Hillcrest Middle

Hillcrest Middle sits in the heart of Sebastopol, a laid-back Sonoma County town known for its apple orchards, farm-to-table culture, and fiercely independent spirit — and the school fits right in as a charter option that punches well above its size. Scoring in the mid-to-upper 80s across English, math, and science, it's a strong academic fit for families who want rigorous outcomes without the pressure-cooker feel of a big suburban district. If you're drawn to the kind of community where kids bike to school past redwoods and parents actually show up to things, Sebastopol — and Hillcrest — tends to attract exactly that crowd.