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The 19 Best Elementary Schools in San Francisco

For families living in San Francisco, finding the right elementary school for their children is a top priority. With a plethora of options available, it can be overwhelming to narrow down the choices and make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize academic excellence, extracurricular activities, or a diverse learning environment, there are elementary schools in San Francisco that cater to your preferences.

From public to private, charter to magnet, each elementary school in San Francisco offers unique programs and resources to meet the needs of its students. Before making a decision, parents should consider factors such as location, class size, teacher qualifications, and school culture. By comparing these key points, families can find the best elementary school in San Francisco that aligns with their educational goals and values.

Now, without further ado, here is a curated list of the Best Elementary Schools in San Francisco to help you find the perfect fit for your child's education.

How we chose and ordered them

This selection of elementary schools in San Francisco weighs each business's reputation, which anyone can check online, against how much of its work is devoted to this service. Those that do exactly this, and have done it well for years, come first.

Some businesses pay for a fuller profile or a featured position. It is only open to those that have already passed our selection, and it is always marked.

Top 3All optionsMapWhat to look for

Weigh 19 local options side by side

Lafayette Elementary School, San Francisco#1
What it does well
  • Outstanding and caring staff

  • Active and responsive principal

  • Fun and engaging music and art classes

  • Beautifully maintained facilities

  • Loved going here, had a wonderful teacher. When I went here the building was creamy ivory color but now it's sky blue.

  • We are locals to the area and absolutely love the school. It was our top pick and well worth it.

  • One of the best elementary schools in San Francisco. Music and art classes are fun.

  • Excellent school, caring staff, and responsive active principal.

Lafayette Elementary School

5.09 reviews
4545 Anza St, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States

Lafayette Elementary School is a highly-rated elementary school located in San Francisco. The school offers a range of services and features to support the education and development of their students. Some of the highlighted services include:

Customers have left glowing reviews for Lafayette Elementary School, praising the school for its exceptional education and community. Some of the key points from the reviews include:

With a perfect rating of 5.0, Lafayette Elementary School is a top choice for families seeking a supportive and enriching educational environment for their children.

Sunnyside Elementary School, San Francisco#2
What it does well
  • Love Sunnyside as my school

  • Good

  • Excellent

  • Great facilities

Sunnyside Elementary School

5.08 reviews
250 Foerster St, San Francisco, CA 94112, United States

Sunnyside Elementary School is a renowned institution in San Francisco, providing top-notch education to students. The school offers a wide range of services, including an accessible environment with wheelchair-accessible facilities.

The school has received excellent reviews from satisfied parents and students. Some key points from the reviews include:

With a stellar rating of 5.0, Sunnyside Elementary School continues to be a favorite choice for families looking for quality education in a welcoming environment.

Garfield Elementary School, San Francisco#3
What it does well
  • Appreciation for the small and tight-knit community

  • Dedicated and enthusiastic staff

  • Convenient location with local amenities for families

  • Excitement for the fully renovated state-of-the-art campus reopening

Garfield Elementary School

5.08 reviews
USAc, 420 Filbert St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Garfield Elementary School is a renowned elementary school located in San Francisco. Known for its exceptional staff, community engagement, and prime location under Coit Tower, it offers various educational pathways including general education, Cantonese immersion, and autism focus special education, all within one unified school setting.

The school's small size and warm community are praised by many parents, with reviewers highlighting the committed teachers and enthusiastic principal. The early start time caters to working parents, and after-school programs are available on-site. Parents appreciate the fun and safe learning environment provided for their children, encouraging active participation in the school's success.

Customer reviews summarize the following key points:

Check out their website to learn more about the educational programs and services they offer.

Rosa Parks Elementary School, San Francisco#4
What it does well
  • Parents appreciate the school's welcoming environment and dedicated teachers.

  • Students love the delicious food and the engaging learning experience.

  • Many reviewers have highlighted specific teachers who have made a positive impact on their children's education.

  • Overall, the school is praised for its inclusive and supportive community.

Rosa Parks Elementary School

4.714 reviews
1501 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

Rosa Parks Elementary School is a renowned elementary school located in San Francisco, CA. The school prides itself on offering a variety of services and features that cater to the diverse needs of its students. With a remarkable rating of 4.7 stars, Rosa Parks Elementary School is highly regarded by the community.

If you are looking for a school that values academic excellence and student well-being, Rosa Parks Elementary School is the perfect choice for your child.

Sunset Elementary School, San Francisco#5
What it does well
  • This is one of the best elementary schools with interesting teachers, involved parents, and happy students.

