2024 Best Elementary Schools in the San Diego Area

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  94 reviews

Works Here: I have never worked in a place that so clearly lives its mission. Francis Parker School invests in students at every level, from the amazing faculty who challenge students in the classroom, to the support staff who come alongside students as they grow and develop as people, to the dining staff who makes the unbelievable lunches each day - Parker really does care for the whole student. And as staff, we feel it too. This is a great place to work, and a great place to send your student!... Read 94 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,312

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• La Jolla, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  161 reviews

Parent: Finishing up our first year at LJCDS and we love it! Our child (2nd grade) has quickly made new friends and we have met an incredible group of parents, faculty and staff. The strength of this school is how well it builds a sense of community through its character-building curriculum, events and good communication - which makes it a wonderful learning environment. Our child loves going to school! Students at LJCDS are given a robust well-rounded education that supports their curious minds and helps them learn how to be great students and citizens. At school, our child is surrounded by a wonderful diverse group of bright kids, many speak 2 or more languages and are talented in academics, sports and the arts. The campus has a real buzz of hope and joy, and I highly encourage folks to visit and see for themselves. If you are searching for an academically challenging school, with a fantastic arts program, and warm, welcoming, grounded parent community, I absolutely recommend LJCDS!... Read 161 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,157

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.9 out of 5  49 reviews

Alum: As a student who has experienced Cambridge from the beginning of Kindergarten Prep to throwing up my cap at graduation, I can firmly say that Cambridge as a community of faith, living, and learning has been an experience that has helped me develop not just academically, but also socially and spiritually. Each and every faculty member truly believes in Cambridge's mission and vision, and is more than willing to go above and beyond the textbooks and PowerPoints to help each student learn not just what the answers are, but why they are true and how to approach similar questions. Every class becomes integrated with others, whether it be memorizing the history of the world through learning songs during the elementary grades to studying the life of Isaac Newton and his studies while tackling calculus in highschool. The curriculum is purposefully challenging and thought-provoking, with the results being well worth it.... Read 49 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 392

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• San Diego Unified School District, CA•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  47 reviews

Senior: Mt. Everest Academy is an exceptional school that offers a unique learning experience for each student. The teachers and faculty at Mt. Everest are very caring and truly look out for the students best interest. Being that Mt. Everest Academy is an alternative, independent study school, working in that environment provides the students with better time management and communication skills than at your typical high school. In a way you get that college experience of having different classes on different days and times; having to balance your class time, homework, and extracurricular schedules is all a part of it. That might seem intimidating to some but fortunately you still have the guidance and help from teachers and counselor who will help you make the best decisions for your goals and needs. At Mt. Everest Academy, you have the opportunity to make a connection with each of your teachers, which adds to the overall experience. Enroll at Mt. Everest Academy, you won’t regret it!... Read 47 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 227

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  31 reviews

Parent: So far we have had a great experience at SDJA after our child's first year in the Lower School. All of the families in the class have become close and include a diverse cross section of the Jewish community. At a party hosted by one of the parents, the teacher was invited, and the kids swarmed around her like she was a celebrity. Regarding the review and hearing some other people's experience about not having a Jewish mother was a source of concern going in. I can say so far that I have seen no signs of this, and my atheist non-Jewish wife has been fully embraced by the other mothers in the class whom she considers good friends. My own father is not Jewish, so I am sensitive to these issues. My daughter loves the Jewish content - something we never pushed on her. It is a beautiful sight seeing these kids of such diverse Jewish backgrounds singing together at Shabbat. Hopefully, the next year will go as well.... Read 31 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 569

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  23 reviews

Parent: Our family discovered Waldorf when our daughter was in High School - but I wish my kids had the opportunity to start when they were little! It’s not just a school for us but a thriving, inclusive community. We've had an outstanding experience with my high school student- who started high school after attending public schools from Kinder. She’s now getting ready for college and has done very well on the SAT and feels prepared. The teachers are truly invested in developing lifelong learners and give every student personal attention. The students themselves are incredibly confident and inquisitive and very accepting of new students. My child has blossomed under the care of Waldorf. She thought she wasn’t a “math student” but is now loving calculus! Can’t say enough good things!... Read 23 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 273

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Del Mar Union Elementary School District, CA•

• K-6

• grade A+

• Students 606

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Works Here: Park Village is an excellent elementary school. The teachers ,staff and parents ( volunteers) work together to make learning a special experience for our students. The parent involvement PTA & foundation have provided support thru fundraising that has added Art, Music, Science and Physical education. Its a great place to work.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 556

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Rolling hills elementary is a great small school in a great community. We are a fairly tight nit and family friendly community tucked away in the San Diego suburbs.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 434

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A+

• Students 529

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Del Mar Union Elementary School District, CA•

• K-6

• grade A+

• Students 292

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A+

• Students 756

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Del Mar Union Elementary School District, CA•

• K-6

• grade A+

• Students 575

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Junior: I attended this school for a couple years right when it opened. The staff is incredibly friendly, there is a heavy emphasis on the arts, and it is just overall an amazing school. I had to transfer here, but I'm glad I did. (I attended 2009-2011)... Read 4 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 968

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

• grade A+

• Students 528

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Solana Beach Elementary School District, CA•

• K-3

• grade A+

• Students 297

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Solana Beach Elementary School District, CA•

• K-6

• grade A+

• Students 565

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A+

• Students 376

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A+

• Students 794

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: My kids have had a great experience at MRES. They have amazing teachers who truly care about your kids.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 840

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Mandarin program is rigorous. Community is friendly and well kept school. Many opportunities for parent/school functions.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 493

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Del Mar Union Elementary School District, CA•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade A+

• Students 450

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Amazing school with amazing staff and extra curriculum activities. Every day my kids go to school with a smile on their face!... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 383

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Alum: I loved my 6 years at Stone Ranch Elementary. They have caring teachers and a great campus! They care about each person's needs and push you well. They want you to succeed and have many fun activities. They hold fun whole school events and hands-on experiences.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 748

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A+

• Students 461

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1