Paulding Middle

Tucked into the laid-back, small-town charm of Arroyo Grande — one of the Central Coast's most beloved communities — Paulding Middle serves seventh and eighth graders in the well-regarded Lucia Mar Unified district, consistently landing in the top quarter of California middle schools. Families who land here tend to appreciate the balance of strong academics and a tight-knit community feel, with English scores especially standing out. If you're drawn to a slower pace of life, weekend farmers markets, and proximity to both wine country and the beach, raising kids in Arroyo Grande with Paulding in the picture is a genuinely appealing package.