2020 Best Public Elementary Schools in CaliforniaAbout this List

Duveneck Elementary School

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 442 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Juana Briones Elementary School

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 319 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Palo Verde Elementary School

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA
• K-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

• A+

• 389 Students
• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

K.L. Carver Elementary

• San Marino Unified School District, CA
• K-5
• 2 reviews

Parent: I transferred my child to Carver and my child has shown tremendous improvement since she has been transferred. I have told that the school is great academically, the staff is excellent, the students great too! :)
Read 2 Reviews

• A+

• 618 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Lucille M. Nixon Elementary School

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 457 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Valentine Elementary School

• San Marino Unified School District, CA
• K-5
• 7 reviews

Parent: Each year my two boys have been perfectly paired with teachers who would most effectively connect with their individual personality. The teachers are dedicated, have great communication with families and have succeeded in preparing each of my children for their next grade. When we came to Valentine, the teachers focused on areas where each of my children could improve and they are now doing great in those areas. The PTA is unbelievably dedicated, the community is dedicated and works together to help preserve programs. Bringing our boys to Valentine was the best decision we have made regarding their education.
Read 7 Reviews

• A+

• 567 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Walter Hays Elementary School

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 428 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Herbert Hoover Elementary School

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 392 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mt. Everest Academy

• Online School
• San Diego Unified School District, CA
• K-12
• 41 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 41 Reviews

• A+

• 276 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Addison Elementary School

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 437 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Ohlone Elementary School

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA
• K-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

• A+

• 576 Students
• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Fairmeadow Elementary School

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA
• K-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

• A+

• 496 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

El Carmelo Elementary School

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA
• K-5
• 1 review

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 1 Review

• A+

• 359 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Point Vicente Elementary School

• Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, CA
• K-5
• 8 reviews

Niche User: Going to Point Vicnete was very well. I started in 1st grade and had the amazing principal Becky Cash. Although she unfortunately left in 3rd grade, our new principal Beth Hadley wasn't all bad. Although she will never be as good as Ms Cash. 4th grade will most likely be the worst year because Mrs Soto is very rude. I do not know about Mrs Wang because she recently got the job. 1st 2nd and 3rd grade was AMAZING with some of the best teachers I have seen (I'm a sophomore at Peninsula) 5th grade was okay, as Outdoor Science School was amazing. Hope I helped make up your mind on a elementary school :)
Read 8 Reviews

• A+

• 348 Students
• 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Cornerstone at Pedregal Elementary School

• Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, CA
• K-5
• 1 review

• A+

• 387 Students
• 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Dapplegray Elementary School

• Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 614 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Jack L. Weaver Elementary School

• Los Alamitos Unified School District, CA
• K-5
• 1 review

Parent: This is a wonderful public school that feels like a private school. As there is no geographic area that feeds this school, every single person who attends went out of their way to enroll. As a result, the school is filled with highly motivated students and extremely supportive families. In addition, the teachers are amazing! Weaver leans towards STEM education and the parent groups fund many types of technology and instruction beyond what is paid for by the school district. From what I've heard from parents whose children are now in middle school, they transition easily and are well prepared for middle school academics.
Read 1 Review

• A+

• 693 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Tulita Elementary School

• Redondo Beach Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 500 Students
• 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Woodside Elementary School

• Public School
• Woodside, CA
• K-8
• 4 reviews

Middle School Student: Such a tight knit community with incredible staff. Everything here is great, from the after school activities, to the facilities, to the electives. The elective booklet is massive and has some incredible choices. Every single kid is proficient in all topics. They also manage to create a very safe and welcoming environment while still keeping the academics competitive.
Read 4 Reviews

• A+

• 400 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Richard Henry Lee Elementary School

• Los Alamitos Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 660 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Carmel River Elementary School

• Carmel Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 462 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Aurelia Pennekamp Elementary School

• Manhattan Beach Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 520 Students
• 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Deer Canyon Elementary School

• Poway Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 511 Students
• 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Francis Hopkinson Elementary School

• Los Alamitos Unified School District, CA
• K-5
• 1 review

Sophomore: I had a wonderful time at Hopkinson. My siblings also attended school here, and the teachers are amazing.
Read 1 Review

• A+

• 701 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Vista Grande Elementary School

• Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, CA
• K-5

• A+

• 442 Students
• 28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio