2023 Best Charter Elementary Schools in the San Diego Area

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: This is an amazing school both of my children have flourished here...it’s one of the best schools in San Diego.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 366

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• El Cajon, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  28 reviews

Parent: We've been a part of LFCS for 11 years. Now all 4 of my kids are in school there and we are so thankful for a safe, consistent learning environment for them. I so appreciate that the school takes a neutral position on any and all political or controversial issues, and instead encourages kids to ask their parents what their family values are. Also, there are regular meetings where parents are encouraged to attend and learn more about the inner workings of the school. And I'm always impressed with the school's financial transparency and fiscal responsibility. They operate within the budget and welcome questions from parents regarding spending. If you're unsure about whether this is the school for you, attend a tour and get informed. They are happy to answer any questions you have!... Read 28 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,862

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Chula Vista, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Arroyo Vista did a wonderful job accepting our kindergarten child. First online and later in hybrid. This year in first grade has been wonderful in-person learning. My child is very motivated to learn.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 944

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade A

• Students 249

• Student-teacher ratio 31:1

• Encinitas, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-8

• grade A

• Students 281

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Vista, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  166 reviews

Senior: Guajome has this lovely small school feel to it that has taught me everything in preparation for my future in social life and in college, even beyond that. They give enough resources and plenty of options for unique and rigorus classes that any person would love to experience. The implantations of the IB courses has benefitted me and everyone I've talked with on how it reflects freshman college courses perfectly, but in a way for high school upper classmen to still enjoy their high school years without the stress of living on campus or having to pay for classes. I've been at Guajome since 6th grade in 2016 and I'm a senior now ready to graduate in 2023, and I have to say the best thing about Guajome has been the staff and teachers. They are always very welcoming with issues and the teachers passion for teaching is shown every single day which has motived me to do better and become the person I am today.... Read 166 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,409

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Chula Vista, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade A

• Students 879

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  111 reviews

Senior: I like the O'farrell Charcte School because of the resources it provided such as AVID and career development where they have brought genuine graduates and people who have experience within their careers to give us advice. The high school brings lots of resources to the attention of students so that we get to have more opportunities. Not only that but we also have been provided with a program known as Outdoor Outreach where we get funded to be able to attend this program where they take make it an option whether or not to attend one of their outings for free. For example, they provide the school with kayaking, paddle boarding, snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing, and so much more. Furthermore, even though the high school is small it still brings more people closer together through its classes, clubs, and sports. Personally, a club I have been a part of has been Chess, Tea Club, Gardening Club, Crotchet Club, Mecha, and Mesa. Even if you're a newcomer you'd still be very much accepted.... Read 111 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,929

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: The BEST OF THE BEST educational enrichment program in San Diego! For three years, Kavod has been a second family to our son. With their hands on approach, the seasoned administration and staff have armored our son with knowledge, character, social skills, and self-esteem that has spring boarded him towards his current and future success.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• Students 403

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Ever since my daughters joined Museum I noticed so much more enthusiasm towards learning, towards attending in general. They're project-oriented learning style really clicks with the kids, and they seem to know so much about every subject. The staff holds events constantly, which keep the parents participating and aware of the things that happen day to day at school. Their building is not huge, it is not fancy, but what it lacks on modernism, it has it on commitment. We as a family are absolutely in love with this school and would not change it for any other in the SD Unified School District.... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 222

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Jamul, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  9 reviews

Senior: This is an excellent school! Staff is friendly and supportive. They know you by name and help you succeed academically. Anyone looking for personalized learning for free with great teachers should attend this homeschool!... Read 9 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 216

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Oceanside, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  12 reviews

Sophomore: Everyone at Coastal academy including both the staff and the students are very inclusive to new people of all sorts. I specifically like how understanding the teachers are at this academy, they demonstrate flexibility while being able to efficiently teach subjects in graspable ways.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,981

