Best Elementary Schools
in Los Angeles, California
We ranked all 552 elementary schools in Los Angeles. The top 25 scored between 9.2 and 9.8 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and California education data
Los Angeles ranks 331 elementary schools, making it one of the most extensive school markets in the country. Sierra Vista Elementary leads the field with a 9.8/10 composite score, followed closely by Third Street Elementary and Charles H. Kim Elementary, both at 9.6. The competition at the top is tight, but the data tells a broader story: 220 schools — 66% of the ranked total — score 7 or higher, meaning strong options are distributed across the metro rather than concentrated in a handful of neighborhoods. The average composite score across all ranked schools sits at 7.4/10, a solid baseline that reflects genuine competition throughout the district. Use the table below to sort by score, location, or other factors that matter to your family. Filtering by neighborhood is a practical starting point, since a high-scoring school a few miles away may outperform a closer option you'd otherwise default to.
Sierra Vista Elementary
Third Street Elementary
Charles H. Kim Elementary
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Los Angeles's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within California so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sierra Vista Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.8 |
| 2 | Third Street Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.6 |
| 3 | Charles H. Kim Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.6 |
| 4 | Para Los Ninos Charter Charter Para Los Ninos Charter District | 9.5 |
| 5 | Canfield Avenue Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.5 |
| 6 | Fifty-Fourth Street Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.5 |
| 7 | Hoover Street Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.5 |
| 8 | Multnomah Street Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.5 |
| 9 | Global Education Academy 2 Charter Global Education Academy 2 District | 9.4 |
| 10 | Bushnell Way Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.4 |
| 11 | Glen Alta Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.4 |
| 12 | Morris K. Hamasaki Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.4 |
| 13 | Vernon City Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.4 |
| 14 | Brockton Avenue Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.3 |
| 15 | Castle Heights Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.3 |
| 16 | Compton Avenue Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.3 |
| 17 | Farmdale Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.3 |
| 18 | Grand View Boulevard Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.3 |
| 19 | Laurel Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.3 |
| 20 | Richland Avenue Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.3 |
| 21 | Gil Garcetti Learning Academy Los Angeles Unified | 9.3 |
| 22 | Virginia Road Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.3 |
| 23 | Learning by Design Charter Charter Learning by Design Charter District | 9.2 |
| 24 | Alexandria Avenue Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.2 |
| 25 | Commonwealth Avenue Elementary Los Angeles Unified | 9.2 |
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 Los Angeles
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Los Angeles's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Los Angeles
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Los Angeles's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in California, with 552 schools spanning 174 school districts, plus 75 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
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 Los Angeles, California?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Sierra Vista Elementary is the top-rated elementary school in Los Angeles with a composite score of 9.8/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many elementary schools are in Los Angeles, California?
Los Angeles has 552 elementary schools, including 75 charter schools. Of these, 418 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Los Angeles?
The average composite score for Los Angeles elementary schools is 7.1/10. 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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.
Are charter schools included in the Los Angeles elementary school rankings?
Yes. Los Angeles has 75 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.