2022 Best Public Elementary Schools in America

Catlin Gabel School

• Private School•
• PORTLAND, OR•
• PK, K-12
• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  96 reviews

Parent: My two sons attend Catlin Gabel, 4th and 9th grades. It's a joy to watch them turning into wonderful human beings. The teachers at Catlin are exceptional - they simultaneously challenge and nurture their students. My boys have made lifelong friends who are good citizens and will, I'm confident, forever look out for one another other. It's a very strong community, very open and inclusive. I also appreciate that the school really owns the inclusion areas it needs to work on. A special place!...Read 96 Reviews

• grade A+

• 779 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Pine View School

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•
• 2-12
• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  347 reviews

Middle School Student: It's a great school if you are focused on academics. There is lot of work and studying effort to be done, however success never comes easy. I've personally have had all the nice teachers (incredibly lucky), never been bullied or seen someone be bullied (partly because of all the "aides" and the police officer present at campus), and have made many great friends. A few words of caution though: There's a bad teacher in every grade, and while I obviously won't name them my friends have had them for classes, and their experiences have ranged from "wait she actually did that" to outright hilarity. Middle school sports teams are decent, cafeteria lunch is mostly plastic except the nachos, and the school's being remodeled currently to be even better. If you join PV next year, you will be welcomed to a second giant building instead of scattered portables. Safety is very good, gym speakers hurt your ears, and people are very nice. I've had a great experience! Lots of clubs to join, too...Read 347 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,877 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

San Domenico School

• Private School•
• SAN ANSELMO, CA•
• K-12
• •
  Rating 4.51 out of 5  105 reviews

Parent: A purpose-driven education drew us to SD for our kids in 3rd and 9th grades in 2021. 3rd grade encourages kids to connect with passions and the needs of the world. High school seeks purpose in classes like world religions, philosophy, global studies & electives, sports, assemblies, spring trips and community service. ...Faculty have consistently kind and respectful communication, an expectation of inclusivity, and positivity. Our 3rd grader who can be shy loves school and riding the bus. Our high schooler is developing relationships and felt comfortable enough to join a sports team...Academics are excellent. Our 3rd grader's learning differences are supported by teachers, a counselor, and tutoring onsite. Our high schooler was given the tools to step up to the challenging curriculum and he's independently managing his work...Care and consideration goes into every detail. Students benefit from the school's maturity and quest for improvement and innovation.We are delighted with SD!Read 105 Reviews

• grade A+

• 680 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

A.D. Henderson University School & FAU High School

• Public School•
• BOCA RATON, FL•
• K-12
• •
  Rating 4.65 out of 5  93 reviews

Senior: This is an amazing school! No other school gives you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in college curriculum while still being in high school. Students are able to join college clubs and participate in research on the college campus while still being enrolled in high school. The teachers and other staff members are very willing to help you and make your experience here as smooth as possible. You may struggle a bit in ninth grade but after that it will get easier. Although the coronavirus has not allowed me to fully appreciate my experience, I am still very grateful for the time that I have had here...Read 93 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,205 Students
• 28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Waldorf School of Garden City

• Private School•
• GARDEN CITY, NY•
• PK, K-12
• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  52 reviews

Alum: I attended The Waldorf School of Garden City from K-12 and I can confidently say that those 14 years set a great foundation for my future. The curriculum’s emphasis on experiential learning provided me with a holistic education. For example - in addition to studying the History of Africa in a seminar style main lesson, we practiced an ethnic African dance. This immersed me more deeply and gave me an appreciation of the African culture. Active learning allowed me to internalize my education and I know these experiences will stick with me for the rest of my life. ...Waldorf prepared me well for college-level work. The smaller intimate community provides an invaluable network of parents, faculty and alumni willing to offer advice and support during college years and beyond. Waldorf molds students into well-rounded problem solvers and independent thinkers. I was taught to have opinions, ask questions and strive to make a difference, with purpose, gratitude, and respect...Read 52 Reviews

• grade A+

• 319 Students
• 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Fort Worth Country Day School

• Private School•
• FORT WORTH, TX•
• PK, K-12
• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  94 reviews

Senior: Country Day is a great school community in which teachers and faculty care very deeply about the students. Being a college preparatory school, FWCD goes beyond just teaching the necessary academics. The school teaches life skills that will be used years beyond when the student leaves. The school is very difficult and requires lots of time to be dedicated to school work at home. Overall, the school is very good!...Read 94 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,097 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mt. Everest Academy

• Online School•
• San Diego Unified School District, CA•
• K-12
• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  44 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 44 Reviews

• grade A+

• 258 Students
• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

BASIS Flagstaff

• Public School•
• FLAGSTAFF, AZ•
• K-12
• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  50 reviews

Senior: BASIS Flagstaff has a fantastic culture surrounding academics. I have been prepared wonderfully for tests and have also managed to participate in a number of sports as well. I have done cross country, basketball, track and field, and soccer and had an incredibly enjoyable experience with all of those...I love how the students and teachers at BASIS encourage intellectualism and I do not feel scared to share my opinions or thoughts and be seen as "nerdy". In fact, having good ideas has, in my experience, improved my experience, socially and academically. In that way, BASIS does an amazing job of fostering thoughtful students. I have also seen almost no bullying at BASIS, which I believe is a product of the tight knit community here...My one criticism of BASIS is that, often, administrators are placed in jobs for which they are unprepared. For example, simple dances or school events are often not completed due to administrators' unwillingness, such as Homecoming and the Winter Carnival...Read 50 Reviews

• grade A+

• 850 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

New Explorations into Science, Technology & Math School

• New York City Geographic District No. 1, NY•
• K-12
• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  208 reviews

Junior: Teachers at nest are committed to helping you grow. The college advisor is fantastic and the school is really great at helping you explore where you want to go. I came to nest because of the well roundedness, we are a stem school so the humanities have room for improvement, but you have the ability to chase after every passion. There is an overall pretty good sense of community, upperclassmen have the biggest bond while there can be a divide between new freshman and those who have been at nest for years, but the freshman theater class teaches empathy, self esteem, and kindness and is one of the main reasons I chose nest. There are plenty of clubs and activities to explore, you will find your people and bond with your favorite teachers. It's a beautiful and vibrant school and the amount of windows has a really amazing vibe. The best high school in NYC for me and my learning style, definitely has its flaws as does anywhere, but an overall amazing experience...Read 208 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,808 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

BASIS Mesa

• Public School•
• MESA, AZ•
• K-12
• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  50 reviews

Senior: Basis Mesa has taught me many things over the past 8 Years. The workload helped me develop tenacity and diligence. I absolutely love the teachers and atmosphere. They never fail to make sure that the students excel at their crafts. From hosting student hours to checking up on the students, the teachers are incredible to work with. Many of my friends I have grown along side with have impeccable characteristics and are very compassionate of others. The facilities at Basis can definitely use some work. I'm pretty sure its because the other Basis Schools are prioritized over our smaller school. I hope that are able to earn more money to aid in providing more extracurriculars. I would like a more diverse curriculum. It would be lovely if the art department had more funding because we have many talented students that love art, theatre, and music. The opportunities that Basis provides are out-matched and I am glad I went to this school...Read 50 Reviews

• grade A+

• 823 Students
• 28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Great Hearts Academies - Chandler Prep

• Public School•
• CHANDLER, AZ•
• K-12
• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  88 reviews

Parent: I find the student body to be diverse and vibrant with students from all different backgrounds. School pride is evident by the cleanliness and orderly nature of the school grounds. Teachers are highly assessable to both students and parents and offers weekly tutoring hours. Students have time after lunch to study, attend tutoring, or get some fresh air on the field. There is a robust mentoring program for new students. My children have very different learning styles where school comes easy for one while the other struggles. Through the CPA ESS program, my youngest gets additional support that helps her be successful with the more rigorous curriculum. This school focuses on a classical liberal arts curriculum that not only cultivates the hearts and minds of students in the pursuit of Truth, Beauty and Goodness, but also graduates students that are prepared for college. The school produces a well rounded student and encourages athletics, music, art, mentorship, and community service...Read 88 Reviews

• grade A+

• 735 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Washington School

• Millburn Township School District, NJ•
• 5

• grade A+

• 388 Students
• — Student-Teacher Ratio

E.M. Baker School

• Great Neck Public Schools, NY•
• K-5
• •
  Rating 4.89 out of 5  18 reviews

Parent: Love love love this school! Baker is such a special place. Amazing teachers and administration. My children enjoy going to school!Read 18 Reviews

