Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public High Schools in Salinas, CA (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Salinas Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 16 public high schools serving 12,206 students in Salinas, CA.
The top-ranked public high schools in Salinas, CA are Carr Lake Community Day, Salinas High School and Alisal High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Salinas, CA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 16% (versus the California public high school average of 28%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in Salinas have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of California public high schools.
Salinas, CA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 82%, which is less than the California average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is North Salinas High School, with 91% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in California or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public high school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public High Schools in Salinas, CA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Carr Lake Community Day
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
10 Sherwood Pl.
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 796-7700
Gr: 7-12 | 18 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #22.
Salinas High School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
726 South Main St.
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 796-7400
Gr: 9-12 | 2,380 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #33.
Alisal High School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
777 Williams Rd.
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 796-7600
Gr: 9-12 | 2,742 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #44.
Wellington M. Smith Junior
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1420 Natividad Rd.
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 755-3979
Gr: 4-12 | 50 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #55.
Rancho San Juan High School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1100 Rogge Rd.
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 273-7700
Gr: 9-12 | 1,600 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Everett Alvarez High School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1900 Independence Blvd.
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 796-7800
Gr: 9-12 | 1,978 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
North Salinas High School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
55 Kip Dr.
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 796-7500
Gr: 9-12 | 2,106 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #88.
Monterey County Home Charter
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
901 Blanco Cir.
Salinas, CA 93912
(831) 755-0331
Gr: K-12 | 255 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #99.
Central Bay High (Continuation School)
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
17500 Pesante Rd.
Salinas, CA 93907
(831) 663-2997
Gr: 9-12 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #1010.
El Puente
Alternative School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
20 Sherwood Pl.
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 796-7700
Gr: 7-12 | 326 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #1111.
North Monterey County Center For Independent Study
Alternative School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
17500 Pesante Rd.
Salinas, CA 93907
(831) 633-7050
Gr: 7-12 | 96 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #1212.
Salinas Community
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
615 Leslie Dr.
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 755-9520
Gr: 7-12 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #1313.
Mount Toro High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
10 Sherwood Pl.
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 796-7700
Gr: 9-12 | 204 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1414.
Monterey County Special Education
Special Education School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
901 Blanco Cir.
Salinas, CA 93912
(831) 755-0300
Gr: K-12 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: n/an/a
Mission Trails Rop
Vocational School
867 East Laurel Dr.
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 753-4209
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
Open Door Charter
Alternative School
Charter School
901 Blanco Cir.
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 840-8199
Gr: 9-12 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 92%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Salinas, CA?
The top-ranked public high schools in Salinas, CA include Carr Lake Community Day, Salinas High School and Alisal High School.
How many public high schools are located in Salinas?
16 public high schools are located in Salinas.
What is the racial composition of students in Salinas?
Salinas public high schools minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public high schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Salinas are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (CA):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links:

Most Popular Articles

Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
 California Top-Ranked Public Schools
California Top-Ranked Public Schools
Changing Demographics Will Alter the Diversity of Public Schools
Changing Demographics Will Alter the Diversity of Public Schools
 What are the Benefits of Public School Over Homeschooling?
What are the Benefits of Public School Over Homeschooling?
 The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Gym Class in Public Schools
The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Gym Class in Public Schools

More Articles

Scholarships
Local School Topics
Opinion
Evaluating Public Schools
Teaching