Skip to main content

Average

#6964 of 9,539 schools in CA

North Monterey County Center for Independent Study

School · North Monterey County Unified

17500 Pesante Rd., Salinas, CA 93907

Enrollment

131

Student-Teacher

26.2:1

Score

5.2

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#6,964 of 9,539

In Salinas

#36 of 60

public schools

In district

#4 of 7

North Monterey County Unified

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around North Monterey County Center for Independent Study?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

North Monterey County Center for Independent Study

5.2/10

School in Salinas · grades Kindergarten – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Central Bay High (continuation)

Nearby

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

Prunedale Elementary

4.9/10

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

About North Monterey County Center for Independent Study

North Monterey County Center for Independent Study is a public school in Salinas, CA, part of North Monterey County Unified. North Monterey County Center for Independent Study serves approximately 131 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-12th, and has a 26.2:1 student-teacher ratio. North Monterey County Center for Independent Study has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10 and ranks #6,964 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for North Monterey County Center for Independent Study show 17% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 39% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.3 pts below district
  • This school 5.2 · Average
  • District avg 5.5
  • CA avg 6.3

What Parents Should Know

At 131 students, North Monterey County Center for Independent Study is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

North Monterey County Center for Independent Study runs 26.2:1 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.9Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data10
Annual Change-1.78 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.7Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency14.5% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency25.4% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-17.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-20.7 pts
Overall Proficiency20% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)31% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-11.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile18th
College Readiness8.6Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate77%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.6Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio26.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$20,402

North Monterey County Center for Independent Study — Students at North Monterey County Center for Independent Study score 20% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 31%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

77.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 17.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 38.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
49.7% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 24 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
44.5%
ELA
64.5%
2010
Math
30%
ELA
69.5%
2011
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2015
Math
5%
ELA
37%
2016
Math
15%
ELA
44.5%
2017
Math
5%
ELA
34.5%
2018
Math
5%
ELA
44.5%
2019
Math
5%
ELA
44.5%
2022
Math
21.2%
ELA
23.6%
2024
Math
17.3%
ELA
26.2%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.9/10.

How North Monterey County Center for Independent Study Compares

See how North Monterey County Center for Independent Study performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.2/10
27th percentile in CA
Academic
3.7/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
4.9/10
Below Average
Environment
2.6/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
1/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
77%
Teaching Staff
26:1 student-teacher ratio
5 teachers

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses1 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

17500 Pesante Rd., Salinas, CA 93907

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering North Monterey County Center for Independent Study may also want to explore other schools in the area. Lagunita Elementary (rated 7.8/10, 3.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is North Salinas High (rated 6.9/10, 5.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, North Monterey County High (rated 6.7/10, 3.6 miles away, in nearby Castroville), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Salinas, see our Salinas schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 5.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Central Bay High (Continuation) Salinas 0.0 mi
Prunedale Elementary Salinas 0.2 mi 4.9
Hills View Christian School Salinas 1.6 mi
Gavilan View Middle Salinas 3.1 mi 5.7
Echo Valley Elementary Salinas 3.5 mi 5.1
Santa Rita Elementary Salinas 3.6 mi 3.7
La Joya Elementary Salinas 3.5 mi 4.6
Elkhorn Elementary Castroville 3.1 mi 4.1
John Gutierrez Middle Salinas 3.5 mi 5.4
Rancho San Juan High Salinas 3.8 mi 5.3
McKinnon Salinas 4.1 mi 3.3
Lagunita Elementary Salinas 3.5 mi 7.8
North Monterey County High Castroville 3.6 mi 6.7
Harden Middle Salinas 4.7 mi 5.5
Oasis Charter Public Salinas 4.9 mi 4.9
ANTHEM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Salinas 4.9 mi 6.3
Anthem Christian School Salinas 4.9 mi
North Salinas High Salinas 5.0 mi 6.9
New Republic Elementary Salinas 4.9 mi 4.5
Henry F. Kammann Elementary Salinas 5.2 mi 4.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 93907 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$103,268

Median Home Value

$676,700

Median Rent

$2,122/mo

Population

24,922

College Educated

21.6%

Homeownership

68.3%

Avg Commute

29.7 min

Poverty Rate

9.2%

Median Age

37.6

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
ACCESS Juvenile Hall Costa Mesa, CA 5.2
KOLBE ACADEMY & TRINITY PREP Napa, CA 5.2
Olive Grove Charter - Lompoc Santa Maria, CA 5.2
MONTEREY BAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Seaside, CA 5.3
NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Olivehurst, CA 5.3
Oak Knoll Alternative Glendora, CA 5.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about North Monterey County Center for Independent Study

What grades does North Monterey County Center for Independent Study serve?

North Monterey County Center for Independent Study serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend North Monterey County Center for Independent Study?

North Monterey County Center for Independent Study has an enrollment of approximately 131 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at North Monterey County Center for Independent Study?

The student-teacher ratio at North Monterey County Center for Independent Study is 26.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does North Monterey County Center for Independent Study rank in CA?

North Monterey County Center for Independent Study ranks #6,964 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is North Monterey County Center for Independent Study's MySchoolScout rating?

North Monterey County Center for Independent Study has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 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 North Monterey County Center for Independent Study?

Based on loaded state assessment records, North Monterey County Center for Independent Study has 17% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 39% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is North Monterey County Center for Independent Study a charter school?

No, North Monterey County Center for Independent Study is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is North Monterey County Center for Independent Study a Title I school?

No, North Monterey County Center for Independent Study is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for North Monterey County Center for Independent Study?

77.1% of students at North Monterey County Center for Independent Study 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
19 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
21 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
131
Student-Teacher Ratio
26.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
5
Free/Reduced Lunch
77.1%
Type
alternative
Setting
Midsize Suburb
County
Monterey County
4-Year Graduation
77.0%

District

North Monterey County Unified
District Enrollment
4,435
Schools in District
8
Per-Pupil Spending
$20,402
District Rank
#4 of 7

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.