Serving 1,428 students in grades 9-12, Pajaro Valley High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 12% (which is lower than the California state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 36% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,428 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 85% (Btm 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 36% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Pajaro Valley High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Pajaro Valley High School's student population of 1,428 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 66 teachers has grown by 32% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,428 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
66 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Pajaro Valley High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,602 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Pajaro Valley High School is 0.06, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#7168 out of 9602 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
12%
Hispanic
97%
56%
Black
n/a
5%
White
2%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
66%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pajaro Valley High School's ranking?
Pajaro Valley High School is ranked #7168 out of 9,602 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Pajaro Valley High School often compared to?
Pajaro Valley High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Watsonville High School, Aptos High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
12% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CA state average), while 36% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Pajaro Valley High School?
The graduation rate of Pajaro Valley High School is 85%, which is lower than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Pajaro Valley High School?
1,428 students attend Pajaro Valley High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
97% of Pajaro Valley High School students are Hispanic, 2% of students are White, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Pajaro Valley High School?
Pajaro Valley High School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Pajaro Valley High School offer ?
Pajaro Valley High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Pajaro Valley High School part of?
Pajaro Valley High School is part of Pajaro Valley Unified School District.
School Reviews
2 1/10/2011
I had a child go through this school and have another i am considering removing. The academic programs do not prepare students for success after high school, many students are unable of writing complete paragraphs as seniors but their teachers work with them so much that they find a way to graduate their seniors, i guess to keep stats up.
My child was saved because he played football, and despite failing most of his classes, their Athletic Director still allowed my child, and several of his friends to play... i did not like this but it did help keep my child active and busy. They have a year round basket ball program and not many schools offer that. Their AD is also the head basketball coach so the school runs practices year round... which is good.
The administration does not return phone calls when it is a problem that needs to be discussed.. and i went to a meeting where the actual AD told us if we didn't like it at pvhs to take our kids out of the school... which many parents did not tolerate.
Counseling is probably the only hi point for this school, but the district cut the number of counselors on the site and they just released an amazing counselor because he and the AD dd not see eye to eye, being released for the same behavior the actual AD was doing with my child, allowing him to play without grades.
There are many charter schools which pay much more attention to making things better for students and creating opportunities... and not just ignoring problems until they go away or are so big that you just get rid of them by losing staff or transferring students.
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