2024 Best Elementary Schools in California

The Complete Guide to Elementary Schools in California

California is one of the most populous states in the nation, and as one would expect, the number of elementary schools here is abundant. In total, there are 8,458 schools across several large cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento and San Francisco. That’s 8.2 times more than the typical state, although on a per capita basis, California actually ranks #40 in the nation, averaging about 11% fewer elementary schools than most states.

As a whole, the average elementary school in the state earns a B grade, which is equal to the national average. Further, of the 8,458 elementary schools, just under 40% (39%) are rated above average. This means that there are still 3,305 schools that offer above average education quality. On top of that, if you look only at the schools in the top 25% of the nation, there are 2,207 options in California to choose from, not too bad. In other words, there’s still nearly 2,000 school options in California that rank in the nation’s top quartile.

Are public elementary schools in California a good option?

California has 6,359 total public elementary schools, and of that total, traditional public schools make up about 84% (or 5,367 of them). Although that's a fairly big number, if you're looking for better than average options, just 45% of all such schools surpass the national average grade, so more than half wouldn't stack up the eager parent looking for a highly rated school.

What is the best public elementary school in California?

The best public elementary school in California is Riverside STEM Academy, located in the city of Riverside. With 655 total students, the school also has a student to teacher ratio which is on par with the national average. This can equate to greater focus per student and often lead to better student learning outcomes. Riverside STEM Academy is ranked highest amongst the nearly 5,500 other traditional public schools in the state (5,367).

Key statistics about charter elementary schools in California

Are charter schools in California a good option? This really depends on your preference, but with more than 700 different options (769 to be exact) there are numerous potential fits for your youngster. Although far less prevalent than traditional public school counterparts, the typical charter elementary school in California scores a B grade. Although the grade may be slightly below the national average, this is certainly in part due to the fact that the state has 108% more charter schools per capita than the average state. In other words, there are still plenty of high quality charter options in the state.

What is the best charter elementary school in California?

The top-ranked charter elementary school in California is Granada Hills Charter, located in the city of Granada Hills. The school has 5,462 students and as you’d expect, is graded the highest A+ available. The school is known for exceptional quality, but should be noted that the average student to teacher ratio is 26:1, which is actually about 86% above the national average. This can mean that class sizes may balloon a bit at times vs. the average, but the school has various teaching aides and methods to keep students highly engaged despite at times having larger class sizes.

Everything you need to know about magnet elementary schools in California

Despite being such a large state, there are just 223 magnet elementary schools in California, placing the state 21st in the nation for magnet schools per capita. The school quality is quite good, with the median score being a B grade, which is equal to the national average. About 58% of the magnet elementary schools in the state are considered above the national average, which means there’s about 129 schools that might be an option for the high achiever.

What is the best magnet elementary school in California?

Hailing from Newbury Park (northwest of Los Angeles) comes EARTHS Magnet School, ranked as the best magnet elementary school in California. The school is home to 488 students and has a student to teacher ratio of 22:1 - which is about 57% higher than the national average. Still, the school's A+ grade is a solid indication of their quality and dedication to student learning outcomes.

What is the best overall elementary school in California?

Topping the overall ranks it the Nueva School, located in the vibrant state of California. The school is renowned for its long-standing commitment to progressive education designed specifically for talented students. These students are often distinguished by their extraordinary cognitive skills, an enduring thirst for knowledge, and exceptional abilities across various areas, including arts, sports, and music.

Every student possesses a distinct blend of abilities and interests, demanding an individually-tailored and comprehensive educational strategy. Nueva responds to this need by crafting an education style that respects the multifaceted requirements of such gifted students. They often display intellectual capacities beyond their age, which calls for an education system that nurtures their mental agility while simultaneously overseeing their emotional and physical development.

Nueva meets these demands by adopting a progressive and creative teaching model that encourages investigation and integrates various fields of study. This model ignites intellectual inquisitiveness, enhances problem-solving capabilities, and motivates students to apply academic theories to real-world scenarios. It cultivates a deep comprehension of diverse concepts, allowing students to readily embrace new challenges and tackle non-standard problems effortlessly.

What makes the Nueva School truly unique?

Nueva isn't just an academic institution; it's a lively community that values diversity and inclusivity, thereby providing a supportive atmosphere for students. The school has set up a strong framework that allows students to pursue their interests, make significant decisions, and ultimately, contribute positively to society. This emphasis on social-emotional learning and global citizenship arms students with the essential skills to successfully navigate the world beyond the school walls.

Nueva's educational philosophy extends beyond purely academic pursuits. They hold in high regard creativity and artistic abilities, providing an environment that encourages students to excel in these domains. This holistic approach to education enables Nueva's students to foster a robust sense of self and a compassionate understanding of the world.

The education model at Nueva understands that talented students need a learning environment that supports their superior cognitive capacities and a pace that matches their accelerated learning abilities. The school meets these demands by offering learners the necessary tools to fully tap into their potential. Their inquisitive attitude is encouraged, and they are spurred to explore topics they're passionate about. Consequently, Nueva's students transform into lifelong learners, fervently pursuing their academic and personal passions.

The enrollment process at Nueva is orderly and well-structured, incorporating several important dates and procedures to facilitate a seamless onboarding for incoming students. Their good practice principles underscore their dedication to promoting an unbiased, inclusive environment, irrespective of the students' racial, gender, or religious backgrounds.

The Nueva School exemplifies the very essence of gifted education, continuously adapting and innovating its practices to accommodate the distinctive needs of gifted students. Their steadfast dedication to fostering an atmosphere that cultivates talents, addresses individual needs, and empowers passions, makes Nueva a top choice for gifted education.

What are the most important dates to know about The Nueva School's academic year?

The admission process at The Nueva School is both meticulous and organized, marked by several critical dates to provide a seamless experience for prospective students. Applications open on September 1, 2023. Those who complete their applications by November 13, 2023, are guaranteed an in-person visit for K-8 applicants, or an optional parent/guardian conversation for upper school applicants. The final deadline for all applications and required documents is January 9, 2024. Applicants looking for financial assistance should submit their applications and all supplemental documents by February 2, 2024. The school communicates admission decisions on March 15, 2024. Admitted students and their guardians get an opportunity to visit the campus between March 19-21, 2024. The deadline for admission decision replies for all grades is March 22, 2024. These crucial dates ensure a structured and efficient admission process for all applicants.