2020 Best Public Elementary Schools in AmericaAbout this List

Pine View School

• Sarasota County Schools, FL
• 2-12
• 317 reviews

Sophomore: Success at PV comes down to work ethic and time management skills more than an IQ test. The atmosphere is competitive, which can challenge and reduce self-esteem. PV has changed from an alternative school to meet the needs of gifted students to a college prep. school with many advanced courses. The school should refocus to make sure they are offering quality over just a large array of courses. That being said, the options for courses are nice, especially if you have a career in mind or a specific subject interest. They should lessen favoritism towards STEM courses because literature, art, and foreign language courses are important too. PV does a fairly good job offering freedom through course selection and the atmosphere. Teachers overall are well-qualified and reward hard work in their classes. But, there have been teachers who were experts in their subjects who have left and will most likely keep leaving unless there are changes made.
Read 317 Reviews

• A+

• 2,051 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

A.D. Henderson University School & FAU High School

• Public School
• Boca Raton, FL
• K-12
• 67 reviews

Freshman: I've never been so happy in any place. Not only is everyone (students, teachers, staff, everyone!) there extremely supportive, they're inclusive and make sure you're okay and not struggling with anything. I'm in 3 clubs and planning to do a sport, which should be a lot to handle with the work, but I just leave with a smile each day. If you're considering this school definitely go for it! You won't regret it :)
Read 67 Reviews

• A+

• 1,135 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

BASIS Ahwatukee

• Public School
• Phoenix, AZ
• 3-12
• 17 reviews

Parent: We have changed over our son from a private school to basis last year to begin his 5th grade. Every teacher he has had so far has been extremely efficient and highly successful with educating our son. He has been overwhelmed with homework at times, but they have also properly prepared him to handle it. I would recommend this school only to a family that has a child ready and willing to go the extra mile, because curriculum is about 3 years ahead of standard education from what I’ve seen with tests and homework. My son started the 6th grade this year and to get an example of the quality, he is going into a second year of Latin, chemistry, physics, and learning the violin. I’m pretty impressed to say the least. English and math are also equivalent to a standard schools honor program +1 grade level.
Read 17 Reviews

• A+

• 755 Students
• — Student-Teacher Ratio

BASIS Flagstaff

• Public School
• Flagstaff, AZ
• 3-12
• 40 reviews

Senior: BASIS has definitely taught me how to work hard and study hard! but also play hard. I was a part of the first Varsity Volleyball team, and greatly enjoyed the experience as it was added to my academic workload. Not only have I been taught how to work hard but also be proud, and see my teachers be proud, of my accomplishments. My success at BASIS is only due to the wonderful staff, administration, and especially the far-above-average teachers. Instructors are always willing help and put in so much work to make sure their students succeed. I cannot say enough about the amazing teachers at BASIS Flagstaff.
Read 40 Reviews

• A+

• 640 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Lusher Charter School

• Orleans Parish Public Schools, LA
• K-12
• 210 reviews

Senior: Diversity of student body made for creative and open environment. An excellent learning environment with resources and involved and invested teachers. There's an excellent balance of academic and creative with certificate programs available to students who'd like to pursue one area or both. Student participation is high because they feel connected to the school and supported by the staff and administration.

I would not change schools if I had to do it all over again!
Read 210 Reviews

• A+

• 1,740 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Lakeville Elementary School

• Great Neck Public Schools, NY
• K-5
• 2 reviews

Middle School Student: Great memories here. Wish the lunch was better, but very organized and interesting courses. Art and science were my favorite because it kept me entertained while I was learning. You will have lots of fun!
Read 2 Reviews

• A+

• 741 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

South Grove Elementary School

• Syosset Central School District, NY
• K-5

• A+

• 413 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

BASIS San Antonio Primary - North Central Campus

• BASIS San Antonio Medical Center, TX
• K-5
• 7 reviews

Parent: As mentioned, there is considerable amounts of homework. I will admit, there was a time when we had to get tutoring or use Khan Academy, even though my wife and I were secondary educators and administrators for many years.
My son did dip in his reading slightly according to his STAAR score, but his curiosity for learning, particularly in Math and Science has increased dramatically. There are a great deal of students from all over the world, with a cadre of diverse teachers and students. I like this as this helps my child get a well rounded, more universal or international perspective. The teachers will work with you and the administrators seem to take care of issues as they become aware of them. The teachers also seem to be cultural competent and are getting acclimated to Culturally relevant and response curricula delivery. This was the best decision my wife and I ever made. Looking forward to a brighter year.
Read 7 Reviews

• A+

• 626 Students
• — Student-Teacher Ratio

E.M. Baker School

• Great Neck Public Schools, NY
• K-5
• 5 reviews

Parent: We moved from another top ranked school but nothing holds a candle to E.M. Baker Elementary School. My husband and I have never met a more welcoming administration, and super teachers. My children are in great hands!
Read 5 Reviews

• A+

• 640 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Princeton Charter School

