Public School Review - Established 2003

Pajaro Valley Unified School District

294 Green Valley Rd.
Watsonville, CA 95076-1300
(District boundaries shown in map)
: 
3/
10
Bottom 50%
Tel: (831) 786-2100
www.pvusd.net

Top Rankings

Pajaro Valley Unified School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in California for:

Category
Attribute
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
For the 2025 school year, there are 34 public schools serving 16,921 students in Pajaro Valley Unified School District. This district's average testing ranking is 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
Public Schools in Pajaro Valley Unified School District have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the California public school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 47% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).

Overview

This School District
This State (CA)
# Schools
34 Schools
10,417 Schools
# Students
16,921 Students
5,836,351 Students
# Teachers
801 Teachers
268,443 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
21:1
21:1

District Rank

Pajaro Valley Unified School District, which is ranked #1519 of all 1,930 school districts in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 88% has increased from 86% over five school years.
Definition of Terms
This School District
State Average (CA)
#1517 out of 1941 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
This chart displays the overall district rank of Pajaro Valley Unified School District, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
17%
33%
This chart displays the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Math of Pajaro Valley Unified School District and the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Math of California by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
27%
47%
This chart displays the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Reading/Language Arts of Pajaro Valley Unified School District and the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Reading/Language Arts of California by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
17%
29%
This chart displays the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Science of Pajaro Valley Unified School District and the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Science of California by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
88%
87%
This chart displays public school graduation rate of Pajaro Valley Unified School District and public school graduation rate of California by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.

Students by Ethnicity:

0.28
0.63
# American Indian Students
21 Students
25,834 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
1%
# Asian Students
184 Students
706,211 Students
% Asian Students
1%
12%
# Hispanic Students
14,172 Students
3,270,518 Students
% Hispanic Students
84%
56%
# Black Students
36 Students
286,712 Students
% Black Students
n/a
5%
# White Students
2,236 Students
1,179,835 Students
% White Students
13%
20%
# Hawaiian Students
21 Students
23,773 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
239 Students
334,411 Students
% of Two or more races Students
2%
6%

Students by Grade:

# Students in PK Grade:
-
83
# Students in K Grade:
1,350
523,125
# Students in 1st Grade:
1,130
397,228
# Students in 2nd Grade:
1,278
415,060
# Students in 3rd Grade:
1,225
417,145
# Students in 4th Grade:
1,309
426,889
# Students in 5th Grade:
1,294
431,136
# Students in 6th Grade:
1,227
433,928
# Students in 7th Grade:
1,359
440,614
# Students in 8th Grade:
1,304
442,869
# Students in 9th Grade:
1,362
466,920
# Students in 10th Grade:
1,334
477,112
# Students in 11th Grade:
1,373
470,060
# Students in 12th Grade:
1,376
494,182
# Ungraded Students:
-
-

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $20,165 is higher than the state median of $19,942. The school district revenue/student has grown by 7% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $18,756 is higher than the state median of $18,366. The school district spending/student has grown by 7% over four school years.
Definition of Terms
This School District
This State (CA)
Total Revenue
$341 MM
$116,387 MM
This chart displays total revenue of Pajaro Valley Unified School District and median value from total revenues of all school districts in California by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
Spending
$317 MM
$107,188 MM
This chart displays total spending of Pajaro Valley Unified School District and median value from total spendings of all school districts in California by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
Revenue / Student
$20,165
$19,942
This chart displays average revenue per public school student in Pajaro Valley Unified School District and average revenue per public school student of all school districts in California by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
Spending / Student
$18,756
$18,366
This chart displays average spending per public school student in Pajaro Valley Unified School District and average spending per public school student of all school districts in California by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.

Best Pajaro Valley Unified School District Public Schools (2025)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Rio Del Mar Elementary School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
819 Pinehurst Dr.
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 688-2053
Grades: K-6
| 408 students
Rank: #22.
Valencia Elementary School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
250 Aptos School Rd.
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 728-7836
Grades: K-6
| 487 students
Rank: #33.
Aptos High School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
100 Mariner Way
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 728-7832
Grades: 9-12
| 1,316 students
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Diamond Technology Institute
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
112 Diamond Dr.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6225
Grades: 9-12
| 83 students
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
New School Community Day
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
165 Harkins Slough Rd.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 761-6140
Grades: 9-12
| 40 students
Rank: #66.
Linscott Charter
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
220 Elm St.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6301
Grades: K-8
| 259 students
Rank: #77.
Aptos Junior High School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1001 Huntington Dr.
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 688-3234
Grades: 7-8
| 588 students
Rank: #88.
Mar Vista Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
6860 Soquel Dr.
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 688-5211
Grades: K-6
| 311 students
Rank: #99.
Pvusd Virtual Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
250 East Beach St.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 786-2482
Grades: K-12
| 74 students
Rank: #1010.
Bradley Elementary School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
321 Corralitos Rd.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6366
Grades: K-6
| 523 students
Rank: #1111.
Alianza Charter
Charter School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
115 Casserly Rd.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6333
Grades: K-8
| 648 students
Rank: #1212.
Watsonville Charter School Of The Arts
Charter School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
115 Casserly Rd. West Campus
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-8123
Grades: K-8
| 408 students
Rank: #1313.
Pajaro Valley High School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
500 Harkins Slough Rd.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-8102
Grades: 9-12
| 1,428 students
Rank: #1414.
Pacific Coast Charter
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
294 Green Valley Rd.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 786-2180
Grades: K-12
| 197 students
Rank: #1515.
Freedom Elementary School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
25 Holly Dr.
Freedom, CA 95019
(831) 728-6260
Grades: K-5
| 499 students
Rank: #1616.
Starlight Elementary School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 21%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
225 Hammer Dr.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6974
Grades: K-5
| 414 students
Rank: #1717.
Ohlone Elementary School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
21 Bay Farms Rd.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6977
Grades: K-6
| 452 students
Rank: #1818.
Watsonville High School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
250 East Beach St.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6390
Grades: 9-12
| 2,253 students
Rank: #1919.
Pajaro Middle School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
250 Salinas Rd.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6238
Grades: 7-8
| 286 students
Rank: #2020.
Landmark Elementary School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
235 Ohlone Pkwy.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 761-7940
Grades: K-5
| 405 students
Rank: #2121.
Ann Soldo Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1140 Menasco Dr.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 786-1310
Grades: K-5
| 366 students
Rank: #2222.
Lakeview Middle School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2350 East Lake Ave.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6455
Grades: 6-8
| 410 students
Rank: #2323.
Calabasas Elementary School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 16%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
202 Calabasas Rd.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6368
Grades: K-6
| 497 students
Rank: #2424.
Mintie White Elementary School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
515 Palm Ave.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6321
Grades: K-5
| 499 students
Rank: #2525.
Cesar E. Chavez Middle School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
440 Arthur Rd.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 761-7699
Grades: 6-8
| 547 students
Rank: #2626.
Hall District Elementary School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
300 Sill Rd.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6371
Grades: K-6
| 526 students
Rank: #27 - 2827. - 28.
H. A. Hyde Elementary School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 12%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
125 Alta Vista St.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6243
Grades: K-5
| 444 students
Rank: #27 - 2827. - 28.
T. S. Macquiddy Elementary School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 12%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
330 Martinelli St.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6315
Grades: K-5
| 424 students
Rank: #2929.
Rolling Hills Middle School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
130 Herman Ave.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6341
Grades: 6-8
| 610 students
Rank: #3030.
Amesti Elementary School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 5%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
25 Amesti Rd.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6250
Grades: K-5
| 424 students
Rank: #3131.
E. A. Hall Middle School
(Math: 4% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
201 Brewington Ave.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6270
Grades: 6-8
| 556 students
Rank: #3232.
Radcliff Elementary School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 9%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
550 Rodriguez St.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6469
Grades: K-5
| 417 students
Rank: #3333.
Renaissance High Continuation
Alternative School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
11 Spring Valley Rd.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-6344
Grades: 9-12
| 122 students
Rank: n/an/a
Duncan Holbert
140 Herman Ave.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 761-6066
Grades: n/a
| n/a students

Frequently Asked Questions

How many schools belong to Pajaro Valley Unified School District?
Pajaro Valley Unified School District manages 34 public schools serving 16,921 students.
What is the rank of Pajaro Valley Unified School District?
Pajaro Valley Unified School District is ranked #1519 out of 1,930 school districts in California (bottom 50%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2021-2022 school year. This district ranks in the top 20% of California school districts for: Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
What is the racial composition of students in Pajaro Valley Unified School District?
84% of Pajaro Valley Unified School District students are Hispanic, 13% of students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Pajaro Valley Unified School District?
Pajaro Valley Unified School District has a student/teacher ratio of 21:1, which is lower than the California state average of 22:1.
What is Pajaro Valley Unified School District's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $18,756 is higher than the state median of $18,366. The school district spending/student has grown by 7% over four school years.

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • District size: 34 schools
  • Grades: KG-12
  • Enrollment: 16,921 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 21:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 87%
  • : 88% (Btm 50% in CA)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 17% (Btm 50%)
  • : 27% (Btm 50%)
  • : 17% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

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