ExploreMapCompareBlogSign in

Elementary Schools in Atherton, California

Above Average2024–25 data4 schools · avg 68.5/100

Atherton, California has 4 ranked elementary schools with an average Scope Score of 68.5/100 — 24.7 points above the California state average of 43.8. The highest-scoring school is Laurel Elementary at 85/100, where 59.7% of students exceed the state standard on the 2025 CAASPP assessment. Atherton schools average 43.8% exceeded standard (state: 21.6%) — this exceeded-vs-met distinction reveals whether schools push students beyond proficiency or pace toward it. Of 4 schools, 2 High Ceiling stand out for their performance profiles. Chronic absenteeism averages 10.7% (below the state average of 18.1%). Data source: California Department of Education CAASPP 2025, analyzed by SchoolScope.

Avg Scope Score
68.5
State avg: 43.8
SchoolScope composite
Score Range
39.4
45.3 – 84.7
Avg Exceeded %
43.8%
State avg: 21.6%
CDE CAASPP 2025
Chronic Absenteeism
10.7%
State avg: 18.1%
CDE Attendance 2025
Schools Ranked
4
With Scope Scores

How Atherton schools compare

Atherton's 4 ranked elementary schools average a Scope Score of 68.5 — 24.7 points above the California state average of 43.8. Scores range from 45.3 to 84.7, a 39.4-point spread.

The top-ranked school is Laurel Elementary with a Scope Score of 85 and 59.7% of students exceeding standard.

High-ceiling schools: Atherton schools average 43.8% exceeding standard — well above the statewide average of 21.6%. These schools aren't just getting students to proficiency, they're pushing them further.

Chronic absenteeism in Atherton averages 10.7%, which is above the state average of 18.1%.

How we score · Scope Score weights exceeded (40%), met (22%), growth (15%), absenteeism (10%), suspension (5%), ELPAC (5%), baseline (3%)

School archetypes in Atherton

2 High Ceiling1 Strong All-Around1 Culture First

Archetypes are data-driven labels based on Scope Score dimensions. Learn more

Schools in Atherton ranked by Scope Score

#SchoolExceededScore
1Laurel Elementary
Menlo Park City Elementary High Ceiling
59.7%Strong
85/100
2Encinal Elementary
Menlo Park City Elementary High Ceiling
53.2%Strong
74/100
3Menlo-Atherton High
Sequoia Union High Strong All-Around
39.5%Solid
69/100
4Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion
Redwood City Elementary Culture First
23.0%Developing
45/100

Data source: California Department of Education · CAASPP 2024-25 · Methodology

Scores are SchoolScope's analysis of public data, not official CDE ratings. They represent one way of interpreting test results and should not be the sole basis for school decisions.

Private Schools in Atherton

Private schools don't participate in California's standardized testing (CAASPP) and cannot be scored or ranked. Showing enrollment, student-teacher ratio, and affiliation where available.

Sacred Heart Schools Atherton
Roman Catholic · Grades Pre-K-12 · 1118 students
5:1Private
Menlo School
Nonsectarian · Grades 6-12 · 818 students
9:1Private

What Scope Scores can't tell you about Atherton

  • Class sizes and student-teacher interaction quality
  • Quality of arts, music, athletics, and enrichment programs
  • Teacher experience, turnover, and professional development
  • Campus safety, bullying climate, and social-emotional support
  • Parent and community engagement levels
  • Quality of special education and gifted programs
  • How school zones and enrollment boundaries affect access

Scope Scores measure academic performance and school climate using public data. They are one lens among many. Full methodology

Frequently asked questions

Are the schools in Atherton good?
Atherton's 4 ranked elementary schools average a Scope Score of 68.5/100, which is 24.7 points above the California state average of 43.8. 43.8% of students exceed the state standard on average (state average: 21.6%). The Scope Score weights six dimensions: exceeded standard (40%), met standard (22%), grade-level growth (15%), chronic absenteeism (10%), suspension rate (5%), and ELPAC proficiency (5%). Data source: California Department of Education CAASPP 2025, analyzed by SchoolScope.
What is the best elementary school in Atherton?
The highest-scoring elementary school in Atherton is Laurel Elementary with a Scope Score of 85/100 and 59.7% of students exceeding the state standard. Rankings are based on SchoolScope's 2025 Scope Score, which measures academic performance and school climate using publicly available California data. See full methodology.
How do Atherton schools compare to the state average?
Atherton elementary schools average a Scope Score of 68.5 vs. the statewide average of 43.8 (24.7 points above). The exceeded rate averages 43.8% vs. 21.6% statewide. Chronic absenteeism averages 10.7% vs. 18.1% statewide. Scores range from 45.3 to 84.7, a 39.4-point spread.
How many schools are in Atherton?
Atherton has 4 ranked elementary schools with Scope Scores. Schools are ranked using a weighted composite of CAASPP test performance, growth trajectory, chronic absenteeism, and suspension rate. Schools with insufficient testing data are not ranked.
What does the Scope Score measure?
The Scope Score is SchoolScope's proprietary composite rating (0–100) based on six dimensions of publicly available California school data: the exceeded-vs-met standard split, overall proficiency, grade 3–5 growth, chronic absenteeism, suspension rate, and ELPAC English Learner proficiency. Unlike single-number ratings, the Scope Score separates students who "exceeded" from those who "met" the standard — revealing whether a school pushes students beyond proficiency or paces toward it. Full methodology and weights.

Related

All California SchoolsTop Schools in AthertonMenlo Park City ElementarySequoia Union HighRedwood City Elementary

Plus 12 licensed preschools. Browse preschools in Atherton →

← Explore all schools