Live Oak’s public schools outscore 71% of California districts
The grade covers the two public school districts serving Live Oak, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests. In Live Oak, 53% of tested students read at a proficient level, above the California average (47%). Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within California, not nationally.
From California state tests taken in spring 2022, when 97% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2020’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Live Oak’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 567 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Live Oak’s, its schools beat 78%, higher than their 71% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on tests
Reading proficiency is 53% and math 37% across both districts in spring 2022, against 47% and 33% statewide. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
Live Oak Elementary spends $20,155 per student and Soquel Elementary $16,591, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Four elementary schools, then one middle school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 6 the district’s path is Ocean Alternative Education Center. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Tierra Pacifica Charter, VHM Christian School (private) and The Bay School (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2020; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Live Oak’s grade
B+: better than 71% of California school districts, #244 of 847 California towns. Test scores are above the California average; there is no graduation rate to add.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Live Oak, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Live Oak
Ocean Alternative Education Center
Grades K–8 · 76 students · 22:1 students per teacher · in Santa Cruz
To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Three districts serve Live Oak
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Live Oak vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Live Oak’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Live Oak | B+ | Live Oak Elementary K–8 · Soquel Elementary K–8 · Santa Cruz City High |
| Santa Cruz | A− | Santa Cruz City Elementary K–5 · Santa Cruz City High |
| Capitola | A− | Soquel Elementary K–8 · Santa Cruz City High |
Every school in Live Oak
7 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with California’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (Special Education Preschool).
Questions about Live Oak’s schools
Are Live Oak’s schools good?
By California’s own tests, yes: the public schools Live Oak children attend outscore 71% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B+ Schools grade, #244 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 78%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2020.
What school district is Live Oak in?
Santa Cruz City High School District, which runs grades and enrolls 0 students in 0 schools (2024–25).
How much does Live Oak spend per student?
$20,155 in Live Oak Elementary School District and $16,591 in Soquel Elementary School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Live Oak?
Yes: VHM Christian School (religious, grades K–8, 44 students) and The Bay School (special education, grades , 33 students). Live Oak also has 1 charter school, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Live Oak families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Live Oak → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2020) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within California. Stars are from neighbors.