Average
#5488 of 9,539 schools in CA
Watsonville High
High School · Pajaro Valley Unified
250 East Beach St., Watsonville, CA 95076
Enrollment
2,253
Student-Teacher
23.5:1
Score
6.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,253
Student-Teacher
23.5:1
Score
6.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#5,488 of 9,539
In Watsonville
#8 of 27
public schools
In district
#10 of 33
Pajaro Valley Unified
Academic growth
7.4 / 10
Very Good
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Watsonville High
High School in Watsonville · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Pvusd Virtual Academy
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Central Christian School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Watsonville High
Watsonville High is a public high school in Watsonville, CA, part of Pajaro Valley Unified. Watsonville High serves approximately 2,253 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 23.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Watsonville High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 out of 10 and ranks #5,488 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for Watsonville High show 24% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
What's said publicly about Watsonville High
Synthesized from public, attributable sources. Updated April 2026. Reviewed for accuracy.
Sources (2)
- This school 6.0 · Average
- District avg 6.6
- CA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
Watsonville High is a large school: 2,253 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.
Watsonville High runs 23.5:1 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
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Watsonville High — Students at Watsonville High score 21% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 22%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
92.7%
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: 7.4/10.
How Watsonville High Compares
See how Watsonville 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
250 East Beach St., Watsonville, CA 95076
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Watsonville High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Diamond Technology Institute (rated 8.9/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is New School Community Day (rated 6.2/10, 1.4 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Ceiba College Preparatory Academy (rated 6.1/10, 0.7 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Watsonville, see our Watsonville schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| PVUSD Virtual Academy Watsonville | 0.0 mi | 7.6 |
| CENTRAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Watsonville | 0.2 mi | — |
| Linscott Charter Watsonville | 0.2 mi | 5.0 |
| Watsonville Prep Hollister | 0.3 mi | 8.1 |
| E. A. Hall Middle Watsonville | 0.4 mi | 3.7 |
| Mintie White Elementary Watsonville | 0.5 mi | 4.3 |
| Moreland Notre Dame Watsonville | 0.4 mi | — |
| MORELAND NOTRE DAME SCHOOL Watsonville | 0.4 mi | 5.5 |
| Radcliff Elementary Watsonville | 0.5 mi | 3.4 |
| Ceiba College Preparatory Academy Watsonville | 0.7 mi | 6.1 |
| T. S. MacQuiddy Elementary Watsonville | 1.0 mi | 3.2 |
| Pajaro Middle Watsonville | 1.0 mi | 4.7 |
| Ann Soldo Elementary Watsonville | 1.0 mi | 5.3 |
| Cesar E. Chavez Middle Watsonville | 1.1 mi | 4.6 |
| H. A. Hyde Elementary Watsonville | 1.3 mi | 5.3 |
| Starlight Elementary Watsonville | 1.2 mi | 4.9 |
| Landmark Elementary Watsonville | 1.3 mi | 4.3 |
| Diamond Technology Institute Watsonville | 1.4 mi | 8.9 |
| New School Community Day Watsonville | 1.4 mi | 6.2 |
| Lakeview Middle Watsonville | 1.9 mi | 3.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 95076 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$86,685
Median Home Value
$767,200
Median Rent
$1,851/mo
Population
82,409
College Educated
19.3%
Homeownership
56.2%
Avg Commute
27.8 min
Poverty Rate
13.2%
Median Age
36.8
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Anaheim High Anaheim, CA | 6.0 |
| Andrew P. Hill High San Jose, CA | 6.0 |
| Centennial High Bakersfield, CA | 6.0 |
| Century High Santa Ana, CA | 6.0 |
| Ceres High Ceres, CA | 6.0 |
| Gilroy High Gilroy, CA | 6.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Watsonville High
What grades does Watsonville High serve?
Watsonville High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Watsonville High?
Watsonville High has an enrollment of approximately 2,253 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Watsonville High?
The student-teacher ratio at Watsonville High is 23.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Watsonville High rank in CA?
Watsonville High ranks #5,488 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is Watsonville High's MySchoolScout rating?
Watsonville High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 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 Watsonville High?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Watsonville High has 24% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Watsonville High a charter school?
No, Watsonville High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Watsonville High a Title I school?
No, Watsonville High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Watsonville High?
92.7% of students at Watsonville 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,253
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 23.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 96
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 92.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Santa Cruz County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 23.8%
- Phone
- (831) 728-6390
- 4-Year Graduation
- 86.0%
Resources & Links
District
Pajaro Valley Unified- District Enrollment
- 17,013
- Schools in District
- 34
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $20,409
- District Rank
- #10 of 33
Other Schools in This District
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