Excellent
#184 of 9,539 schools in CA
Top 2% in state
Santa Monica Alternative (k-8)
Elementary School · Santa Monica-Malibu Unified
2525 Fifth St., Santa Monica, CA 90405
Enrollment
219
Student-Teacher
21.9:1
Score
9.2
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
219
Student-Teacher
21.9:1
Score
9.2
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#184 of 9,539
In Santa Monica
#3 of 12
public schools
In district
#3 of 15
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified
Academic growth
9.8 / 10
Excellent
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Santa Monica Alternative (k-8)
Elementary School in Santa Monica · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Olympic High (continuation)
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Smartstart Developmental Learning Center
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Santa Monica Alternative (k-8)
Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) is a public elementary school in Santa Monica, CA, part of Santa Monica-Malibu Unified. Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) serves approximately 219 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 21.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) has a current MySchoolScout rating of 9.2 out of 10 and ranks #184 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) show 63% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 73% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 9.2 · Excellent
- District avg 8.5
- CA avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) 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.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) — Students at Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) score 71% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 67%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
12.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 32 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.8/10.
How Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) Compares
See how Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
2525 Fifth St., Santa Monica, CA 90405
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Broadway Elementary (rated 9.6/10, 1.2 miles away, in nearby Venice), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Grant Elementary (rated 9.2/10, 1.4 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Will Rogers Elementary (rated 8.3/10, 0.7 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Santa Monica, see our Santa Monica schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Olympic High (Continuation) Santa Monica | 0.2 mi | 4.3 |
| SmartStart Developmental Learning Center Santa Monica | 0.3 mi | — |
| SmartStart Academy Santa Monica | 0.3 mi | — |
| Santa Monica High Santa Monica | 0.5 mi | 9.4 |
| Will Rogers Elementary Santa Monica | 0.7 mi | 8.3 |
| John Adams Middle Santa Monica | 0.9 mi | 8.7 |
| Westminster Avenue Elementary Venice | 1.1 mi | 7.7 |
| PS1 PLURALISTIC SCHOOL Santa Monica | 1.2 mi | 6.7 |
| PS1 Pluralistic School Santa Monica | 1.2 mi | — |
| Westside Waldorf School Santa Monica | 1.3 mi | — |
| WALDORF EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Santa Monica | 1.3 mi | — |
| DRAGON ROCC ACADEMY Santa Monica | 1.3 mi | — |
| Animo Venice Charter High Los Angeles | 1.2 mi | 8.3 |
| Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences Santa Monica | 1.4 mi | — |
| CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES Santa Monica | 1.4 mi | 6.3 |
| Sycamore Community School Santa Monica | 1.3 mi | — |
| Broadway Elementary Venice | 1.2 mi | 9.6 |
| St. Anne Elementary Santa Monica | 1.5 mi | — |
| ST ANNES SCHOOL Santa Monica | 1.5 mi | 7.0 |
| Grant Elementary Santa Monica | 1.4 mi | 9.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 90405 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$114,489
Median Home Value
$1,940,700
Median Rent
$2,311/mo
Population
26,809
College Educated
69.8%
Homeownership
31.1%
Avg Commute
27.4 min
Poverty Rate
9.1%
Median Age
42.2
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Arroyo San Carlos, CA | 9.2 |
| Brainard Elementary Lake View Terrace, CA | 9.2 |
| Del Mar Heights Elementary Del Mar, CA | 9.2 |
| ICEF Vista Elementary Academy Los Angeles, CA | 9.2 |
| Muir (John) Elementary San Francisco, CA | 9.2 |
| Old Mill Elementary Mill Valley, CA | 9.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Santa Monica Alternative (k-8)
What grades does Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) serve?
Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
How many students attend Santa Monica Alternative (k-8)?
Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) has an enrollment of approximately 219 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Santa Monica Alternative (k-8)?
The student-teacher ratio at Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) 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 Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) rank in CA?
Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) ranks #184 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is Santa Monica Alternative (k-8)'s MySchoolScout rating?
Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) has a current MySchoolScout rating of 9.2 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 Santa Monica Alternative (k-8)?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) has 63% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 73% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) a charter school?
No, Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) a Title I school?
No, Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Santa Monica Alternative (k-8)?
12.8% of students at Santa Monica Alternative (k-8) qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 8th
- Enrollment
- 219
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 10
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 12.8%
- Type
- alternative
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Los Angeles County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 19.2%
- Phone
- (310) 396-2640
Resources & Links
District
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified- District Enrollment
- 8,641
- Schools in District
- 17
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $24,994
- District Rank
- #3 of 15
Other Schools in This District
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