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Elementary Schools in Monterey, California

Above Average2024–25 data3 schools · avg 52.4/100

Monterey, California has 3 ranked elementary schools with an average Scope Score of 52.4/100 — 8.6 points above the California state average of 43.8. The highest-scoring school is La Mesa at 55/100, where 31.4% of students exceed the state standard on the 2025 CAASPP assessment. Monterey schools average 27.1% exceeded standard (state: 21.6%) — this exceeded-vs-met distinction reveals whether schools push students beyond proficiency or pace toward it. Chronic absenteeism averages 10.8% (below the state average of 18.1%). Data source: California Department of Education CAASPP 2025, analyzed by SchoolScope.

Avg Scope Score
52.4
State avg: 43.8
SchoolScope composite
Score Range
7.4
47.7 – 55.1
Avg Exceeded %
27.1%
State avg: 21.6%
CDE CAASPP 2025
Chronic Absenteeism
10.8%
State avg: 18.1%
CDE Attendance 2025
Schools Ranked
3
With Scope Scores

How Monterey schools compare

Monterey's 3 ranked elementary schools average a Scope Score of 52.4 — 8.6 points above the California state average of 43.8. Scores range from 47.7 to 55.1, a 7.4-point spread.

The top-ranked school is La Mesa with a Scope Score of 55 and 31.4% of students exceeding standard.

High-ceiling schools: Monterey schools average 27.1% exceeding standard — well above the statewide average of 21.6%. These schools aren't just getting students to proficiency, they're pushing them further.

Chronic absenteeism in Monterey averages 10.8%, which is above the state average of 18.1%.

How we score · Scope Score weights exceeded (40%), met (22%), growth (15%), absenteeism (10%), suspension (5%), ELPAC (5%), baseline (3%)

Schools in Monterey ranked by Scope Score

#SchoolScoreCountyExceededMet+AbsentSusp.
1La Mesa
Monterey Peninsula Unified Building Momentum
55Monterey31.4%58.0%7.7%2.2%
2Monterey High
Monterey Peninsula Unified Building Momentum
54Monterey20.0%44.9%12.9%4.7%
3Monte Vista
Monterey Peninsula Unified Building Momentum
48Monterey29.8%54.5%11.8%1.8%

Data source: California Department of Education · CAASPP 2024-25 · Methodology

Scores are SchoolScope's analysis of public data, not official CDE ratings. They represent one way of interpreting test results and should not be the sole basis for school decisions.

Private Schools in Monterey

Private schools don't participate in California's standardized testing (CAASPP) and cannot be scored or ranked. Showing enrollment, student-teacher ratio, and affiliation where available.

Santa Catalina School
Roman Catholic · Grades Pre-K-12 · 456 students
6:1Private
San Carlos School
Roman Catholic · Grades Pre-K-8 · 274 students
18:1Private
York School
Nonsectarian · Grades 8-12 · 181 students
8:1Private
Trinity Christian High School
Brethren · Grades 6-12 · 89 students
8:1Private
Ryan Ranch Childrens Center Preschool
Nonsectarian · Grades Pre-K · 16 students
8:1Private

What Scope Scores can't tell you about Monterey

  • Class sizes and student-teacher interaction quality
  • Quality of arts, music, athletics, and enrichment programs
  • Teacher experience, turnover, and professional development
  • Campus safety, bullying climate, and social-emotional support
  • Parent and community engagement levels
  • Quality of special education and gifted programs
  • How school zones and enrollment boundaries affect access

Scope Scores measure academic performance and school climate using public data. They are one lens among many. Full methodology

Frequently asked questions

Are the schools in Monterey good?
Monterey's 3 ranked elementary schools average a Scope Score of 52.4/100, which is 8.6 points above the California state average of 43.8. 27.1% of students exceed the state standard on average (state average: 21.6%). The Scope Score weights six dimensions: exceeded standard (40%), met standard (22%), grade-level growth (15%), chronic absenteeism (10%), suspension rate (5%), and ELPAC proficiency (5%). Data source: California Department of Education CAASPP 2025, analyzed by SchoolScope.
What is the best elementary school in Monterey?
The highest-scoring elementary school in Monterey is La Mesa with a Scope Score of 55/100 and 31.4% of students exceeding the state standard. Rankings are based on SchoolScope's 2025 Scope Score, which measures academic performance and school climate using publicly available California data. See full methodology.
How do Monterey schools compare to the state average?
Monterey elementary schools average a Scope Score of 52.4 vs. the statewide average of 43.8 (8.6 points above). The exceeded rate averages 27.1% vs. 21.6% statewide. Chronic absenteeism averages 10.8% vs. 18.1% statewide. Scores range from 47.7 to 55.1, a 7.4-point spread.
How many schools are in Monterey?
Monterey has 3 ranked elementary schools with Scope Scores. Schools are ranked using a weighted composite of CAASPP test performance, growth trajectory, chronic absenteeism, and suspension rate. Schools with insufficient testing data are not ranked.
What does the Scope Score measure?
The Scope Score is SchoolScope's proprietary composite rating (0–100) based on six dimensions of publicly available California school data: the exceeded-vs-met standard split, overall proficiency, grade 3–5 growth, chronic absenteeism, suspension rate, and ELPAC English Learner proficiency. Unlike single-number ratings, the Scope Score separates students who "exceeded" from those who "met" the standard — revealing whether a school pushes students beyond proficiency or paces toward it. Full methodology and weights.

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