Lagunita Elementary

Set in Salinas, California, Lagunita Elementary is a minimally staffed elementary school, one of the schools within Lagunita Elementary. It enrolls 62 students across grades K through 6. Compared to the state average of about 465 students per school, that is 87% smaller than typical.

Lagunita Elementary sits inside Lagunita Elementary, the local public-school operator responsible for the campus.

In terms of who attends, Lagunita Elementary lists that the largest single group is Hispanic at 50%, but no single group is in the majority. The remainder reads as 45% White, 5% multiracial. The wider county runs roughly 62% Hispanic, putting the school's mix visibly less Hispanic than the area baseline.

Looking at school resources, The school reports having 5 full-time-equivalent teachers, for a student-teacher ratio near 12.4:1. Statewide, the average ratio sits near 22.3:1, putting Lagunita Elementary tighter than the state norm the norm. Around 10% of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, a commonly cited indicator of low-income enrollment. By comparison, Monterey County runs at roughly 76%, so the school's eligibility rate is below the surrounding baseline.

In the broader community, community-level numbers for Monterey County indicate median household income runs about $97,230, 28% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and census figures put the poverty rate at about 10%. Lagunita Elementary is one of 153 public schools in Monterey County (combined enrollment of about 73,845 students).

The closest other public school is John Gutierrez Middle, roughly 3.1 miles away. Within five miles, there are 8 other public schools.

Lagunita Elementary operates from a countryside location.

Looking at the recent track record. Looking back 7 years, enrollment at Lagunita Elementary has declined 37%, going from 98 students in 2018 to 62 in 2025. The Hispanic share of enrollment ticked up from 43% to 50% over that span. The student-to-teacher ratio pulled in from 19.6:1 in 2018 to 12.4:1 today.

In the discussion threads here, posts here usually surface around pickup logistics, teacher feedback, and after-school programs. The community welcomes input from current and former families.