Schools in 95003 — Aptos, California
95003 has 5 ranked schools averaging a Scope Score of 47.2 — 3.5 points above the California state average of 43.8. Scores range from 33.5 to 58.3, a 24.8-point spread.
How 95003 schools perform
The top-ranked school is Aptos High with a Scope Score of 58 and 15.8% of students exceeding standard.
Strong growth trajectory: Schools in 95003 show an average grade 3-to-5 improvement of +6.5 percentage points, suggesting these schools are adding real value over time.
Chronic absenteeism across 95003 averages 23.7%, below the state average of 18.1%. This elevated rate may indicate systemic attendance challenges in the area.
How 95003 compares to nearby zip codes
School archetypes in 95003
Hidden gems: 2 schools in 95003 are classified as Growth Engine (2) — showing positive growth trajectories that raw proficiency scores alone don't capture. These are schools where students leave with more than they arrived with.
Archetypes are data-driven labels based on Scope Score dimensions. Learn more
All schools in 95003
| # | School | Score | County | Exceeded | Met+ | Absent | Susp. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aptos High Pajaro Valley Unified Building Momentum | 58 | Santa Cruz | 15.8% | 38.6% | 26.3% | 6.1% |
| 2 | Valencia Elementary Pajaro Valley Unified Growth Engine | 54 | Santa Cruz | 32.6% | 58.7% | 22.3% | 1.6% |
| 3 | Rio del Mar Elementary Pajaro Valley Unified Growth Engine | 53 | Santa Cruz | 26.3% | 55.0% | 15.3% | 3.3% |
| 4 | Delta Charter Santa Cruz City High Building Momentum | 37 | Santa Cruz | 6.1% | 13.4% | 41.1% | 1.7% |
| 5 | Mar Vista Elementary Pajaro Valley Unified Building Momentum | 34 | Santa Cruz | 11.1% | 33.0% | 13.6% | 2.8% |
Schools in 95003 on the map
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 95003
- 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