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Elementary Schools in Pacifica, California

Above Average2024–25 data8 schools · avg 54.7/100

Pacifica, California has 8 ranked elementary schools with an average Scope Score of 54.7/100 — 11.0 points above the California state average of 43.8. The highest-scoring school is Oceana High at 67/100, where 32.5% of students exceed the state standard on the 2025 CAASPP assessment. Pacifica schools average 25.4% exceeded standard (state: 21.6%) — this exceeded-vs-met distinction reveals whether schools push students beyond proficiency or pace toward it. Chronic absenteeism averages 13.4% (below the state average of 18.1%). Data source: California Department of Education CAASPP 2025, analyzed by SchoolScope.

Avg Scope Score
54.7
State avg: 43.8
SchoolScope composite
Score Range
32.9
34.2 – 67.2
Avg Exceeded %
25.4%
State avg: 21.6%
CDE CAASPP 2025
Chronic Absenteeism
13.4%
State avg: 18.1%
CDE Attendance 2025
Schools Ranked
8
With Scope Scores

How Pacifica schools compare

Pacifica's 8 ranked elementary schools average a Scope Score of 54.7 — 11.0 points above the California state average of 43.8. Scores range from 34.2 to 67.2, a 32.9-point spread.

The top-ranked school is Oceana High with a Scope Score of 67 and 32.5% of students exceeding standard.

Chronic absenteeism in Pacifica averages 13.4%, 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 Pacifica

3 Strong All-Around3 Culture First2 Building Momentum

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

Schools in Pacifica ranked by Scope Score

#SchoolExceededScore
1Oceana High
Jefferson Union High Strong All-Around
32.5%Solid
67/100
2Terra Nova High
Jefferson Union High Strong All-Around
21.2%Solid
64/100
3Vallemar Elementary
Pacifica Strong All-Around
35.6%Solid
62/100
4Ocean Shore Elementary
Pacifica Culture First
23.1%Solid
55/100
5Cabrillo Elementary
Pacifica Culture First
23.3%Solid
55/100
6Ingrid B. Lacy Middle
Pacifica Building Momentum
24.9%Solid
51/100
7Ortega Elementary
Pacifica Culture First
28.9%Solid
51/100
8Sunset Ridge Elementary
Pacifica Building Momentum
13.9%Developing
34/100

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 Pacifica

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.

Pacific Bay Christian School
Brethren · Grades 5-12 · 185 students
8:1Private
Good Shepherd Elementary School
Roman Catholic · Grades Pre-K-8 · 160 students
17:1Private
Montessori School of Linda Mar Inc
Nonsectarian · Grades Pre-K-TK · 6 students
2:1Private

What Scope Scores can't tell you about Pacifica

  • 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 Pacifica good?
Pacifica's 8 ranked elementary schools average a Scope Score of 54.7/100, which is 11.0 points above the California state average of 43.8. 25.4% 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 Pacifica?
The highest-scoring elementary school in Pacifica is Oceana High with a Scope Score of 67/100 and 32.5% 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 Pacifica schools compare to the state average?
Pacifica elementary schools average a Scope Score of 54.7 vs. the statewide average of 43.8 (11.0 points above). The exceeded rate averages 25.4% vs. 21.6% statewide. Chronic absenteeism averages 13.4% vs. 18.1% statewide. Scores range from 34.2 to 67.2, a 32.9-point spread.
How many schools are in Pacifica?
Pacifica has 8 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.

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