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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 95062 California Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 3,759 students in 95062, CA (there are 4 private schools, serving 182 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in 95062, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in 95062, CA are Tierra Pacifica Charter, Alternative Family Education and Ark Independent Studies. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 95062 have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in 95062, CA have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).

Best 95062, CA Public Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Tierra Pacifica Charter
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
986 Bostwick Ln.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 462-9404
Gr: K-8 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #22.
Alternative Family Education
Alternative School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
840 North Branciforte Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3898
Gr: K-12 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #33.
Ark Independent Studies
Alternative School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
840 North Branciforte Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3898
Gr: 6-12 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #44.
Green Acres Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
966 Bostwick Ln.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 475-0111
Gr: K-5 | 262 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #55.
Live Oak Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1916 Capitola Rd.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 475-2000
Gr: K-5 | 362 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #66.
Harbor High School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
300 La Fonda Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3810
Gr: 9-12 | 1,013 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #77.
Del Mar Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1959 Merrill St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 477-2063
Gr: K-5 | 322 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #88.
Branciforte Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
315 Poplar St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3883
Gr: 6-8 | 409 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #99.
Ocean Alternative Education Center
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
984 Bostwick Ln. Ste. 6
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 475-0767
Gr: K-8 | 76 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #1010.
Gault Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1320 Seabright Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3856
Gr: K-5 | 314 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #1111.
Shoreline Middle School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
855 17th Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 475-6565
Gr: 6-8 | 478 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #1212.
Santa Cruz City Elementary Alternative Education-monarch
Alternative School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
840 North Branciforte Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3898
Gr: K-5 | 114 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #1313.
Costanoa Continuation High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
840 North Branciforte Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-3898
Gr: 9-12 | 77 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: n/an/a
Special Education Preschool
984-1 Bostwick Ln.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 475-6333

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in 95062, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in 95062, CA include Tierra Pacifica Charter, Alternative Family Education and Ark Independent Studies.
How many public schools are located in 95062?
14 public schools are located in 95062.
What percentage of students in 95062 go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in 95062 are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in 95062?
95062 public schools minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).

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