop-rated college-prep charter school serving grades 7-12.
APLatinAthletics
Schools in Santa Cruz County
Coastal county with progressive public and Waldorf-inspired schools. Explore 10 Santa Cruz County schools — including public, private, charter, and magnet options across 7 cities. Compare ratings, programs, and special-education support to find the right fit for your family.
10 schools 7 cities 5 districts
Top-rated schools in Santa Cruz County
Open search & filtersPublic9-12 Verified
Scotts Valley High School
Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz County · Scotts Valley Unified School District
4.5(142)
SpEd supportSmall high school known for academic outcomes and marine science.
APAthleticsMarine Biology
4.5(88)
SpEd supportNeighborhood elementary with a beloved garden program.
GardenArtMusic
4.3(142)
SpEd supportHistoric Santa Cruz public high with strong academics and arts.
APAthleticsTheater
Public9-12 Verified
San Lorenzo Valley High School
Felton, Santa Cruz County · San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District
4.3(96)
SpEd supportMountain community public high with a strong environmental science focus.
APEnvironmental ScienceAthletics
Public9-12 Verified
Aptos High School
Aptos, Santa Cruz County · Pajaro Valley Unified School District
4.2(156)
SpEd supportCoastal high school with strong athletics and an agriculture pathway.
APAthleticsAgriculture
4.2(112)
SpEd supportCoastal Santa Cruz public high with a strong marine science focus.
APMarine ScienceAthletics
4.2(108)
SpEd supportCoastal public high school with strong arts and athletic programs.
APAthleticsPerforming Arts
Public9-12 Verified
Watsonville High School
Watsonville, Santa Cruz County · Pajaro Valley Unified School District
3.9(118)
SpEd supportComprehensive Watsonville public high with strong agriculture and AVID programs.
APAgricultureAVID
Public9-12 Verified
Pajaro Valley High School
Watsonville, Santa Cruz County · Pajaro Valley Unified School District
3.9(96)
SpEd supportWatsonville public high with strong arts and a growing AP program.
APAthleticsVisual Arts
Santa Cruz County districts represented
- Pajaro Valley Unified School District
- San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District
- Santa Cruz City Schools
- Santa Cruz County Office of Education
- Scotts Valley Unified School District
Explore other Bay Area counties
Santa Clara County
Heart of Silicon Valley — top-rated public districts and competitive privates.
Alameda County
Diverse, urban, and academic — from Berkeley to Pleasanton.
Contra Costa County
Family-friendly suburbs with strong K-12 options.
San Mateo County
Peninsula schools known for STEM and strong community involvement.
San Francisco County
Urban public lottery, magnet schools, and notable independents.
Marin County
Small-town feel with some of California's highest-rated schools.
Sonoma County
Wine country families — strong arts and outdoor programs.
Napa County
Tight-knit district with growing dual-language options.
Solano County
Affordable Bay Area communities with expanding charter options.
School data sourced from the California Department of Education (CDE). Parent ratings and reviews shown here are illustrative samples.