Average
#4929 of 9,539 schools in CA
Aptos High
High School · Pajaro Valley Unified
100 Mariner Way, Aptos, CA 95003
Enrollment
1,316
Student-Teacher
21.9:1
Score
6.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,316
Student-Teacher
21.9:1
Score
6.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#4,929 of 9,539
In Aptos
#3 of 6
public schools
In district
#7 of 33
Pajaro Valley Unified
School environment
7.2 / 10
Very Good
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Aptos High
High School in Aptos · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
St. Abraham's Classical Christian Academy
1.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Aptos Junior High
1.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Aptos High
Aptos High is a public high school in Aptos, CA, part of Pajaro Valley Unified. Aptos High serves approximately 1,316 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 21.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Aptos High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.3 out of 10 and ranks #4,929 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for Aptos High show 50% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 69% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 6.3 · Average
- District avg 6.6
- CA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
Aptos High runs 21.9:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
Aptos High sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
31% of students at Aptos High were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
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Aptos High — Students at Aptos High score 44% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
46.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 26 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.9/10.
How Aptos High Compares
See how Aptos High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
100 Mariner Way, Aptos, CA 95003
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Aptos High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. MONTEREY BAY ACADEMY (rated 7.2/10, 4.9 miles away, in nearby La Selva Beach), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Renaissance High Continuation (rated 5.9/10, 3.6 miles away, in nearby La Selva Beach), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Delta Charter (rated 5.8/10, 3.6 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Aptos, see our Aptos schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| St. Abraham's Classical Christian Academy Aptos | 1.3 mi | — |
| Aptos Junior High Aptos | 1.1 mi | 6.4 |
| Rio del Mar Elementary Aptos | 1.5 mi | 5.9 |
| ORCHARD SCHOOL Aptos | 1.8 mi | 5.2 |
| Valencia Elementary Aptos | 1.8 mi | 8.1 |
| Seacliff Academy Aptos | 2.4 mi | — |
| Chrysostom Classical Academy Aptos | 2.6 mi | — |
| SALESIAN ELEMENTARY & JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Corralitos | 3.0 mi | 6.6 |
| Salesian Elementary and Jr. High Corralitos | 3.0 mi | — |
| Renaissance High Continuation La Selva Beach | 3.6 mi | 5.9 |
| Bradley Elementary Watsonville | 3.0 mi | 3.8 |
| Mar Vista Elementary Aptos | 3.2 mi | 4.3 |
| Delta Charter Aptos | 3.6 mi | 5.8 |
| TWIN LAKES CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Aptos | 3.7 mi | 5.1 |
| MONTEREY BAY ACADEMY La Selva Beach | 4.9 mi | 7.2 |
| Monterey Bay Academy La Selva Beach | 4.9 mi | — |
| Santa Cruz Montessori School Wavecrest Junior High Soquel | 4.2 mi | — |
| Calabasas Elementary Watsonville | 4.5 mi | 4.7 |
| Tara Redwood School Soquel | 4.6 mi | — |
| New Brighton Middle Capitola | 4.7 mi | 6.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 95003 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$140,990
Median Home Value
$1,154,000
Median Rent
$2,548/mo
Population
24,708
College Educated
54.5%
Homeownership
72.2%
Avg Commute
27.9 min
Poverty Rate
3.7%
Median Age
48.1
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Alhambra Senior High Martinez, CA | 6.3 |
| Burroughs High Ridgecrest, CA | 6.3 |
| Concord High Concord, CA | 6.3 |
| Ganesha High Pomona, CA | 6.3 |
| Jurupa Valley High Jurupa Valley, CA | 6.3 |
| Lincoln High Lincoln, CA | 6.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Aptos High
What grades does Aptos High serve?
Aptos High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Aptos High?
Aptos High has an enrollment of approximately 1,316 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Aptos High?
The student-teacher ratio at Aptos High is 21.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Aptos High rank in CA?
Aptos High ranks #4,929 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is Aptos High's MySchoolScout rating?
Aptos High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.3 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Aptos High?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Aptos High has 50% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 69% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Aptos High a charter school?
No, Aptos High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Aptos High a Title I school?
No, Aptos High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Aptos High?
46.2% of students at Aptos High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,316
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 60
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 46.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Santa Cruz County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 30.9%
- Phone
- (831) 728-7832
- 4-Year Graduation
- 92.0%
Resources & Links
District
Pajaro Valley Unified- District Enrollment
- 17,013
- Schools in District
- 34
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $20,409
- District Rank
- #7 of 33
Other Schools in This District
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