Santa Cruz High

Santa Cruz High serves 1,104 students in grades 9-12 in the heart of Santa Cruz, California, earning recognition as one of the state's top-performing public high schools. With a MySchoolScout rating of 8.2 out of 10 and ranking in the 90th percentile statewide at #970 out of 9,566 California schools, the school demonstrates strong academic achievement across its student body. The school's 50 full-time equivalent teachers maintain a student-teacher ratio of 22.1 to 1, supporting students who excel particularly in English Language Arts, where 75% score proficient or above.

In mathematics, 58% of students achieve proficiency or higher, reflecting solid performance in this critical subject area. Santa Cruz High draws from a diverse community where 55% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, contributing to a college-focused environment. The surrounding neighborhood reflects California's coastal prosperity, with a median household income of $101,962, though the 18.2% poverty rate indicates the school serves families across the economic spectrum.

Located on Walnut Avenue in this vibrant small city, Santa Cruz High benefits from its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the unique culture of Santa Cruz County, where academic excellence meets the relaxed atmosphere of coastal California living.

The student-teacher ratio at Santa Cruz High is 22.1:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.