2024 Best Public Schools in Carmel Valley

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  639 reviews

Sophomore: I am now becoming a sophomore at this school. I believe that this school is perfect for more academically oriented people who are willing to challenge themselves. Because the scheduling is double the speed as other schools, it can be difficult for some to adjust to the fast-paced learning and homework load. However, the teachers are very professional/great at teaching, and the community is very supportive of each other. I would argue that the school does not have as much school spirit as other nearby schools, but I have yet to experience anything bad yet! There are also conservatories at our school, something unique to only CCA. The arts/film/dance conservatories are amazing and quite well-funded.... Read 639 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,346

• Student-teacher ratio 28:1

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  489 reviews

Alum: My experience with Torrey Pines was really quite wonderful. I started attending Torrey Pines during COVID which I'm sure detracted from the experience and still have good things to say. Their math department is awesome! I was able to take linear algebra and a project based course in Mathematica both taught by an excellent teacher. Both for SDSU credit I might add. They have a lot of extracurricular opportunities as well. Their sports program is strong as well the coaches are excellent.... Read 489 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,649

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: PTMS is an incredible middle school. Any student should be thrilled to have the opportunity to go there. I have never met such committed, enthusiastic teachers. The students are academically oriented but are also into sports and other extracurricular activities. My son has met so many friends. The Carmel Valley neighborhood is conducive to raising well-rounded kids. I believe we have the best middle school in California.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 867

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Del Mar Union Elementary School District, CA•

• K-6

• grade A+

• Students 606

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  509 reviews

Senior: SDA is well-known for its emphasis on the arts. Everyone should know that it is also a safe place for expression and the best college preparation. I feel that each teacher has a passion for their job and succeeds encouraging their students. There are also several accessible resources for the students whether it be academic assistance or mental health services. Additionally, I have taken the time to join my peers in community service, school events, and recreational activities; all students are generally accepting and friendly toward each other and our campus culture is diverse and exciting. I’m grateful to have quickly made friends despite online school freshman year and am proud to be graduating from such a fine institution. I just wish I wouldn’t have to leave so early in the morning to get parking.... Read 509 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,145

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Del Mar Union Elementary School District, CA•

• K-6

• grade A+

• Students 292

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 3.38 out of 5  8 reviews

Middle School Student: CVMS was such a fun experience overall. However, the school was mainly white and asian, and the science curriculum was boring. There were fights and scandals, but it was occasional. One thing I want to complain about is the food. The pizza was chalk dry and the pick up stix barely had any meat. The district has these lunch sets which contain a main food, fruit and drink. I was never full from it! I had to go and buy snacks or else I would be starving. Everything was also way overpriced. One shrimpy slice of pizza was 3.75. It doesn't look expensive but wait until you see the portion size.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 797

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: Great school - EXCEPT - if your child gets Schaller as a science teacher, expect that they will learn nothing. This teacher should retire or not be working with children. Absolutely awful teacher. The one thing my child is learning from him is the fact that there are indeed horrible teachers out there working and administrators cannot do anything in regards to switching your kid to a teacher where you kid will actually learn the subject at hand.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 531

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Del Mar Union Elementary School District, CA•

• K-6

• grade A+

• Students 575

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Solana Beach Elementary School District, CA•

• K-6

• grade A+

• Students 565

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Del Mar Union Elementary School District, CA•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade A+

• Students 450

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Solana Beach Elementary School District, CA•

• K-3

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Carmel Creek Elementary focuses on Kindergarten to Grade 3, with a lower than average student-to-teacher ratio compared with most other schools. They provide excellent education and extracurricular activities for the young kids. Kids are very happy in this school. The school is well connected to the community. Its campus is also an excellent place for after-class activities in the neighborhood.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 364

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Del Mar Union Elementary School District, CA•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Alum: Stellar school! Very safe, clean with good teachers! They also have good lunch, a nice library, school programs, new technology available. Seriously no regrets sending your kids here!... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 542

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Solana Beach Elementary School District, CA•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Excellent teachers and the principal is caring and a wonderful example for the children. Great programs such as running club, gold medal reading, character counts and STREAM. Strong sense of community and excellent PTA.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 342

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Del Mar Union Elementary School District, CA•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Alum: Overall it was a really great school, majority of the teachers at the school were really great! I am so glad the I was able to attend there and I recommend checking out the school to any prospective parents.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 343

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Del Mar Union Elementary School District, CA•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: I like the diverse population and the teachers dedication to the success of each student. Students learn compassion and respect alongside academic areas.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 554

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Solana Beach Elementary School District, CA•

• 4-6

• grade A

• Students 489

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Del Mar Union Elementary School District, CA•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Engaging, welcoming and supportive teachers and administration. Our kids enjoy learning at Ashley Falls Elementary.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 532

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-7

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: This is an amazing school both of my children have flourished here...it’s one of the best schools in San Diego.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 416

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  13 reviews

Senior: I've been a student at High Tech Mesa (HTHM) for 4 years, and I've had a very good experience. The teachers' commitment is one of the school's most defining qualities. They go above and above to build a personal connection with each of their students because they genuinely care about their academic success. This degree of dedication and consideration has been crucial to my own academic development. Teachers & staff do a great job teaching students how to figure things out for themselves and realistic problem solving. However the school HTHM still has some room for improvement. Particularly, some subjects—like math—are not very rigorous and don't sufficiently push students. Additionally, students cannot enroll in a variety of subjects tailored to their interests because class schedules are set by administrators. The only chosen classes (Xblock) are super short (45 mins/twice a week). The biggest thing, however, is the staff turnover ; 1 year, the school lost nearly 2/3 of their staff.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 422

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Senior: Audeo has been a positive experience for me. The staff are caring. The work can be challenging, but there is support. I enjoy going here for school and although it does not have many extracurriculars such as sports, it allows me to pursuit my own extracurricular interests outside a typical high school format. It is a great school, that if you are good at staying on task, asking for guidance/extra instruction if you don't understand something, you can potentially do well.... Read 4 reviews

• grade B

• Students 327

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.17 out of 5  18 reviews

Sophomore: I loved the staff, the schedule, the "go at your own pace" attitude, and the support all around. I would like to see the amount of drug affiliation be put to stop amongst the students.... Read 18 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 101

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• San Diego County Office of Education, CA•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  7 reviews

Alum: People were friendly and the teachers were always supportive. I was able to get extra help from my professors.... Read 7 reviews

• grade C

• Students 405

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Alum: Love the teachers at Diego Hills! They really care about the students and actually have a good attitude everyday. Would really like more college readiness programs.... Read 1 review

• grade C minus

• Students 356

• Student-teacher ratio 36:1

• Mono County Office of Education, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Niche User: Urban corps was a place where I learned to live in the United states. Being an immigrant, I had lots of difficulties adjusting to the new culture and new lifestyle. I learned my English here, I graduated and received my diploma. Now I'm in college thanks to this program.... Read 1 review

• grade D

• Students 168

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1