California Elementary Schools
Grades 3 and 5 CAASPP scores, growth trajectory, absenteeism, and suspension rates.
5,230
Schools ranked
K-5
Grade range
6
Dimensions
21.6%
Avg exceeded rate
Top elementary schools near Columbus
Based on your approximate location. Search above for more precise results.
| Rank | School | Score | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Hillsborough | 97 | 99th |
| 2 | Buckeye Union Mandarin Immersion Charter | 96 | 99th |
| 3 | Murdock-Portal Elementary | 95 | 99th |
| 4 | William Faria Elementary | 95 | 99th |
| 5 | Golden Elementary | 95 | 99th |
| 6 | Montecito Union | 94 | 99th |
| 7 | Millikin Elementary | 93 | 99th |
| 8 | Cornerstone at Pedregal Elementary | 93 | 99th |
| 9 | Herbert Hoover Elementary | 92 | 99th |
| 10 | John Muir Elementary | 92 | 99th |
Top California elementary schools
Ranked by Scope Score across 6 dimensions.
| Rank | School | Score | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Hillsborough | 97 | 99th |
| 2 | Buckeye Union Mandarin Immersion Charter | 96 | 99th |
| 3 | Murdock-Portal Elementary | 95 | 99th |
| 4 | William Faria Elementary | 95 | 99th |
| 5 | Golden Elementary | 95 | 99th |
| 6 | Montecito Union | 94 | 99th |
| 7 | Millikin Elementary | 93 | 99th |
| 8 | Cornerstone at Pedregal Elementary | 93 | 99th |
| 9 | Herbert Hoover Elementary | 92 | 99th |
| 10 | John Muir Elementary | 92 | 99th |
What to look for in an elementary school
Our data across thousands of California elementary schools surfaces three signals that matter most:
- Exceeded rate, not just proficiency. Two schools can both show 80% "met or exceeded standard" — but if one has 60% exceeded and the other has 20% exceeded, they're not the same school. The exceeded rate separates schools that clear the bar from schools that raise it.
- Growth from 3rd to 5th grade. Does the school add value, or coast on the talent that walks in the door? A school where scores improve from grade 3 to grade 5 is doing the work. A school where scores decline is living off incoming advantages.
- Chronic absenteeism under 10%. At the elementary level, absenteeism measures family engagement, school culture, and community stability. Schools with low absenteeism almost always outperform their demographics.
California elementary averages
The average exceeded rate across all scored elementary schools is 21.6%. Average grade 3→5 growth is -3.0 points. Schools above both benchmarks are doing something right.
Top districts for elementary
Districts with the highest average elementary Scope Scores (minimum 3 schools).
How to Get Into a Charter School in Los Angeles
Lottery tips, timelines, and what our data shows about charter performance.
Why "Exceeded vs. Met" Matters More Than You Think
The most important signal most school ratings ignore.
Search elementary schools near you
Find and compare elementary schools by name, city, or zip code.
Data source: California Department of Education, CAASPP 2024-25