  • The school provides great staff, after-school teachers, and a cozy environment ideal for learning.

  • There are tons of cool activities, fundraisers, and afterschool programs available for students.

  • It is a nice school with lots of friendly and funny teachers, creating a warm and welcoming environment for students.

Sunset Elementary School

4.99 reviews
1920 41st Ave, San Francisco, CA 94116, United States

Sunset Elementary School is a top-rated elementary school located in San Francisco, CA. The school operates on a schedule from 6 AM to 5 PM on Wednesday. Sunset Elementary School is known for its exceptional services and features.

Customers rave about the quality of education, the commitment of the teachers, and the engaging activities offered at Sunset Elementary School. With a high rating of 4.9, this school is a top choice for families looking for a nurturing and stimulating educational environment.

Grattan Elementary School, San Francisco#6
What it does well
  • Great!

  • Excellent services

  • Highly recommended

Grattan Elementary School

5.06 reviews
165 Grattan St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States

Grattan Elementary School is a renowned elementary school located in San Francisco. Known for its exceptional educational services, this school is highly rated with a 5.0-star rating based on 6 reviews. Customers have raved about their experiences, highlighting key points such as:

With a focus on accessibility, Grattan Elementary School ensures a welcoming environment for all students. The school offers wheelchair-accessible car park and wheelchair-accessible entrance for those in need. Visit their website for more information on enrollment and programs offered.

George Peabody Elementary School, San Francisco#7
What it does well
  • The best elementary school ever! I have been here since kindergarten and I love it so much! Great support, awesome activities, and great learning sessions. I recommend this elementary school for your child.

  • Great school with amazing staff! The environment is welcoming, and I couldn't be happier with the education my child is receiving here.

  • Excellent school that provides a well-rounded education. The teachers are dedicated, and the administration is supportive.

George Peabody Elementary School

4.86 reviews
251 6th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States

George Peabody Elementary School is a highly rated elementary school located in San Francisco. The school offers a variety of services and features to ensure the best learning environment for students. Some of the key highlights include wheelchair-accessible car park and wheelchair-accessible entrance for better accessibility.

Customer reviews praise the school for its exceptional qualities:

These reviews reflect the overall positive sentiment towards George Peabody Elementary School and its commitment to providing a top-notch educational experience for students.

Sanchez Elementary School, San Francisco#8
What it does well
  • Teachers are described as engaged and thoughtful, going above and beyond to instill important life lessons in addition to academic knowledge.

  • The school celebrates diversity, fostering an inclusive environment where every student feels seen and appreciated.

  • One review marvels at the fun learning experience provided, highlighting the school's ability to make education an enjoyable journey.

  • Another review simply states, "Is THE world's best school," showing the high regard that some community members hold for Sanchez Elementary.

Sanchez Elementary School

4.69 reviews
325 Sanchez St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

Sanchez Elementary School is a beloved institution in San Francisco that offers top-notch education for young learners. With a rating of 4.6, it's clear that the community values the school's commitment to excellence.

Whether a child is just starting their educational journey or is already well on their way, Sanchez Elementary School stands out as a beacon of learning and growth. Visit their website for more information on enrollment and programs offered.

Jean Parker Elementary School, San Francisco#9
What it does well
  • Students love attending Jean Parker Elementary School because of the engaging curriculum and dedicated teachers.

  • Parents appreciate the school's focus on individualized attention and academic excellence.

  • The school's commitment to accessibility, with wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance, ensures that all students feel included and supported.

Jean Parker Elementary School

4.85 reviews
840 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Jean Parker Elementary School is a top-rated elementary school located in San Francisco, CA. The school prides itself on providing exceptional education and a nurturing environment for students to thrive.

With a remarkable rating of 4.8, it's no surprise that Jean Parker Elementary School stands out as a premier educational institution in the area. Visit their website or contact them at +1 415-291-7990 to learn more about the excellent programs and opportunities they offer.

John Muir Elementary School, San Francisco#10
What it does well
  • Graduated from this school in 1992 and cherished memories of those times.

  • Commendable teachers.

  • Positive experience overall.

  • Happy with the quality of education provided.

John Muir Elementary School

4.67 reviews
380 Webster St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States

John Muir Elementary School is a renowned educational institution located in San Francisco, CA, providing top-quality education to young students in the area. This elementary school offers a variety of services and features to ensure the academic and personal growth of its students.

Some of the key features of John Muir Elementary School include a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance to ensure accessibility for all students.

