2023 Best Public Elementary Schools in California

• 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+

• Students 291

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Granada Hills, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  1,455 reviews

Junior: This is my third year at Granada and overall, I think it's a pretty great school! I think Granada does a good job at preparing students for college by providing lots of AP classes, and most teachers here are very good! Students here also have a lot of resources, such as weekly scholarship newsletters, a wellness center, and fun activities here and there like a "Fun Zone" during finals week. However, I will say that the environment at Granada can be a little intense at times. Granada places so much emphasis on college and academics that sometimes it's overwhelming, and it's hard to have high self-esteem here. Because of this, we do not really have much school spirit, which is something I wish we had more of.... Read 1,455 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 5,462

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• 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 Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 340

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• La Canada Unified School District, CA•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: We have two kids that attend this school. One of which went to a charter school prior, which had some strengths, but can't come close to what this school does. There is a reason this school always places at the top of Los Angeles County. Not Los Angeles "Area".... county. The teachers are fully engaged, experienced, smart and care. The schools runs incredibly well. The level of detail to educate each child on an individual basis is incredible. We wake up everyday feeling blessed to be a part of Palm Crest and it's community. Lastly, the parent involvement is a huge part of it's success too.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 620

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• 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

• La Canada Unified School District, CA•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Niche User: The teachers were kind and understanding and they are managing the pandemic well. The food was definitely not the best but it was adequate.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 622

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A+

• Students 259

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• La Canada Unified School District, CA•

• K-6

• grade A+

• Students 680

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• 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

• San Marino Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  9 reviews

Parent: My two kids love Valentine Elementary School for their caring teachers, staff, and close-knit community that prioritizes education. Aside from superior academics, my children experienced engaging activities that can only be found in the San Marino community. For the past two years, my kids also benefited from a comprehensive COVID safety program that included robust testing, increased cleaning, air purification, and more. Most importantly, the friendships and connections that my children and us (as parents) have made through the School is what makes this the best environment to raise our kids. Valentine School and San Marino Unified School District are the best!... Read 9 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 609

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4.88 out of 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

• grade A+

• Students 296

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• San Marino Unified School District, CA•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 4.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: We love Carver! Our children love going to school. Expect to contribute to the school's foundation and PTA. It is still more affordable than private school.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 595

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• 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

• Santa Barbara, CA•

• Public School•

• K-6

• grade A+

• Students 374

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• 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 550

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• 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

• South Pasadena Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: School is excellent and teachers really care about their students. The work load may seem a bit much at times, but kids hardly ever complain about it.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 749

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• 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

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  5 reviews

Middle School Student: GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB!... Read 5 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 462

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Laguna Beach Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Alum: Amazing elementary school. Great teachers and the equivalent to a private school. Right near PCH with a large ocean view!... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 423

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA•

• K-5

• grade A+

• Students 319

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• 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 419

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1