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  38 reviews

Junior: The Learning Choice Academy is a charter school which offers K-12 education. I'm currently a junior in high school, and I've been with the school since the second semester of kindergarten. The small class sizes offer a very tight-knit, personal community of students, and many of my friends have been in my grade since middle or even elementary school, although new students are usually able to integrate quite well. As for the educational prospects, the school offers a reasonably good curriculum for elementary and middle schoolers, but the lack of elective classes and clubs in high school is somewhat of a detriment. Aside from that, however, the Learning Choice Academy is a very solid school.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 239

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Escondido, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: The administration and teachers are all incredible, and the education is exemplary! Our family drives 45 minutes to school, and consider it entirely worth it!... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 1,299

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Great administration and teachers! My daughter loves this school especially their Taekwondo program!... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 430

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: The school culture is amazing! There is a wonderful connection between administrative staff, teachers, parents, and students. The best thing about the school is that it tailors to the whole-child: academics, athletics, arts, and the socioal/emotional well-being. Teachers catch academic concerns in early years, and there is an amazing system of support from in-school counseling, before and after school tutoring, and enrichment programs that are academic and non-academic.... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 801

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Vista, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-8

• grade A minus

• Students 698

• Student-teacher ratio 28:1

• Escondido, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  26 reviews

Alum: I love Dehesa. I still do! Everyone there is so kind. Thinking back on how much trouble I caused, I feel pretty guilty. It's a very unique place! There are coding classes, which is where I first started to code! A coding class is something I've never seen before. And yet, I'm going into ninth grade and I still haven't seen another coding class in the schools I've gone to! I love Dehesa. I've been seeing some negatives for charter schools in the news, and I think they're totally wrong! One of my teachers told me "You'll never know unless you try", so how do the reporters know that charter school is that bad? It's actually better than most in my opinion. I remember theatre play for "Bedtime Stories (As told by our dad who messed them up)". Our dinosaur actor brought in this huge inflatable dino suit! Remembering my role as the sheep and being pulled back and forth warms my heart. I miss California with all of my being. I'm so happy I'll be moving back! I want to go back to Dehesa asap!... Read 26 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 553

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-5

• grade B+

• Students 401

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Chula Vista, CA•

• Public School•

• K-5

• grade B+

• Students 429

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Escondido, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  32 reviews

Senior: Classical Academy is, in my opinion from being a student, one of the best High Schools (academic wise) in Escondido. All the teachers care deeply about the subject they teach are highly invested in the school spirit as well as contribute to the overall atmosphere of Classical. The one thing about Classical that would make people stray away from attending is the sports department. Because the school is very young, the sports are not as developed compared to those in the area. Although this is something I would personally wish would change about the school, they have done a good job in the past three years for the divisions that some of the sports are in such as Boys and Girls basketball advancing to CIF as well as Swim and Waterpolo for both boys and girls. Baseball and a few others are growing in their coaching and ability. With time, the sports department could also contribute to the greatness of Classical.... Read 32 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,742

• Student-teacher ratio 32:1

• Chula Vista, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  64 reviews

Senior: In my experience having been there since kinder (now a senior in high school) it’s been an amazing 12 years! I love how the teachers make an effort to connect with their students. They make me feel like I have another family and all faculty and staff are very resourceful. They prepare you for college on time and have so many resources on the college application.... Read 64 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,509

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Chula Vista, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  10 reviews

Senior: I really like the size of this High school. Others may say that the school is really small but I think it is great since you are able to know and talk to your teachers and counselors more easily. They have helped each year in growing and teaching us to be prepared for the real world and what it might show us. The schedules and the school campus are easy to understand and it makes school really comfortable. Everyone has good relationships with everyone and they all treat each other with kindness and respect. The elementary school is also a good school since your teachers help you grow and they are have made my elementary school experience stick with me all throughout elementary to High School.... Read 10 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,694

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  7 reviews

Senior: Overall the school is great if you want private education this is the school for you. Further on the classes are a lot smaller than other schools. The school provides international studies and engineering electives. Furthermore the classes are not difficult to pass. Lastly, the school lunch can improve.... Read 7 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 457

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Works Here: Urban Discovery Schools are small by design and every student is known and seen, one of the many advantages of being a small school. Class sizes are small and the student to teacher ratio doesn't go above 28:1. If you're looking for an alternative to the large/traditional schools, UDS is the place for you!... Read 4 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 564

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1