Best Elementary Schools
in Sacramento, California
We ranked all 155 elementary schools in Sacramento. The top 25 scored between 7.5 and 9.0 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and California education data
Sacramento's elementary school landscape spans 120 ranked schools, giving families a wide field to evaluate. The average composite score across those schools sits at 5.9 out of 10, but the top tier pulls well above that — William Land Elementary leads at 9.0, with Foothill Oaks Elementary, Sol Aureus College Preparatory, and Genevieve Didion each close behind at 8.7. Thirty-five schools score 7 or higher, meaning roughly one in four ranked schools clears that bar — a solid share for a metro this size. The table below lets you sort by score, school type, and other key metrics to find the right fit for your child. Scores reflect a composite of academic performance data, so use them as a starting point alongside factors like commute, program focus, and enrollment availability.
William Land Elementary
Foothill Oaks Elementary
Sol Aureus College Preparatory
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Sacramento'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 | William Land Elementary Sacramento City Unified | 9.0 |
| 2 | Foothill Oaks Elementary Twin Rivers Unified | 8.7 |
| 3 | Sol Aureus College Preparatory Charter Sol Aureus College Preparatory District | 8.7 |
| 4 | Genevieve Didion Sacramento City Unified | 8.7 |
| 5 | Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Elementary Charter Natomas Unified | 8.6 |
| 6 | Garden Valley Elementary Twin Rivers Unified | 8.4 |
| 7 | BROOKFIELD SCHOOL | 8.3 |
| 8 | Matsuyama Elementary Sacramento City Unified | 8.2 |
| 9 | Caleb Greenwood Elementary Sacramento City Unified | 8.1 |
| 10 | Susan B. Anthony Elementary Sacramento City Unified | 8.1 |
| 11 | Robert J. Fite Elementary Elk Grove Unified | 8.0 |
| 12 | David Lubin Elementary Sacramento City Unified | 8.0 |
| 13 | Sutterville Elementary Sacramento City Unified | 8.0 |
| 14 | Mariemont Elementary San Juan Unified | 7.9 |
| 15 | Bret Harte Elementary Sacramento City Unified | 7.8 |
| 16 | Hollywood Park Elementary Sacramento City Unified | 7.8 |
| 17 | James Marshall Elementary Sacramento City Unified | 7.8 |
| 18 | Smythe Academy of Arts and Sciences Charter Twin Rivers Unified | 7.7 |
| 19 | Taylor Street Elementary Robla Elementary | 7.7 |
| 20 | Theodore Judah Elementary Sacramento City Unified | 7.7 |
| 21 | MERRYHILL SCHOOL CALVINE | 7.7 |
| 22 | A. M. Winn Waldorf-Inspired Sacramento City Unified | 7.6 |
| 23 | New Joseph Bonnheim (NJB) Community Charter Charter Sacramento City Unified | 7.6 |
| 24 | Mary Tsukamoto Elementary Elk Grove Unified | 7.5 |
| 25 | Sierra-Enterprise Elementary Elk Grove Unified | 7.5 |
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 Sacramento
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Sacramento's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Sacramento
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Sacramento's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in California, with 155 schools spanning 32 school districts, plus 14 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 Sacramento, California?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, William Land Elementary is the top-rated elementary school in Sacramento with a composite score of 9.0/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many elementary schools are in Sacramento, California?
Sacramento has 155 elementary schools, including 14 charter schools. Of these, 136 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Sacramento?
The average composite score for Sacramento elementary schools is 5.9/10. 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 Sacramento elementary school rankings?
Yes. Sacramento has 14 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.