Best Public Schools in Watsonville, CA

The city of Watsonville, California is home to 28 schools, including 16 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 5 high schools, and 2 alternative schools. These schools are primarily part of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, with a few exceptions like Ceiba College Preparatory Academy District and Watsonville Prep District.

Among the standout schools in Watsonville are Diamond Technology Institute, a public charter high school with a 100% graduation rate and impressive test scores, and Ceiba College Preparatory Academy, another public charter high school with a 100% graduation rate. The Linscott Charter elementary/middle school also stands out with high test scores. However, several schools, such as Rolling Hills Middle, E. A. Hall Middle, and Cesar E. Chavez Middle, struggle with low test scores and high chronic absenteeism rates.

Overall, the schools in Watsonville face challenges, with many performing significantly below state averages, particularly in Mathematics. The district has high rates of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, and some schools struggle with racial diversity. However, the presence of high-performing charter schools suggests that there are opportunities for improvement and innovation within the education system in Watsonville.