Ocean Alternative Education Center

Ocean Alternative Education Center is a fitting name for a school that truly does things differently — tucked into the laid-back, creatively-minded community of Santa Cruz, it draws families who are looking for something outside the traditional classroom mold. The science scores stand out impressively, which might reflect the kind of hands-on, inquiry-driven learning that alternative programs often do well, even if English and math scores lag behind grade-level expectations. This is a school that tends to attract parents who prioritize a nontraditional approach and value the free-spirited, beach-town culture of Santa Cruz as part of their child's broader education.