One of the biggest decisions parents make is where their child will attend school. For most families the default is public school and in Monterey County we have some excellent options. The county is home to twenty-four local school districts, each responsible for providing education to students within its designated boundaries.
The county is unique in that it encompasses both urban and rural areas. The county’s public schools reflect this diversity, catering to students from various environments. While schools in Monterey, Salinas, and Seaside offer a more urban educational experience, those in rural areas like King City and Greenfield are often faced with distinct challenges. They must address issues like transportation, access to resources, and a limited tax base.
The Monterey County Office of Education provides leadership, support and service to the county’s districts and charter schools and the over 73,000 students they serve. Dr. Deneen Guss is the Monterey County Superintendent of Schools and is assisted by two deputy superintendents.
MCOE also operates direct student programs that are more cost effective and efficient to offer on a countywide basis.
Under the leadership of the Office of Education, innovative programs to serve homeless families, foster students, migrant families, and bilingual children are implemented.
MCOE also offers special education programs to school districts to provide a self contained special class option and related services for their students with moderate to severe disabilities.
Given the diversity of the population, bilingual education plays a crucial role in Monterey County’s public schools. The county’s commitment to fostering bilingualism is evident through dual-language immersion programs that provide students with the opportunity to become proficient.
Public schools in Monterey County have been recognized over the years with numerous awards. Most recently, Washington Union Elementary School in the Washington Union School District received the 2023 Distinguished School Award. Carmel High School earned the Exemplary Arts Education Recognition.
In 2022, Lagunita School was named as a California Middle School to watch and Mount Toro was recognized as a Model Continuation School
The California School Boards Association announced that the Bob Hoover Academy at Monterey County Office of Education received a Golden Bell Award. Alisal Union School District won a Golden Bell Award for a Collaborative Leadership Professional Development for Teachers program.
To entroll a student in a Monterey County public school, parents should check the MCOE website to find their home district.
For parents who want to transfer their child to a school that is outside of your normal school district (outside the city in which you live), you must first request an inter-district transfer form from your current school district. If your appeal is denied at the district level, then you can request an opportunity to appeal the decision to the Monterey County Board of Education.