2023 Best Elementary Schools in the San Francisco Bay Area

• Hillsborough, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.55 out of 5  66 reviews

Freshman: I love it here! I have never been more supported at school. There's tutorials, teachers are always flexible to meet anytime. You can email, sign up on calendly, or find them anytime at their desk. There is also WRC writing tutoring support as well as student peer tutors in all kinds of subjects. It's really just a safe environment where you feel comfortable talking to anyone of all ages, whether it's the college counselor, admissions officers, or cracking jokes with the head of school. And I'm excited that trips this year are out of state again!... Read 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 853

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  165 reviews

Alum: I attended Harker from Kindergarten through High School. Harker's repute as a powerhouse of intense and thorough academics is well-earned– students are constantly challenged in the classroom. However, this academic rigor does not come at the cost of a full-fledged extracurricular experience. Harker's many extracurricular departments provide an all-encompassing vocational education that seamlessly accompanies students' academic experience, including athletics, arts, journalism, engineering, and much more. Unfortunately, while Harker's culture encourages growth and self-improvement, it lacks support for students' mental and physical health. Students often prioritize their academic work above other important aspects of life, such as sleep, health, and socializing, and this culture often contributes to burnout and mental health problems. Overall, if you are searching for a school that will exceedingly prepare you for college and beyond, I recommend Harker with confidence.... Read 165 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,972

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  66 reviews

Parent: My daughters have been at HRS since Kindergarten - and they are now finishing 5th & 7th grade. Overall, we love the school. The academics in the lower school are strong - but what really puts this school ahead in my mind is the focus on creating good humans. The classes are incredibly diverse - meaning the kids are learning to embrace diversity - it is integrated into the curriculum and everything they do. There is a strong focus on the social and emotional health of the children. They learn to understand their feelings and are given a toolbox to engage in each experience. There was a significant uptick in the academic rigor in middle school, while still maintaining the focus on being well rounded. The kids are encouraged to be curious and think deeply about topics. The school is still working through a recent system / communication change, which has created some confusion in the parent body. I hope to see this improved as we work through the transition.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 900

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Dublin, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  176 reviews

Parent: We have been a Quarry Lane family for a long time and could not be happier with our initial decision to choose QLS. Yes, we've had teachers leaver, retire, etc. at some points, but we've also seen some our kids' teachers have been here since before we were and others that have been here forever too. So, I think it's natural for any school. What has mattered most is that my kids have been happy, supported, feel safe and confident to try new activities, sports, etc. and the end goal - get into their dream college. I'm not sure they would've had the same opportunities and support elsewhere. The school has grown a lot since we first started but it hasn't diminished our experience to be honest. A private school education is a considerable investment especially for as long as we've been here but I can say that it's been well worth it. I'm happy to recommend Quarry Lane and am grateful for our experience.... Read 176 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 850

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  114 reviews

Parent: Pros: 1. Students are free to explore different options to discover their strengths and weaknesses, either in academics or clubs. 2. Great peer group of like minded parents and students with similar goals. Cons: 1. Deeper analysis of each student’s abilities would enable spotting the right talent at an early age.... Read 114 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,189

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  84 reviews

Alum: Convent is a great school for college-driven students. Due to the small size of the school, you are able to have more opportunities to take advanced courses (AP/IB). These types of students have the ability to excel academically and receive all the support they need. In that regard, 10/10. Only reason I did not provide a five star review is due to a lot of the blatant favoritism to students who went to the school for all of their education (K-12) as opposed to students who joined in high school. Convent and Stuart Hall is an amazing institution all around.... Read 84 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,100

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Mountain View, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  27 reviews

Alum: Khan Lab School is much more than a high school, it is a school where your passions and interests are put first and foremost. From my Senior Capstone project being directed towards my passions to my entire academic plan being personally customized, I feel that Khan Lab School has prepared me towards furthering my education after high school. Outside of just academics, my overall executive function skills were trained in and out of the classroom. After going through the college application process, and being accepted into a top-tier university, I feel that Khan Lab School has prepared me for all life-long-learning experiences.... Read 27 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 260

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• San Anselmo, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  109 reviews

Parent: As educators, my husband and I know what to look for in terms of "style versus substance" of schools that claim to be able to focus on academics, social emotional learning, diversity, inclusion, equity, mindfulness, kindness and respect. We are blown away at how exceptional SD is at providing all of these things for our daughter. My husband was literally in tears at the back to school night after hearing about the details and intentionality around the lesson plans and approach to literacy and math, as well as the social and emotional aspects of learning in and out of the classroom. The teachers are masters and know what they are doing, and they are provided with the resources and professional development to provide an excellent research-based curriculum to the students. I've worked at many independent schools for more than a decade and SD stands out as one of the best schools that I've encountered in my history as an educator. We are so grateful that our daughter has SD!... Read 109 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 680

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Lafayette, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  113 reviews

Parent: Overall, very good! My daughter came in last year in 9th grade and while the academics lived up to my expectations and my daughter made great friends, the culture within the administration was deeply disappointing. This had a lot to do with the head of school, whose authoritarian style of leadership caused multiple problems. The new head of school seems to be turning this around by engaging with parents more and asking for feedback from students and teachers. In general, she is a more approachable, positive, and forward-thinking person. She has created a nicer school climate, which is great because there is much to love at Bentley - talented teachers, nice kids, beautiful and modern campus, mini-term experiences, seminars for English and History, very helpful college counseling group, and more! The BPA (parents' group) has done an excellent job this year, rebuilding some of what was lost during the covid years and helping create an involved and connected community.... Read 113 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 700

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Atherton, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.51 out of 5  106 reviews

Senior: This is a great school with a booming community. Everyone here is so welcoming and contributed to the tight-knit community while everyone explores their interests, hobbies, and passions with the many many opportunities here whether it be the arts, sciences, robotics, politics, and much more.... Read 106 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,180

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  107 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, International is a very rigorous school that prepares you to be a great person and undergraduate. Coming from an African American household, I feel this school lacks a lot of diversity not only in the cultural and racial department but in the education representation around said topic. The school is not very transparent around What our tuition Goes towards or what resources are available to us as students. The school has also been very unorganized in informing the students of Important information like final exams and class information. I will say though that this school has the excellent ability to unite students and prepare them in a way no other school can. The level of education is something that drew me to this school - being able to be around students who love learning and love being at school is something that encourages me to work harder everyday. The arts is also something worth mentioning as they truly understand the importance of the arts in a students life.... Read 107 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,067

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  34 reviews

Parent: Our son has attended Lycée in Sausalito the last two years. Our family is not French speaking so we are amazed at his progression in both English and French. He loves his classmates and teachers and is excited to attend each and every day. The teachers are all very committed to the students and spend countless hours setting up above and beyond activities like regular baking activities, gardening, field trips and STEAM fairs! You should really check this school out if you have an interest in raising a bilingual child (even if you yourself aren't bilingual!)... Read 34 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 888

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Palo Alto, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  44 reviews

Parent: With two middle schoolers who started in the Nursery program (pre pre-k), we have experienced the entire program at International. Our children have received a top-notch education and are natively fluent in French to the point that they had no problem attending French public school when we lived abroad. The language immersion is excellent and the school has adapted teaching methods over the years, particularly in math and then moving into the IB program. The school has a vibrant community and highly-engaged parents who support each other and the school, from classroom help to fundraising efforts. There have been times when we were mildly frustrated with obtuse communication from the administration, but we never questioned the quality of care of the teacher. Their focus is on the whole student and creating thoughtful world citizens. They also focus on creativity and arts, as evidenced by the impressive annual Arts Night created by the kids. You can't go wrong with SV International!... Read 44 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 675

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Hayward, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  20 reviews

Senior: I’ve been going to California Crosspoint Academy all of my academic life. From Kindergarten to my Senior year of high school, I have seen myself, as well as the school, grow academically and spiritually. California Crosspoint Academy has-and will always be-my second home as I have been able to be a part of a great, loving community of students, teachers, and friends. California Crosspoint Academy is constantly growing in student population, in building complexes, and in doing the works of Jesus Christ. If your looking for great education, exceptional academics, and long-lasting friendships, California Crosspoint Academy is the place to go.... Read 20 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 497

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Woodside, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Middle School Student: Great Teachers! Smart and competitive students. My main critique is about diversity, the school works hard on it but it is really not possible. Also if you are not very left-wing you will be destroyed by unsupportive peers and some teachers. There is literally borderline propaganda on the walls that includes fighting against those who think differently, defunding government organizations, and fighting the government. Some are supportive but if you don't think like others don't say anything.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 368

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Palo Alto, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  23 reviews

Parent: After two years of horrible public school experiences (bullying and lack of support from the school), we found Living Wisdom School. From the minute we met the staff we were convinced this was the school for our daughter. They approach each student with care, support, and kindness. We saw our daughter blossom under their care and grow in ways that brought tears of joy. In fact, I cried at every Parent-Teacher conference because the feedback they provided to us reflected how well they knew our daughter--something that didn't happen in the two previous years of high school. I can't recommend this school highly enough. I can't even imagine where we would be today if we didn't have the opportunity to enroll our daughter in this school. Our daughter graduated from Living Wisdom as a whole person -- confident, compassionate, mindful, and ready to take on college!... Read 23 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 82

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 340

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Alum: Nixon was an amazing school. The teachers were extremely patient and assigned creative and meaningful assignments. I remember writing a journal as someone in the gold rush in 4th grade and doing book reports opened me to fascinating books and genres I wouldn't have initially read.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 359

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

• grade A+

• Students 259

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Oakland, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Middle School Student: Great school, I go there and I love it so much! There are a lot of different things you can do but I love how it also teaches me mandarin and it also is super strong on math and English even though its half Chinese!... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 555

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Middle School Student: A different experience from other schools, Ohlone is a very unique place. From combining grades to numerous trips, Ohlone is a very hands on school that has improved my social learning Although the academics could be more strict this is a good school.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 438

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: We love Fairmeadow Elementary school at all levels, ecademic balance, diversity, social and emotional growth of our child. Our son is in grade 1 and he loves reading, math, science, soccer and tops it all he loves to play and socialize. Thanks to the administration, teachers & parents to make this school so precious where childrens can thrive. I will end my review with saying “it takes a village to raise a child”... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 360

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: I have a 3rd grader at this school. The teachers are caring, well-prepared, and dedicated. The students are eager to learn. The parents are friendly and involved. The staff is dedicated and helpful. The students learn a lot, with, it seems to me, particular focus on reading and writing, particularly on reading comprehension and writing structure. There is also a lot of focus on being good citizens being caring towards others, and anti-bullying messages. There is a lot of art and other extras, as well as a lot of after-school activities. I feel like my daughter is getting a well-rounded school experience. She is above grade in her work, and there is a group of similar kids which the teacher works hard to keep engaged and learning. I have been very happy with every grade of her education at Palo Verde.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 337

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

• grade A+

• Students 352

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Both of my children attend El Carmelo, and we absolutely love it. The rigorous academics, the social/emotional awareness with Project Cornerstone, the caring teachers and staff, the engaged parents and PTA. Truly a gem in South Palo Alto!... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 295

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1