• Public School
• Princeton, NJ
• K-8
• 11 reviews

Parent: A wonderful school in the already fantastic Princeton Public School System. The smaller grade size works for many kids and the teachers there are caring, supportive and kind. It is an academically rigorous environment that challenges students at all levels. In my opinion, you cannot go wrong with any of the schools in Princeton. Princeton Charter School offers a choice for many families needing a highly structured environment for their child.
Read 11 Reviews

• A+

• 350 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Parkside Elementary School

• Solon City School District, OH
• K-4

• A+

• 486 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Village Elementary School

• Syosset Central School District, NY
• K-5

• A+

• 381 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Great Hearts Academies - Chandler Prep

• Public School
• Chandler, AZ
• K-12
• 69 reviews

Sophomore: Chandler Prep prepares students for college by challenging students to be the best they can be. Though the work load can be intimidating for someone entering from a public school, those that grow up in the charter school system typically thrive. In CPA, it is a close knit community where everyone knows everyone, and each student has a name and personality, and isn’t just a number. This school is great for anyone who is ready to work hard and try their best, and I’ve personally heard from many people that to adjust to college after the Chandler Prep curriculum is not as hard as many others students from other schools. There are plenty of clubs at CPA. Many athletes from CPA have gone on to play in college, and CPA’s no-cut policy gives everyone a chance to enjoy any sport they like, and learn fundamentals from the amazing coaches.
Read 69 Reviews

• A+

• 719 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Dorothy E. Lewis Elementary School

• Solon City School District, OH
• K-4

• A+

• 418 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Fox Meadow School

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

• A+

• 461 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Basis Scottsdale Primary School

• Public School
• Scottsdale, AZ
• K-5

• A+

• 530 Students
• — Student-Teacher Ratio

Merrol Hyde Magnet School

• Sumner County Schools, TN
• K-12
• 167 reviews

Senior: The overall Merrol Hyde experience is very unique. Due to our small class sizes (between 20-50 kids per graduating class) everyone is very friendly and close like a family. At Merrol Hyde, the teachers and administration make it very clear that their priority is the students and that they will but out their best effort to make every child best prepared for the next step in their lives. Although we have to wear uniforms and the cafeteria food might be sub par, the academics, resources and teacher availability overall makes it a very pleasant place to spend Kindergarten through Senior year.
Read 167 Reviews

• A+

• 660 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

New Explorations into Science,Technology & Math School

• New York City Geographic District No. 1, NY
• K-12
• 191 reviews

Sophomore: I love the way the teachers interact with students. They make sure that students know the material and at the same time, the students also make decisions for themselves. Not only that, but there is a lot of interactions within students that happens within the classroom, therefore students aren't just staring at textbooks or working independently (although there is designated time for that). The teachers are also ready to give advice about most things when you ask them something. In addition, the material is challenging; students aren't just learning the same content over and over again. There is a lot of variety. Last but not the least, the change in students is clear. When looking at their work from the beginning of the school year to the end of the school year, they have improved in their writing, math, scientific knowledge, and much more. I love the school!
Read 191 Reviews

• A+

• 1,743 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Willits Elementary School

• Syosset Central School District, NY
• K-5

• A+

• 327 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Indian Hill Elementary School

• Indian Hill Exempted Village School District, OH
• 3-5

• A+

• 470 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Wandell School

• Public School
• Saddle River, NJ
• PK, K-5
• 11 reviews

Parent: Wandell School is a public elementary school with a private school feel. The teacher to student ratio is very low allowing for differentiated learning within the classroom. Each of my three children have very different learning needs and abilities. The environment at Wandell is the perfect place for them to excel and reach their individual potential. In addition, all students enjoy state of the art technology, a robust art program, world languages, a dynamic STEAM program and much more! Wandell is a truly remarkable place for young students to begin their educational journey.
Read 11 Reviews

• A+

• 149 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Basis Oro Valley Primary School

• Public School
• Oro Valley, AZ
• K-6
• 7 reviews

Parent: Basis Oro Valley opens the doors for endless opportunities! It's great to watch the children grow so fast right before your eyes. If you want your child challenged, this is where they need to start at a young age. Staff is friendly and assist on the development of the children.
Read 7 Reviews

• A+

• 763 Students
• — Student-Teacher Ratio

Edgewood School

• Scarsdale Union Free School District, NY
• K-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

• A+

• 411 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Basis Tucson Primary School

• Public School
• Tucson, AZ
• K-4
• 21 reviews

High School Senior: At my high school, the academic requirements would be considered rigorous and overwhelming by most. While yes, this would be fairly true, as 6 APs are required to be taken and most take around 10, it is all for the preparation of higher level academic work, which, as I have heard from alumni of the school, is definitely worth it. Although this work is difficult, the teachers and upperclassmen are always willing to help with any problems encountered, which helps create a closer knit community and a positive atmosphere. While it does eat up a bit of time, as all classes are either AP or Honors classes, this taught most of us time management. Also, many may worry about the amount of sleep, but they are just classes, they have lots of homework at some times, and little at others, and sleep is usually cut due to social media and games, not class work.
Read 21 Reviews

• A+

• 804 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Robert Seaman Elementary School

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

• A+

• 322 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio