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California School Districts

California School District Directory

Top-Ranked School Districts

The highest-performing school districts in California

#1
10/10
Palo Alto Unified School District
Palo Alto, CA
12,000 students
95% proficient
Median home: $3.2M
#2
10/10
Los Altos School District
Los Altos, CA
4,800 students
94% proficient
Median home: $2.8M
#3
10/10
Saratoga Union School District
Saratoga, CA
3,200 students
93% proficient
Median home: $2.5M
#4
9/10
Cupertino Union School District
Cupertino, CA
18,500 students
92% proficient
Median home: $2.1M
#5
9/10
Manhattan Beach Unified
Manhattan Beach, CA
6,800 students
91% proficient
Median home: $1.9M
#6
9/10
Piedmont City Unified
Piedmont, CA
2,400 students
90% proficient
Median home: $1.8M
#7
9/10
Acalanes Union High School District
Lafayette, CA
5,200 students
89% proficient
Median home: $1.6M
#8
9/10
Fremont Union High School District
Sunnyvale, CA
11,000 students
88% proficient
Median home: $1.8M
#9
9/10
Las Virgenes Unified
Calabasas, CA
11,500 students
87% proficient
Median home: $1.4M
#10
9/10
Orinda Union School District
Orinda, CA
1,800 students
86% proficient
Median home: $1.5M
#11
8/10
Mill Valley School District
Mill Valley, CA
2,100 students
85% proficient
Median home: $1.7M
#12
8/10
San Marino Unified
San Marino, CA
2,300 students
84% proficient
Median home: $1.3M

Best Places to Live for Great Schools

Communities that combine excellent education with quality of life

Palo Alto
Santa Clara County
10/10
Very High
Population: 67,000

Key Highlights:

Top-rated schools
Tech hub
Stanford University nearby
Manhattan Beach
Los Angeles County
9/10
Very High
Population: 35,000

Key Highlights:

Beach community
Excellent schools
Family-friendly
Saratoga
Santa Clara County
10/10
Very High
Population: 31,000

Key Highlights:

Mountain views
Top schools
Low crime rate
Los Altos
Santa Clara County
10/10
Very High
Population: 30,000

Key Highlights:

Historic charm
Excellent education
Tech proximity
Lafayette
Contra Costa County
9/10
High
Population: 25,000

Key Highlights:

Acalanes schools
Family community
BART access
Orinda
Contra Costa County
9/10
High
Population: 19,000

Key Highlights:

Top elementary schools
Safe community
Nature trails
Calabasas
Los Angeles County
9/10
High
Population: 24,000

Key Highlights:

Las Virgenes schools
Celebrity homes
Mountain setting
Mill Valley
Marin County
8/10
Very High
Population: 14,000

Key Highlights:

Marin County schools
Outdoor lifestyle
Arts community

Featured District Spotlight

In-depth look at exceptional California school districts

SPOTLIGHT
9/10
Acalanes Union High School District
Lafayette, Contra Costa County

Serving the communities of Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, and parts of Walnut Creek, Acalanes Union High School District is renowned for its rigorous academics, outstanding athletics, and comprehensive arts programs.

5,200
Students
89%
Test Proficiency
4
High Schools
95%
Graduation Rate

Schools Include:

Acalanes High School
Campolindo High School
Las Lomas High School
Miramonte High School
TOP RANKED
10/10
Palo Alto Unified School District
Palo Alto, Santa Clara County

Consistently ranked as one of California's top school districts, PAUSD serves the heart of Silicon Valley with innovative programs, world-class facilities, and exceptional academic achievement.

12,000
Students
95%
Test Proficiency
25
Schools
98%
Graduation Rate

Notable Features:

Stanford Partnership
Tech Innovation
Advanced Placement
Arts Excellence

Districts by Region

Explore top school districts across California's diverse regions

🌉Bay Area
  • • Palo Alto Unified
  • • Los Altos School District
  • • Cupertino Union
  • • Acalanes Union High
  • • Piedmont City Unified
  • • Mill Valley School District
Average Rating: 9.2/10
🏖️Southern California
  • • Manhattan Beach Unified
  • • Las Virgenes Unified
  • • San Marino Unified
  • • Palos Verdes Peninsula
  • • Irvine Unified
  • • Newport-Mesa Unified
Average Rating: 8.8/10
🏔️Central Valley & More
  • • Davis Joint Unified
  • • San Luis Coastal Unified
  • • Carmel Unified
  • • Tahoe Truckee Unified
  • • Clovis Unified
  • • Roseville City Schools
Average Rating: 8.5/10
1,037
School Districts
6.2M
Students
58
Counties
10,315
Schools

California Education Excellence

From Silicon Valley innovation to coastal communities, California's diverse school districts serve millions of students with world-class education, cutting-edge technology, and comprehensive programs that prepare students for success in the 21st century.