Brainard Elementary

Brainard Elementary is a public elementary school in Lake View Terrace, California, serving 161 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. With a composite score of 9.4 out of 10 and an Exceptional rating, it ranks 38th out of 9,533 public schools in California — placing it in the top fraction of a percent statewide and outperforming 100% of California schools on growth metrics. Academic performance scores 8.6 out of 10, but student growth is where Brainard truly separates itself, earning a near-perfect 9.9.

That growth score reflects how much students advance year over year, not just where they start — a meaningful signal for families weighing long-term outcomes. The school's 17.9-to-1 student-teacher ratio supports the kind of individual attention that drives those results. Among elementary schools specifically, Brainard ranks 37th out of 5,817 statewide, confirming its performance holds up against direct peers.

For families in Lake View Terrace, the choice is straightforward: Brainard is the top-ranked school in the area. Small enrollment keeps the school community tight, and the numbers make clear that size hasn't limited achievement. Parents prioritizing measurable academic growth will find few public elementary options in California that outperform it.

With an enrollment of 161 students, Brainard Elementary is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.