• grade A+

• 677 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Edgewood School

• Scarsdale Union Free School District, NY•
• K-5
• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  4 reviews

Niche User: I really like the academics at this school. I think the kids learn a lot that will be useful later in life.Read 4 Reviews

• grade A+

• 372 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Basis Oro Valley Primary School

• Public School•
• ORO VALLEY, AZ•
• K-5
• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  7 reviews

• grade A+

• 743 Students
• — Student-Teacher Ratio

Granada Hills Charter

• Public School•
• GRANADA HILLS, CA•
• PK, K-12
• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  1,434 reviews

Senior: From my experience learning at Granada Hills Charter, I believe that the teachers and staff and very supportive and are always making sure the learning environment for students is safe and protected. The students are diverse, there are so many different leveled classes (CP, Honors, AP, IB, etc…), and programs that you can enroll in!...Read 1,434 Reviews

• grade A+

• 5,124 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Westlake Academy

• Public School•
• WESTLAKE, TX•
• K-12
• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  121 reviews

Niche User: Westlake Academy follows the International Baccalaureate Program. This is an academically challenging program that, to be honest, is not everyone. It requires a lot of time management and a different sector of grading. The tests are mainly catered to the IB Exams, which are taken at the end of your senior year. The assignments and tests are rubric-based, which aligns with the IB rubric. The positives of IB is that it prepares you for college, due to the difficulty of the junior and senior year DP or Diploma Programme. There is a lot of writing that comes with this school, which benefits you in college. This school has a lot of great students that proceeded to go to Ivy League schools and many prestigious institutions. The Academy is very diversified and small, which benefits a lot of students...Read 121 Reviews

• grade A+

• 901 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

BASIS Chandler Primary - North Campus

• Public School•
• CHANDLER, AZ•
• K-4
• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: We have been at the school since it first opened as a primary four years ago. We love BCPN and both of our daughters have thrived within it’s format. The two teacher model is wonderful and is one of the key factors that allows classes to cover material at a faster pace. The class offerings are so unique and enriching....our daughters love their Mandarin, Drama, and Martial Arts classes. BASIS is not a great fit for everyone, especially if your child has difficulty following directions or keeping up academically, but they stress that they are an academically rigorous school in their marketing so parents should be making an informed choice. We REALLY appreciate their high standards for behavior as well. Very happy with our choice!...Read 2 Reviews

• grade A+

• 630 Students
• — Student-Teacher Ratio

Heathcote School

• Scarsdale Union Free School District, NY•
• K-5
• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Excellent School in all aspects of academics, extra curricular and all round development of children.Read 2 Reviews

• grade A+

• 376 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Village Elementary School

• Syosset Central School District, NY•
• K-5

• grade A+

• 399 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Quaker Ridge School

• Scarsdale Union Free School District, NY•
• K-5

• grade A+

• 508 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Great Hearts Academies - Archway Lincoln

• Public School•
• CHANDLER, AZ•
• K-5

• grade A+

• 706 Students
• — Student-Teacher Ratio

Princeton Charter School

• Public School•
• PRINCETON, NJ•
• K-8
• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  19 reviews

Alum: I attended Princeton Charter School from Kindergarten all the way through 8th grade. It was a great experience, and I will really miss the school. Academically, PCS is one of the best elementary/middle schools out there. They have exceptionally strong Math and Language departments. However, the one of the best parts about this school are the teachers. They truly care about the students and push each and every one of them to be successful. ...There's also a strong community supporting the students. Some of my favorite Charter memories come from the various Picnics, Carnivals, and Field Days we did. I strongly recommend Princeton Charter School for everybody! I'll miss you, PCS!...Read 19 Reviews

• grade A+

• 423 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Basis Peoria Primary School

• Public School•
• PEORIA, AZ•
• K-4

• grade A+

• 668 Students
• — Student-Teacher Ratio

Alpine Elementary School

• Public School•
• ALPINE, NJ•
• K-8
• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: Great School, great science, ela, and math programs, has amazing teachers. Alpine needs to be better organized.Read 3 Reviews

• grade A+

• 153 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio