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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

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

6.3/10

High School in Aptos · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

St. Abraham's Classical Christian Academy

Nearby

1.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Aptos Junior High

6.4/10

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).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • 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 metrics
Student Progress3.9Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-2.07 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.7Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency35.7% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency51.8% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg+7.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-4.1 pts
Overall Proficiency44% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)48% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-4.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile52th
College Readiness7.5Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate92%
AP Participation28.6%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment7.2Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$20,409
Chronic Absenteeism30.9%

Aptos High — Students at Aptos High score 44% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

46.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 50.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 69.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
51.5% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 26 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
66%
ELA
71%
2010
Math
72%
ELA
78%
2011
Math
67%
ELA
71%
2012
Math
68%
ELA
68%
2013
Math
68%
ELA
70%
2014
Math
46%
ELA
77%
2015
Math
39%
ELA
78%
2016
Math
42%
ELA
76%
2017
Math
32%
ELA
71%
2018
Math
39%
ELA
67%
2019
Math
39%
ELA
67%
2024
Math
35.7%
ELA
51.8%

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.

Overall Score
6.3/10
48th percentile in CA
Academic
6.7/10
Average
Growth
3.9/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
7.2/10
Very Good
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.6
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
46%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
60 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
30.9%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
28.6% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
5 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
39 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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%
4-Year Graduation
92.0%

District

Pajaro Valley Unified
District Enrollment
17,013
Schools in District
34
Per-Pupil Spending
$20,409
District Rank
#7 of 33

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