Westlake Elementary

Westlake Elementary sits in one of California's most naturally stunning settings, where redwood forests meet the Pacific coastline — and the school's strong academics, particularly in science, feel right at home in a community that genuinely values the outdoors and environmental curiosity. Families drawn to Santa Cruz's laid-back but intellectually engaged culture will find a lot to like here, with scores well above state averages across English, math, and especially science. It's the kind of neighborhood school that attracts parents who want their kids to thrive academically without sacrificing that classic Santa Cruz sense of exploration and community.