Carmel High School has achieved notable rankings in recent assessments, positioning itself among the top educational institutions both nationally and within California. According to data released in spring 2020, Carmel High School ranked 416 out of 17,655 public high schools across the United States, placing it firmly within the top 500 nationwide. In California, it stands at 58 out of 1,652 high schools, and it is recognized as the top high school in the Salinas area.

The school has also received accolades from Niche, a ranking system that emphasizes a more holistic approach to evaluating schools, moving beyond traditional metrics like AP tests and SAT scores. Recently, Niche released its 2025 rankings, where Carmel High School was highlighted as part of the top 10 school districts in California and ranked 53rd nationwide. Additionally, it has been recognized as the leading district in Monterey County.

Carmel River School, part of the same educational network, has also been distinguished as one of only two schools in Monterey County identified by the Educational Results Partnership for its strong student achievement outcomes. These rankings reflect a commitment to educational excellence and a positive environment for both students and teachers in the region.