With a rating of 4.6 out of 5, it's clear that the school has left a positive impression on its community. Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

If you are looking for a reliable and inclusive elementary school for your child, John Muir Elementary School is an excellent choice. Visit their website for more information on enrollment and programs offered.

Marshall Elementary School, San Francisco#11
What it does well
  • Volunteering opportunities where people can contribute to the improvement of the school's facilities.

  • Warm and friendly neighborhood environment with caring and dedicated staff.

  • Great public education for kids to thrive and grow.

Marshall Elementary School

4.319 reviews
1575 15th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Marshall Elementary School is a well-loved elementary school located in San Francisco, CA. The school offers wheelchair-accessible car park and wheelchair-accessible entrance for those in need of accessibility options. With a rating of 4.3, Marshall Elementary School has garnered positive reviews from its community.

Customers have praised the school for its friendly principal and staff, as well as the effective teaching methods. Whether it's helping out with school projects or enjoying the beautiful campus, Marshall Elementary School provides a nurturing environment for students to learn and thrive.

Francis Scott Key Elementary School, San Francisco#12
What it does well
  • Good after school program

  • Wow, great school

  • I go to this school

  • Highly recommended

Francis Scott Key Elementary School

4.410 reviews
1530 43rd Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States

Francis Scott Key Elementary School is a reputable elementary school located in San Francisco, CA. They offer a variety of services to ensure students receive a well-rounded education. The school has received a high rating of 4.4 stars based on 10 reviews.

Customers highlight the accessibility of the school, making it easy for all students to attend. With a diverse range of positive feedback, it's no wonder Francis Scott Key Elementary School has gained a strong reputation in the community.

McKinley Elementary School, San Francisco#13
What it does well
  • Great teachers and students creating a positive learning environment.

  • Community-oriented and supportive atmosphere.

  • Transformative impact on students, shaping them into successful individuals.

McKinley Elementary School

4.56 reviews
1025 14th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

McKinley Elementary School is a beloved institution in San Francisco, providing a top-notch education to young minds. The school prides itself on its accessibility, offering wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances for all students.

With a stellar rating of 4.5 stars, it's no surprise that customers have wonderful things to say about McKinley Elementary School. Some key points from customer reviews include:

Parents have highlighted the small class sizes and strong sense of community at McKinley, making it an ideal choice for families in the area. The dedicated teachers and staff are committed to providing a quality education that sets students up for success. If you're looking for a nurturing and academically rigorous elementary school, look no further than McKinley Elementary School.

Longfellow Elementary School, San Francisco#14
What it does well
  • Great teachers, great school.

  • Excellent school.

  • I go to this school.

  • I love this school.

Longfellow Elementary School

4.312 reviews
755 Morse St, San Francisco, CA 94112, United States

Longfellow Elementary School is a top-rated elementary school located in San Francisco, CA. The school prides itself on providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for students to thrive academically and socially. With a rating of 4.3, it is clear that the students and parents are highly satisfied with the education and support they receive at Longfellow Elementary.

At Longfellow Elementary School, students have access to a variety of services and programs, ensuring that each child receives a well-rounded education. The school is wheelchair-accessible, providing a comfortable and inclusive environment for all students. The positive reviews speak volumes about the quality of education and care that Longfellow Elementary School offers to its students. Visit their website for more information on enrollment and programs.

Junipero Serra Elementary School, San Francisco#15
What it does well
  • Everything is very safe and plus the staff there are very dependable.

  • It's a great school for children where parents can trust the staff with their kids' needs.

  • Good quality education and environment.

Junipero Serra Elementary School

4.36 reviews
625 Holly Park Cir, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

Junipero Serra Elementary School is a highly regarded institution offering a range of educational services to young students in San Francisco. The school prides itself on providing a safe and dependable environment for children to thrive both academically and socially.

With a rating of 4.3 based on 6 reviews, Junipero Serra Elementary School continues to be a top choice for families seeking a quality elementary education for their children.

Live Oak School, San Francisco#16
What it does well
  • Warm environment with caring teachers

  • Truly individualized experience for each student

  • Students are encouraged to grow and be challenged

Live Oak School

4.36 reviews
1555 Mariposa St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States

Live Oak School is a reputable middle school located in San Francisco, CA. The school prides itself on providing a warm environment with caring teachers who offer a truly individualized experience for each student. They aim to help students grow and be challenged academically and personally.

The facilities at Live Oak School include features such as a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, ensuring that all students have equal access to education. The school also offers a variety of services to cater to the diverse needs of its students.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

With a solid rating of 4.3 stars, it's clear that Live Oak School is highly regarded by its students and parents alike. If you're looking for a school that values the unique potential of each student, Live Oak School is the place to be.

