2023 Best Schools in Monterey

• Monterey, CA•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  69 reviews

Parent: As a former student and now current parent of a York student, I can't emphasize enough how diversity, creativity, and an independent mindset continues to be forged at this gem of a school here on the Central Coast. Preparing students to not only sustain but innovate and lead the next generation of professionals and thinkers continues to be alive and well, fostered in the most sublime and discreet environment imaginable. Balanced offerings of academia, campus culture, after school clubs, and competitive individual and team sports, keep the student experience rich and robust. Our daughter's public school background was of no hinderance as she has been thriving since first stepping foot on campus, growing with confidence and broadening her mindset, looking forward to opportunity.... Read 69 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 200

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Pebble Beach, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  86 reviews

Alum: Terrific place to learn, grow, make lasting friendships, and prepare to be someone with passion and a good work ethic. Graduated 2010 as a boarder and went to an Ivy. Incredible teachers who knew the material well and made the classroom engaging and fun for the most part. There was lots of homework and would regularly spend 3 hours a night studying a day for my 5 classes. This was at the time frustrating but it made studying in college that much easier. Great variety of core classes and electives which made Stevenson more fun and open to explore than some other schools I considered (e.g. radio, music theory, AP physics c, Econ). Students and extracurriculars were a plus too. Looking back, people were nice and school culture had a strong California vibe (fun and cool) as opposed to a more East Coast school (intense and colder). The school being larger than other boarding schools was a double edged sword since the community wasn’t as tight as some smaller schools, but still good.... Read 86 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 524

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Monterey, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  92 reviews

Senior: Santa Catalina is an amazing school! The staff and teachers are wonderful and highly qualified. There is always something fun to do at school including clubs, sports, arts, and traditions. The academics are strong and properly prepare you for college. I will definitely miss the school next year when I graduate. I have made so many friends at Santa Catalina and I will remember my time here forever.... Read 92 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 230

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Salinas, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  85 reviews

Niche User: Notre Dame is special because you are provided small, challenging classes with hands-on learning. I can tell the teachers love what they teach and are always willing to answer questions whether in class or during tutorial after school. I also enjoy the sports and clubs that Notre Dame provides. I’ve never even heard of field hockey before I came to Notre Dame, or thought I would join a club that teaches you how to do origami. I overall feel like what makes Notre Dame unique is the close sisterhood. When a student is feeling down, we all try to make their day better whether we know them or not. As a freshman, I am truly blessed to go to a high school that provides an academic rigor, faith, and a variety of sports that provide me the best high-school experience possible. Go Spirits!... Read 85 reviews

• grade A

• Students 222

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.32 out of 5  270 reviews

Alum: I liked attending Monterey High School because of the diverse culture of students and the many opportunities I had to explore and learn.... Read 270 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,292

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Salinas, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  83 reviews

Senior: I've been at Palma for six years: junior high and all of high school. I love it! It's the best educational decision my parents ever made, so far. Palma Brotherhood is a real thing. I love all the guys here, and my teachers.... Read 83 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 479

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Seaside, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: All 3 of my children attend and it is a wonderful school with amazing teachers. The curriculum is challenging and is taught organically. The children are not just stuck reading their lessons in a book inside a classroom but are out in the actual environment and taught to work together to understand each topic. The inquiry based learning helps the children to retain the information. They are exposed to working as a team, public speaking starting in K and problem solving all which are crucial 'real life' lessons. They teach Spanish starting in K and all of my children are now bi-lingual. Great school.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 424

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade B+

• Students 339

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Monterey, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  10 reviews

Parent: I have two kids and have been with the school since kinder. Of course their are growing pains and turn over with staff but the school is excellent. Our kinder program is magical and our kinder teachers by far are some of the best. All the teachers my children have had so far have been completely loved and have been an asset to their education. Both my kids are using computers, learning to code, son is learn spanish and the education resources are outstanding. Many field trips to tie in the thematic units which makes the kids love to learn. The before and after school program is being run by the school so kids feel very much at home with familiar faces. The community with staff and families is like no other. I feel that my kids are in a great place to learn, be loved and feel safe. The head of school is doing an amazing job for the school and improving it each year.... Read 10 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 457

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Monterey, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  24 reviews

Parent: They do so much for such small school! Always willing to listen to parent feedback and answer questions. My student was able to participate in many activities and sports programs through the school. She excelled academically with the advantage of small class sizes and individual attention. Moreover she learned that she is capable and able to attend college or pursue any other path after high school. I highly recommend taking a look at this school!... Read 24 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 112

