- North Monterey County Middle — Grades 7–8 · 624 students
- North Monterey County High — Grades 9–12 · 1,250 students
- Central Bay High (Continuation) — Grades 9–12 · 23 students
- Prunedale Elementary — Grades K–6 · 644 students
- Castroville Elementary — Grades K–6 · 600 students
- Elkhorn Elementary — Grades K–6 · 550 students
- Echo Valley Elementary — Grades K–6 · 502 students
- North Monterey County Center for Independent Study — Grades 7–12 · 96 students
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| Metric | North Monterey County Unified School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 4,483 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 8 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $15,700/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 2/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Monterey County Unified School District (this district) | 2/10 | 15th | 4,483 |
| Morgan Hill Unified School District | 6/10 | 57th | 8,013 |
| San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District | 8/10 | 71st | 2,384 |
| Milpitas Unified School District | 10/10 | 91st | 9,967 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 963 rated districts in CA → 15th percentile → 2/10.
Source: California Dept. of Education CAASPP Smarter Balanced, 2023–24 school year. Full methodology →
About North Monterey County Unified School District
North Monterey County Unified School District serves zip code 95039, covering North Monterey, California with grades Kindergarten – 12th. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in California spend approximately $15,700 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), above the national average (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Above-average spending generally translates to more instructional resources per student, stronger program variety at the middle and high school levels, and better-maintained facilities. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
At 8 schools serving grades Kindergarten – 12th, North Monterey County Unified School District qualifies as a mid-sized district serving students from Kindergarten – 12th. Mid-sized districts strike a balance between community-scale relationships and sufficient program breadth. Most offer core academic tracks, basic extracurricular programs, and adequate student support services.
Understanding the 2/10 Rating
With a rating of 2/10 (poor), North Monterey County Unified School District ranks among California’s low-rated-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in California’s CAASPP Smarter Balanced assessments (2023–24 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because California is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
North Monterey County Unified School District holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in California on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 95039
Children in zip code 95039 are assigned to North Monterey County Unified School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Kindergarten – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 95039, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact North Monterey County Unified School District at (831)633-3343 or visit www.nmcusd.org. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — California districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in North Monterey
For families considering a purchase in the North Monterey area, district assignment matters financially. Because North Monterey County Unified School District serves zip code 95039, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 95039. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In California, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support North Monterey County Unified School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 95039.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with North Monterey County Unified School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 95039 data.