Visitacion Valley Elementary School, San Francisco#17
What it does well
  • Excellent school with top academics in the district.

  • Great environment for learning and personal development.

  • Granddaughter attends and highly recommends this school.

Visitacion Valley Elementary School

4.19 reviews
55 Schwerin St, San Francisco, CA 94134, United States

Visitacion Valley Elementary School is a well-established elementary school in San Francisco that offers a wide range of services and features to its students. With a rating of 4.1, this school has received positive reviews from many satisfied parents and students.

The school provides accessibility features such as wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, ensuring that all students can comfortably access the campus. The school's commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students is evident in the positive reviews it has received. Visitacion Valley Elementary School is truly a place where students can thrive academically and personally.

Tenderloin Community Elementary School, San Francisco#18
What it does well
  • Great atmosphere.

  • Attentive staff members.

  • Positive learning environment.

Tenderloin Community Elementary School

4.06 reviews
627 Turk St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Tenderloin Community Elementary School is a renowned educational institution located in San Francisco, CA. With a rating of 4.0, it has garnered positive reviews from its visitors. Some of the key points highlighted by customers include:

The school offers a variety of services and features to ensure the best possible education for its students. With wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, they prioritize accessibility for all. Customers are impressed with the overall experience at Tenderloin Community Elementary School and highly recommend it to others.

Dolores Huerta Elementary School, San Francisco#19
What it does well
  • Parents have noted that the staff at Dolores Huerta Elementary School can be rude and unsupportive, making it difficult for families to feel welcomed.

  • Some reviewers feel that the school focuses too heavily on Spanish language instruction, potentially leaving non-Spanish speaking students at a disadvantage.

  • On a positive note, former students have fond memories of their time at Fairmount and praise the school for its positive impact on their lives.

Dolores Huerta Elementary School

4.09 reviews
65 Chenery St, San Francisco, CA 94131, United States

Dolores Huerta Elementary School is a well-established elementary school in San Francisco, CA. Offering a variety of educational programs, this school is committed to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment for all students.

With a rating of 4.0 and a mix of reviews, Dolores Huerta Elementary School continues to be a landmark educational institution in the community. Visit their website for more information on enrollment and programs.

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Map of Elementary Schools in San Francisco

Finding the best elementary school for your child is a crucial decision. With so many options to choose from in San Francisco, it can be overwhelming. This map provides a comprehensive overview of all the elementary schools in the city, allowing you to easily identify which ones are closest to your home or work. Make an informed choice for your child's education.

How to pick Elementary Schools in San Francisco

  1. Location proximity to home or work.
  2. Class size and student-teacher ratio.
  3. Teacher qualifications and experience.
  4. School curriculum and extracurricular activities.
  5. Educational philosophy and approach.

Common questions

What are the admissions requirements for elementary schools in San Francisco?

The admissions requirements for elementary schools in San Francisco can vary. Typically, parents will need to provide proof of residency, as well as the child's birth certificate and immunization records. Some schools may also require entrance exams or interviews. It's important to check with each specific school for their requirements. Additionally, some schools in San Francisco have lottery systems for admission due to high demand. This means that not all students who apply may be accepted. Parents should familiarize themselves with the admissions process of each school they are interested in.

What extracurricular activities are offered at elementary schools in San Francisco?

Elementary schools in San Francisco typically offer a wide range of extracurricular activities for students to participate in. This may include sports teams, art clubs, music programs, and STEM activities. Some schools also offer after-school programs for working parents. Participating in extracurricular activities can help students develop social skills, discover new interests, and build a sense of community within the school. Parents should inquire about the specific extracurricular offerings at the schools they are considering for their child.

How are elementary schools in San Francisco funded?

Elementary schools in San Francisco receive funding from a variety of sources. The majority of funding comes from the state of California through a combination of local property taxes and state funds. Some schools may also receive additional funding through grants, donations, or fundraising efforts. Funding plays a crucial role in determining the resources available to schools, such as teacher salaries, classroom supplies, and extracurricular programs. Parents can support their child's school by participating in fundraising events or donating to the school directly.

What is the student-teacher ratio like at elementary schools in San Francisco?

The student-teacher ratio at elementary schools in San Francisco can vary depending on the school and grade level. On average, elementary schools in San Francisco have a student-teacher ratio of around 20:1. However, this ratio may be lower in private schools or schools with specialized programs. A lower student-teacher ratio can lead to more personalized attention for students and a better learning experience. Parents should consider the student-teacher ratio when evaluating schools and determining the best fit for their child.

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