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Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center Monterey

Monterey, California

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Schools & Education


Local Schools

California public schools serve the USAG Presidio of Monterey and Defense Language Institute.  There are no Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools in the area.  The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) serves all military housing areas and the cities of Monterey, Seaside, Del Rey Oaks, Marina and Sand City.  Additionally, Pacific Grove Unified, Carmel Unified, Washington Union, Spreckles, Salinas, and North Monterey County School Districts serve the surrounding area.  For links to all local school districts, go to the Monterey School Liaison website and click on the Local School District link.

Private, alternative and home schooling is available in the area.  There are no Magnet Schools; however there are charter schools.  You can find a listing of local private and charter schools by going to this link.  There is a military home school support group for the Monterey area.  Contact the school liaison officer at 831-242-6904 for further information.

Public Schools

The MPUSD has 10 elementary, 4 middle schools and 4 high schools (one being an alternative school for credit recovery) serving approximately 11,250 students.  Current student/teacher ratio is 24.96/1 in Kindergarten, 31/1 in 1st – 3rd grades, and 30+/1 in all other grades.  Each school is accredited by the California Department of Education and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Entrance Requirements

Students attending MPUSD must live in the attendance area or apply and be approved for an inter-district transfer.

Age requirements are:

  • Kindergarten Programs.  A child must be 5 years of age by December 2.  Kindergarten in full day.
  • First Grade.   A child must be 6 years of age by December 2.

There are no exceptions to this policy unless a student transfers mid-year or between Kindergarten and 1st grade from a state that has a later cut-off date and successfully completed kindergarten.  Pre-school programs are available in some of the elementary schools but acceptance is based on family income or special needs.

Grading Scale

Grading system is based on California academic standards.

Standardized test – School Accountability Report Card (SARC)  

Bus Transportation

Bus transportation is limited for Monterey Peninsula Unified School District students and is based on distance from school.  Also, families are charged for transportation.  Special Education transportation is provided free of charge and regardless of distance from school.

Lunch Program

Free or reduced lunch program is also available at school and is based on total family income.

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