Best Schools in Novato, California
19 schools · 11 Elementary · 2 Middle · 5 High · 1 Other
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 6.6/10
- Median household income
- $117,514
- Median home value
- $1,054,967
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 49%
- Avg commute
- 28 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 68%
38% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Novato compares
California rank
#234 of 596
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
+0.3
above California avg (6.3)
Median household income
$118k
118% of California median
Schools in this city
16
About Schools in Novato, California
Novato, California is home to 19 schools, including 15 public schools and 4 private schools. The city's schools span 11 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 5 high schools.
With an average rating of 6.6 out of 10, schools in Novato show moderate performance on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
The highest-performing school in Novato is San Ramon Elementary with a composite score of 8.2/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.
Novato is served by 2 school districts: Novato Charter District, Novato Unified. These districts collectively serve 7,475 students.
Novato's community shows 49% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $117,514. The poverty rate in the area is 8.4%.
Browse the schools below to compare ratings, test scores, enrollment, and other key metrics. Use the filters to focus on specific school levels or types that match your family's needs.
Elementary Schools
11 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 441 students · Kindergarten–5th | 8.2 | ||
| 2 | 349 students · Kindergarten–5th | 8.1 | ||
| 3 | 414 students · Kindergarten–5th | 8.0 | ||
| 4 | 259 students · Kindergarten–5th | 7.8 | ||
| 5 | 349 students · Kindergarten–5th | 6.4 | ||
| 6 | 458 students · Kindergarten–5th | 6.3 | ||
| 7 | 362 students · Kindergarten–5th | 6.0 | ||
| 8 | 522 students · Kindergarten–8th | 5.2 | ||
| 9 | 266 students · Kindergarten–8th | 5.1 | ||
| Private Schools 2 schools Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Private
186 students · Pre-K–8th | Not Rated | ||
| 2 | 100 students · Kindergarten–5th | Not Rated | ||
Middle Schools
2 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 752 students · 6th–8th | 6.0 |
| 2 | 516 students · 6th–8th | 5.2 |
High Schools
5 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,186 students · 9th–12th | 7.9 | ||
| 2 | 1,393 students · 9th–12th | 6.3 | ||
| 3 | 88 students · 9th–12th | 5.4 | ||
| Private Schools 2 schools Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | 76 students · 6th–12th | Not Rated | ||
| 2 | NORTH BAY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Private
26 students · 9th–12th | Not Rated | ||
Other Schools
1 school| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 70 students · Kindergarten–12th | 7.3 |
Schools in Novato
Novato, California · 19 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 3 ZIP codes
Median Income
$117,514
Median Home Value
$1,054,967
Median Rent
$2,430/mo
Population
59,997
College Educated
49%
Homeownership
68%
Avg Commute
28 min
Poverty Rate
8.4%
Community Profile
Novato has a median household income of $117,514. It is a well-educated community where 49% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $1,054,967, with a median rent of $2,430/month. The local poverty rate of 8.4% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 28 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Quick Facts
- State
- California
- Total Schools
- 19
- Elementary
- 11
- Middle
- 2
- High
- 5
- Districts
- 2
- Avg Rating
- 6.6/10
Resources
Nearby Cities
Other Major Cities in California
Top metros statewide by school count.
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Novato, California
How many schools are in Novato, California?
Novato has 19 schools, including 15 public and 4 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Novato, California?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Novato is 6.6 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
What is the top-ranked school in Novato, California?
The top-ranked school in Novato on MySchoolScout is San Ramon Elementary with a composite score of 8.2/10.
What is the best elementary school in Novato, California?
The top-ranked elementary school in Novato on MySchoolScout is San Ramon Elementary with a composite score of 8.2/10.
What is the best middle school in Novato, California?
The top-ranked middle school in Novato on MySchoolScout is Sinaloa Middle with a composite score of 6.0/10.
What is the best high school in Novato, California?
The top-ranked high school in Novato on MySchoolScout is San Marin High with a composite score of 7.9/10.
How many school districts serve Novato, California?
Novato is served by 2 school districts: Novato Charter District, Novato Unified.
What is the education level in Novato, California?
According to Census data, 49% of adults in Novato have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Novato, California?
The median household income in Novato is approximately $117,514 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Novato, California?
Yes, Novato has 4 private schools alongside 15 public schools. The top-rated private school is Good Shepherd Lutheran School with a score of 5.7/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Novato, California?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Novato is 18.7:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Novato, California?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.
Related reading
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, California Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.