Carmel Unified
Carmel Unified has 4 ranked schools across elementary, middle and high levels with an average Scope Score of 68.0/100 — 24.3 points above the California state average of 43.8. The highest-scoring school is Carmel High at 81/100, where 45.7% of students exceed the state standard. The district spends $26,833 per student (above the state average of $14,815). Chronic absenteeism averages 13.8%, below the state average. Data source: CDE CAASPP 2025 and NCES fiscal data, analyzed by SchoolScope.
| Level | Avg Score | Schools | Exceeded | Absent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary | Solid 66.5/100 | 2 | 47.1% | 12.3% |
| Middle | Solid 58.2/100 | 1 | 31.2% | 10.5% |
| High | Strong 80.8/100 | 1 | 45.7% | 20.3% |
K–12 pipeline
The typical school path in Carmel Unified, top-scoring shown first.
District Analysis
Strongest level: Carmel Unified's high schools lead the district with an average Scope Score of 80.8.
Growth story: District-wide elementary growth averages -8.4pp (state avg: -3.0pp), a negative trend that warrants attention.
Consistency: Score range of 22.6 points — showing notable variation between schools.
Absenteeism: District chronic absenteeism averages 13.8%, 4.3pp above the state average of 18.1%.
Suspensions: District suspension rate averages 1.7%, near the state average of 1.7%.
Top school: Carmel High leads the district at 81 with 45.7% exceeding standard.
How we score · Scope Score methodology
School archetypes in Carmel Unified
Archetypes are data-driven labels based on Scope Score dimensions. Learn more
Student demographics
District averages · California Department of Education enrollment data
District Funding
Carmel Unified spends $26,833 per student in current expenditures — $12,018 above the state average of $14,815.
Data source: NCES Common Core of Data, Fiscal Survey (F-33) · 2019–2020
Teacher compensation
CDE Form J-90 salary schedule · 2024–25
Elementary Schools (2)
Carmel Unified has 2 ranked elementary schools averaging a Scope Score of 66.5 — 22.8 points above the state average of 43.8. 1 of 2 elementary schools score above 70.
Growth averages -8.4pp district-wide — a negative trend worth examining.
The highest-scoring elementary school is Carmel River Elementary with a Scope Score of 73 and 54.9% exceeding standard.
| # | School | Exceeded | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carmel River Elementary Carmel Unified High Ceiling | 54.9% | Strong 73/100 |
| 2 | Tularcitos Elementary Carmel Unified Solid Base | 39.2% | Solid 60/100 |
Middle Schools (1)
Carmel Unified has 1 ranked middle schools averaging a Scope Score of 58.2 — 17.8 points above the state average of 40.5.
Growth averages -4.7pp district-wide — a negative trend worth examining.
The highest-scoring middle school is Carmel Middle with a Scope Score of 58 and 31.2% exceeding standard.
| # | School | Exceeded | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carmel Middle Carmel Unified Solid Base | 31.2% | Solid 58/100 |
High Schools (1)
Carmel Unified has 1 ranked high schools averaging a Scope Score of 80.8 — 33.3 points above the state average of 47.5. 1 of 1 high schools score above 70.
The highest-scoring high school is Carmel High with a Scope Score of 81 and 45.7% exceeding standard.
| # | School | Exceeded | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carmel High Carmel Unified Strong All-Around | 45.7% | Strong 81/100 |
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.
What Scope Scores can't tell you about Carmel Unified
- 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 resources are distributed across schools within the district
Scope Scores measure academic performance and school climate using public data. They are one lens among many. Full methodology