Best Elementary Schools
in Long Beach, California
We ranked the 62 elementary schools in Long Beach with real test data. The top 25 scored between 6.7 and 9.0 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and California education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Long Beach for 2026 are Emerson Parkside Academy (9.0/10), Kettering Elementary (8.8/10), and Prisk Elementary (8.8/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 62 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Long Beach?
Every elementary school in Long Beach is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Emerson Parkside Academy
Long Beach, CA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Kettering Elementary
Long Beach, CA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Prisk Elementary
Long Beach, CA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Long Beach spans one of Southern California's largest urban school districts, with 46 ranked elementary schools covering a wide range of performance. Emerson Parkside Academy leads the field at 8.6 out of 10, nearly a full point ahead of second-place Gant Elementary. The average composite score across all ranked schools sits at 5.5 out of 10, meaning the top performers represent a meaningful step above the norm — only 10 schools, or 22% of those ranked, clear the 7-point threshold. That gap matters when you're comparing options. Schools at the top of the table tend to separate on academic proficiency and student growth metrics, so sorting by individual categories can reveal different leaders depending on what you prioritize. Use the table below to filter by score, neighborhood, or school type and zero in on the programs that best fit your child's needs.
Emerson Parkside Academy
Kettering Elementary
Prisk Elementary
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Long Beach's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within California so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 62 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emerson Parkside Academy Long Beach Unified | 9.0 |
| 2 | Kettering Elementary Long Beach Unified | 8.8 |
| 3 | Prisk Elementary Long Beach Unified | 8.8 |
| 4 | Tincher Preparatory Long Beach Unified | 8.8 |
| 5 | Newcomb Academy Long Beach Unified | 8.5 |
| 6 | Cubberley K-8 Long Beach Unified | 8.2 |
| 7 | Henry Long Beach Unified | 8.2 |
| 8 | Naples Elementary Long Beach Unified | 8.1 |
| 9 | Burcham Elementary Long Beach Unified | 8.0 |
| 10 | Los Cerritos Elementary Long Beach Unified | 8.0 |
| 11 | Gant Elementary Long Beach Unified | 7.8 |
| 12 | St Cyprian Elementary School | 7.8 |
| 13 | Lowell Elementary Long Beach Unified | 7.6 |
| 14 | Bixby Elementary Long Beach Unified | 7.5 |
| 15 | Fremont Elementary Long Beach Unified | 7.5 |
| 16 | Lincoln Elementary Long Beach Unified | 7.4 |
| 17 | Carver Elementary Long Beach Unified | 7.3 |
| 18 | Maple Village Waldorf School | 7.3 |
| 19 | Montessori on Elm | 7.2 |
| 20 | Mckinley Elementary Long Beach Unified | 7.1 |
| 21 | Bethany Lutheran School | 7.1 |
| 22 | Oakwood Academy | 7.1 |
| 23 | St Barnabas Parish School | 7.0 |
| 24 | Birney Elementary Long Beach Unified | 6.8 |
| 25 | Lakewood Christian Schools | 6.7 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and California education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in California. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Long Beach
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Long Beach's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Long Beach
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Long Beach's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in California, with 81 schools spanning 9 school districts.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Long Beach, California?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Emerson Parkside Academy is the top-rated elementary school in Long Beach with a composite score of 9.0/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many elementary schools are in Long Beach, California?
Long Beach has 81 elementary schools. Of these, 62 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Long Beach?
The average composite score for Long Beach elementary schools is 6.2/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in California).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within California, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in California, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.