Schools in 95065 — Santa Cruz, California: 95065 schools average near the state. The 5.8-point spread is where the choice actually lives.
95065 has 3 ranked schools in Santa Cruz, averaging a Scope Score of 54.3/100 — 9.4 points above the state average of 44.8 (CDE CAASPP 2025). Scores range from 51.8 to 57.6, a 5.8-point spread.
How 95065 schools perform
The top-ranked school is Happy Valley Elementary with a Scope Score of 58 and 41.0% of students exceeding standard.
Chronic absenteeism across 95065 averages 13.6%, below the state average of 17.9%. CDE CAASPP 2025.
How 95065 compares to nearby zip codes
| Zip | City | Schools | Avg Score | vs 95065 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95065 | Santa Cruz | 3 | Solid 54.3/100 | — |
| 95066 | Scotts Valley | 4 | Solid 55.7/100 | +1.5 |
| 95062 | Santa Cruz | 11 | Developing 40.6/100 | -13.6 |
| 95060 | Santa Cruz | 8 | Solid 53.8/100 | -0.5 |
| 95070 | Saratoga | 9 | Strong 78.9/100 | +24.7 |
| 95073 | Soquel | 4 | Solid 56.6/100 | +2.3 |
Source: CDE CAASPP 2025, analyzed by SchoolScope.
School archetypes in 95065
Archetypes are data-driven labels based on Scope Score dimensions. Learn more
All schools in 95065
ranked by Scope Score · 2024–25 CAASPP
| # | School | Exceeded | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Happy Valley Elementary Happy Valley Elementary Solid Base | 41.0% | Solid 58/100 |
| 2 | De Laveaga Elementary Santa Cruz City Elementary Culture First | 25.5% | Solid 53/100 |
| 3 | Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary Soquel Union Elementary Culture First | 20.1% | Solid 52/100 |
Schools in 95065 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.
Numbers tell you whether students are clearing the bar. A school visit tells you whether they're happy doing it. These metrics are intentionally missing from the Scope Score: class sizes and student-teacher interaction quality; arts, music, athletics, and enrichment programs; teacher experience and turnover; campus safety and social-emotional support; parent and community engagement; quality of special education and gifted programs; how school zones and enrollment boundaries affect access. Full methodology