Serving 52 students in grades 6-12, Ark Independent Studies ranks in the top 30% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 21-39% (which is approximately equal to the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-79% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 26:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 52 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 26:1
- Minority Enrollment: 54%
- Graduation Rate: ≥80% (Btm 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 21-39% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-79% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Ark Independent Studies ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Community Size
School Overview
Ark Independent Studies's student population of 52 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 2 teachers has declined by 33% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Total Students
52 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
2 teachers
School Rankings
Ark Independent Studies ranks within the top 30% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ark Independent Studies is 0.59, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2841 out of 9523 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-79%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
26:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
12%
Hispanic
44%
56%
Black
2%
5%
White
46%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥80%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
37%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
3%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ark Independent Studies's ranking?
Ark Independent Studies is ranked #2841 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in California.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
21-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 60-79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Ark Independent Studies?
The graduation rate of Ark Independent Studies is 80%, which is lower than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Ark Independent Studies?
52 students attend Ark Independent Studies.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
46% of Ark Independent Studies students are White, 44% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Ark Independent Studies?
Ark Independent Studies has a student ration of 26:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Ark Independent Studies offer ?
Ark Independent Studies offers enrollment in grades 6-12
What school district is Ark Independent Studies part of?
Ark Independent Studies is part of Santa Cruz City High School District.
School Reviews
Review Ark Independent Studies. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.

Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.

Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.