C L Smith Elementary

C L Smith Elementary is a public school in San Luis Obispo serving 484 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. It earns an Exceptional composite score of 9.0 out of 10, driven by a 9.2 academic rating and a 9.8 growth score — one of the strongest growth marks in the state. Students here make measurably faster academic progress than their peers statewide.

The school ranks first among all 13 public schools in San Luis Obispo and outperforms 98% of California's public schools statewide. That standing holds beyond city limits: among the state's 5,817 elementary schools, C L Smith places 197th overall — top 4% in California. Across the full field of 9,533 public schools statewide, it holds the 244th spot.

Classes run at a 22-to-1 student-teacher ratio. C L Smith is a regular public school, open to students in its attendance zone. For families weighing elementary options in San Luis Obispo, the numbers are unambiguous — this school leads the city and ranks among the strongest elementary programs in California.

The student-teacher ratio at C L Smith Elementary is 22:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.