Mountain Oaks

Mountain Oaks is a small K-12 charter school tucked into the Gold Rush foothills of San Andreas, serving families who want something a little different from the traditional public school path in a county where options are limited. The school's standout science scores suggest a hands-on, inquiry-driven approach that fits well with the rural, outdoorsy character of Calaveras County — think gold panning history, caverns, and open land practically in the backyard. Families drawn to tight-knit learning communities, where kids are known by name from kindergarten through graduation, will find a lot to like here.