For the 2026 school year, there are 165 public schools serving 85,299 students in San Mateo County, CA (there are 112 private schools, serving 19,867 private students). 82% of all K-12 students in San Mateo County, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%). San Mateo County has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in California.
The top-ranked public schools in San Mateo County, CA are North Star Academy, Central Elementary School and Las Lomitas Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
San Mateo County, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in San Mateo County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in San Mateo County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
North Star Academy
(Math: 95% | Reading: 95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
400 Duane St.
Redwood City, CA 94062
(650) 482-2411
Redwood City, CA 94062
(650) 482-2411
Gr: 3-8 | 527 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #22.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 92% | Reading: 89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
525 Middle Rd.
Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 637-4820
Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 637-4820
Gr: K-5 | 437 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Las Lomitas Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
299 Alameda De Las Pulgas
Atherton, CA 94027
(650) 854-5900
Atherton, CA 94027
(650) 854-5900
Gr: K-3 | 522 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
West Hillsborough
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
376 Barbara Way
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 344-9870
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 344-9870
Gr: K-5 | 275 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #55.
College Park Elementary School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
715-a Indian Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 312-7691
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 312-7691
Gr: K-5 | 431 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #66.
White Oaks Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
1901 White Oak Way
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 508-7317
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 508-7317
Gr: K-3 | 250 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #77.
Ormondale Elementary School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
200 Shawnee Pass
Portola Valley, CA 94028
(650) 851-1777
Portola Valley, CA 94028
(650) 851-1777
Gr: K-3 | 243 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Brewer Island Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1151 Polynesia Dr.
San Mateo, CA 94404
(650) 312-7532
San Mateo, CA 94404
(650) 312-7532
Gr: K-5 | 306 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Brittan Acres Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2000 Belle Ave.
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 508-7307
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 508-7307
Gr: K-3 | 411 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #1010.
Fox Elementary School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
3100 Saint James Rd.
Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 637-4850
Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 637-4850
Gr: K-5 | 420 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #1111.
Arundel Elementary School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
200 Arundel Rd.
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 508-7311
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 508-7311
Gr: K-3 | 388 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #1212.
Mariposa
(Math: 83% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
750 Dartmouth Ave.
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 832-4201
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 832-4201
Gr: 4-5 | 322 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #1313.
North Hillsborough
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
545 Eucalyptus Ave.
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 347-4175
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 347-4175
Gr: K-5 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #1414.
Ralston Intermediate
(Math: 81% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2675 Ralston Ave.
Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 637-4880
Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 637-4880
Gr: 6-8 | 1,082 student Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #1515.
La Entrada Middle School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2200 Sharon Rd.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 854-3962
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 854-3962
Gr: 4-8 | 612 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #1616.
Corte Madera
(Math: 86% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4575 Alpine Rd.
Portola Valley, CA 94028
(650) 851-1777
Portola Valley, CA 94028
(650) 851-1777
Gr: 4-8 | 252 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #1717.
South Hillsborough
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
303 El Cerrito Ave.
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 344-0303
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 344-0303
Gr: K-5 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #1818.
Crocker Middle School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2600 Ralston Ave.
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 342-6331
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 342-6331
Gr: 6-8 | 446 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #1919.
Laurel Elementary School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
95 Edge Rd.
Atherton, CA 94027
(650) 324-0186
Atherton, CA 94027
(650) 324-0186
Gr: K-5 | 658 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #2020.
Carlmont High School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 88%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1400 Alameda De Las Pulgas
Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 595-0210
Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 595-0210
Gr: 9-12 | 2,360 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #2121.
Franklin Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2385 Trousdale Dr.
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 259-3850
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 259-3850
Gr: K-5 | 357 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #2222.
Woodside Elementary School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
3195 Woodside Rd.
Redwood City, CA 94062
(650) 851-1571
Redwood City, CA 94062
(650) 851-1571
Gr: K-8 | 385 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #2323.
Hoover Elementary School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2220 Summit Dr.
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 259-3900
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 259-3900
Gr: K-5 | 227 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #24 - 2524. - 25.
Heather Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2757 Melendy Dr.
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 508-7303
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 508-7303
Gr: K-3 | 320 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #24 - 2524. - 25.
North Shoreview Montessori
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1301 Cypress Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 312-7588
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 312-7588
Gr: K-8 | 325 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #2626.
Oak Knoll Elementary School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1895 Oak Knoll Ln.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 854-4433
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 854-4433
Gr: K-5 | 574 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #2727.
Foster City Elementary School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
461 Beach Park Blvd.
San Mateo, CA 94404
(650) 312-7522
San Mateo, CA 94404
(650) 312-7522
Gr: K-5 | 624 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #2828.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1801 Devereux Dr.
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 259-3860
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 259-3860
Gr: K-5 | 415 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #2929.
Redwood Shores Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
225 Shearwater Pkwy.
Redwood City, CA 94065
(650) 802-8060
Redwood City, CA 94065
(650) 802-8060
Gr: K-5 | 404 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #3030.
Arroyo
(Math: 77% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1710 Arroyo Ave.
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 632-8300
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 632-8300
Gr: 4-5 | 290 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #3131.
Encinal Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
195 Encinal Ave.
Atherton, CA 94027
(650) 326-5164
Atherton, CA 94027
(650) 326-5164
Gr: K-5 | 604 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #3232.
San Carlos Charter Learning Center
Charter School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
750 Dartmouth Ave.
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 508-7343
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 508-7343
Gr: K-8 | 377 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #3333.
Hillview Middle School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1100 Elder Ave.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 326-4341
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 326-4341
Gr: 6-8 | 846 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #3434.
Green Hills Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
401 Ludeman Ln.
Millbrae, CA 94030
(650) 588-6485
Millbrae, CA 94030
(650) 588-6485
Gr: K-5 | 338 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #3535.
Cipriani Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2525 Buena Vista
Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 637-4840
Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 637-4840
Gr: K-5 | 471 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in San Mateo County, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in San Mateo County, CA include North Star Academy, Central Elementary School and Las Lomitas Elementary School. San Mateo County has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in California.
How many public schools are located in San Mateo County?
179 public schools are located in San Mateo County.
What percentage of students in San Mateo County go to public school?
82% of all K-12 students in San Mateo County are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in San Mateo County?
San Mateo County public schools minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in San Mateo County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in San Mateo County include: Alta Loma Middle School vs. Westborough Middle School, Redwood Shores Elementary School vs. Sandpiper Elementary School, Belle Air Elementary School vs. Portola Elementary School
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