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Pacific Grove, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: I’ve had two children go through MBCS. A Waldorf inspired curriculum that is supported through art, music, movement, festivals, handwork, woodworking, blacksmithing, and gardening. Children are taught real world skills as well as traditional academics; kindergarten is play based. Children still learn, but how they are meant to, through play. There is sports, student council, model UN, and dances for middle school students.... Read 5 reviews

• grade B

• Students 490

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Monterey County Office of Education, CA•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.8 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: My experience in this school since I transferred in April 2022 has been great. The teachers are understandable and they actually care about their student's education and well being.... Read 5 reviews

• grade B

• Students 277

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 2.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: This school has a mixed basket of teachers, but I have been overall satisfied with the education my children have received here. The majority of students here are military and the #1 super power of this school is how well they do with students that are continuously transitioning in and out of the school. There is an after school program within walking distance for military families with transportation provided. I knocked off a star for one bad but significant experience. When I requested a more challenging class for my TK daughter who could read at a 1-2 grade level and was getting bored with learning letter sounds, there was no accommodation. I ended up homeschooling that year and moved her to a different school this year. My daughter in 1st grade constantly came home bubbling with excitement about what she had learned that day, questions that we could discuss at home, and a reasonable amount of meaningful homework.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B

• Students 397

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade B

• Students 352

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  379 reviews

Junior: Seaside High School is a great school for me personally. I’ve learned tons of things that I find beneficial and fun. I also really love how much Seaside High tries to get everyone to step outside their comfort zone. I’ve made loads of new friends over the courses I take and I’ve met some wonderful teachers who have shown nothing but how much they care for our education. I’m proud to be a spartan at Seaside High!... Read 379 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,026

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade B minus

• Students 248

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• grade B minus

• Students 177

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• grade C+

• Students 509

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Marina, CA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Senior: I go to school and it is flexible!Lov e it here and it is awesome .Nice and comfortable building.Study a lot here.Teachers are awesome and great and helpful. Awesome principal.great service.... Read 1 review

• grade C+

• Students 167

• Student-teacher ratio 33:1

• Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, CA•

• K-8

• grade C

• Students 374

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  9 reviews

High School Senior: The teachers were very stern and straightforward in delivering their lesson, ensuring that the students are engaged and understand the lesson. Honors classes generally had more classwork such as English class with more grammar and writing practice.... Read 9 reviews

• grade C minus

• Students 740

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Seaside, CA•

• Private School•

• 1-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: My daughter started Chartwell from middle school and currently attending high school. Her transformation has been remarkable. She is articulate, confident, and determined to succeed. It is an amazing school with the most dedicated teachers, led by excellent leadership. They helped my daughter not just with academics, but self-advocacy, independence, and overall confidence. We are grateful for all of their hard work and their commitment to excellence.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 175

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• Carmel, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  17 reviews

Parent: Having gone to public school, I was initially skeptical of independent school but I kept hearing about how special All Saints was. The school calls itself extraordinary, and it is. The components of the program that other schools consider "extra-curricular", the frequency of exposure and true instruction in music, art, science, etc., the opportunities for performing arts- it's all so beyond what other schools offer. Their commitment to character education, which begins in Preschool and scaffolds through each grade level, is also a major differentiator. My preschooler is already learning Spanish! Most importantly, she is excited to go to school each day, never wants to go home at the end of the day, and is thriving, both academically and socially. We love her teachers who are enthusiastic, loving and professional. It's been an amazing choice thus far for our family.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 244

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Monterey, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  8 reviews

Works Here: San Carlos School is an amazing TK - 8th grade community of engaged students, supportive families, dedicated teachers, and hard-working staff! As a former parent, 1st grade aide, and current staff member, I highly value the school's commitment to educating the whole child by integrating spiritual and moral development with high academic standards. The faculty and staff are incredibly supportive, constantly striving to create better experiences for students and families. In addition, our focus on local and global community service is a very important aspect of SCS. Our school community is also anxiously awaiting the completion of the new "Dove Gymnasium and Event Center", a state-of-the-art facility for PE classes, team sports, school events, and performances. Such a blessing for San Carlos School!... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• Students 290

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Monterey County Office of Education, CA•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

• grade unavailable

• Students 271

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1