Best High Schools in Zip Code 93923

Zip code 93923 in Carmel, California, is served by two public high schools within the Carmel Unified district, both serving grades 9-12 but offering vastly different educational experiences.

Carmel High is a standout comprehensive high school, consistently ranking among the top schools in the state with exceptional academic results, a 98.5% graduation rate, and student performance that significantly outpaces California averages in every core subject. In contrast, Carmel Valley High is a very small alternative program with only 10 students, which historically struggled academically and currently reports no recent test scores alongside an alarmingly high chronic absenteeism rate of 70.8%.

The district's strength is evident at Carmel High, but a notable paradox exists in resource allocation: Carmel Valley High spends over $58,000 per student—58% more than Carmel High—despite its tiny size and significant challenges. For parents, this area offers a top-tier traditional high school option in Carmel High, supported by a high-performing district, alongside a much smaller, resource-intensive alternative program whose current effectiveness and purpose are less clear due to gaps in reported data.