Los Angeles is one of the most diverse—and academically competitive—school districts in the United States. From high-performing neighborhood schools to magnet-driven innovation campuses, LA offers parents a wide range of excellent elementary education choices.
This 2026 list of the best elementary schools in Los Angeles, CA highlights campuses that consistently stand out for academic performance, specialty programs, feeder-school pathways, and long-term student success—not just test scores on paper.
Why Elementary Education in Los Angeles Stands Out in 2026
As of early 2026, LAUSD has recorded its strongest academic performance in over a decade. Increased investment in:
- STEM enrichment
- Social-emotional learning (SEL)
- Project-based instruction
- Language immersion programs
has transformed many elementary campuses into well-rounded learning hubs, not just test-prep environments.
Today’s top elementary schools in Los Angeles prepare students not only for middle school—but for competitive magnet programs, advanced STEM tracks, and creative arts pathways later on.
List of the Best Elementary Schools in Los Angeles, CA
Okay, now the list starts.
#1 Warner Avenue Elementary
- Address: 615 Holmby Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 22:1
Click here to learn more about this school
Academic Excellence (2026):
- 82% Math Proficiency
- 85% Reading Proficiency (Significantly above the California state average)
Standout Programs:
- Robotics Club
- Chess Program (Early critical-thinking and logic development)
Feeder Advantage:
- Primary pathway to Emerson Community Charter
Community Legacy:
Located in the Westwood/Holmby Hills area, Warner Avenue families often continue into elite magnet and Ivy-track private schools, making it a long-term strategic choice for parents.
#2 Roscomare Road Elementary
- Address: 2425 Roscomare Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90077
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 22:1
Click here to learn more about this school
Academic Snapshot:
- Top 5% statewide for Math & Science
- Science proficiency ranks in the top 1% in California
Unique Feature:
- Highly active parent booster club funding arts, drama, and enrichment programs.
- What Makes It Special:
Roscomare Road Elementary blends strong academics with a deeply involved parent community. - Neighborhood Insight:
Located in Bel Air, this school benefits from a strong culture of academic continuity and high parental engagement.
#3 Mar Vista Elementary
- Address: 3330 Granville Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 21:1
Click here to learn more about this school
Academic Performance:
- 76% Math Proficiency
- 84% Reading Proficiency
Signature Focus:
- Environmental Science
- Marine Science & sustainability initiatives
- Why Parents Love It:
Mar Vista Elementary integrates real-world environmental learning—an uncommon strength among LAUSD schools. - Future Pathway:
Students often transition into Venice High School’s STEM tracks, creating a smooth academic progression.
#4 Melrose Avenue Elementary
- Address: 731 N. Detroit St., Los Angeles, CA 90046
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 25:1
Click here to learn more about this school
Academic Snapshot:
- 74% proficiency across core subjects
Special Designation:
- Magnet-designated school
- Core Strength:
Melrose Avenue Elementary emphasizes Global Citizenship, cultural diversity, and inclusive education, attracting families from across Central LA.
#5 Ivanhoe Elementary
- Address: 2828 Herkimer St., Los Angeles, CA 90039
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 24:1
Click here to learn more about this school
Academic Performance:
- 73% Math Proficiency
- 81% Reading Proficiency
The “Silver Lake Advantage”:
Ivanhoe is one of the most sought-after neighborhood schools in Los Angeles.
Why It Truly Stands Out:
- The “Friends of Ivanhoe” foundation is among LA’s most successful parent organizations
- Funds visual arts, technology, and enrichment programs across all grades
Feeder School Path:
- Thomas Starr King Middle School (Magnet)
#6 Mt. Washington Elementary
- Address: 3981 San Rafael Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 24:1
Click here to learn more about this school
Academic Focus:
- Strong ELA outcomes
- Project-based learning model
2026 Trend Highlight:
One of the campuses benefiting from expanded STEM labs under LAUSD’s current funding initiatives.
Learning Environment:
Often called a “canyon school,” Mt. Washington offers a nature-integrated campus experience—rare for a major metropolitan district.
#7 Castle Heights Elementary
- Address: 9755 Cattaraugus Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90034
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 23:1
Click here to learn more about this school
Academic Snapshot:
- 73% Math Proficiency
- 74% Reading Proficiency
Ideal For:
Families planning a long-term public school pathway without relying on magnet lotteries.
Strategic Advantage:
- Reliable feeder into Palms Middle School, one of the Westside’s top-rated middle schools
#8 Richland Avenue Elementary
- Address: 11562 Richland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90064
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 21:1
Click here to learn more about this school
Standout Program:
One of LAUSD’s premier French Dual Language Immersion programs
Equity & Access:
- 10/10 Equity Rating (GreatSchools)
- Why It Matters:
Smaller class sizes and bilingual instruction give Richland Avenue a unique academic edge in 2026.
#9 Dahlia Heights Elementary
- Address: 5063 Floristan Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90041
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 24:1
Click here to learn more about this school
Signature Strength:
Deep integration of Dance, Drama, and Vocal Music into the core curriculum
Parent Feedback Highlight:
- 91% of parents report satisfaction with instructional rigor
- Perfect For:
Families seeking a creative-arts-forward elementary education.
#10 Franklin Avenue Elementary
- Address: 1910 N. Commonwealth Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 23:1
Click here to learn more about this school
Academic Strength:
- Consistently strong foundational literacy outcomes
Feeder Connection:
Pathways into Thomas Starr King Middle School and the Glassell Park/Los Feliz Community of Schools
- Community Legacy:
Located in Los Feliz, Franklin Avenue Elementary has long served families in LA’s creative and film industries, giving the school a naturally arts-oriented culture.
Strategic Summary: Choosing the Right Elementary School in Los Angeles
When evaluating the best elementary schools in Los Angeles, CA, parents should look beyond rankings and ask one key question:
“Where does this school lead next?”
| Elementary School | Notable Feeder Path | Unique Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Warner Avenue | Emerson Charter | Math & Robotics |
| Ivanhoe | Thomas Starr King | Parent-funded enrichment |
| Richland Ave | Dual Language Tracks | French Immersion |
| Mar Vista | Venice STEM | Environmental Science |
Navigating the LAUSD Application Process
Understanding admissions is just as important as choosing the school:
- Neighborhood Schools: Automatic enrollment if you live within boundaries
- Magnet Programs: Apply through the LAUSD Choices portal (typically opens Oct–Nov)
- Affiliated Charters: Neighborhood priority with lottery options for out-of-zone families
2026 Trend Watch: Why LA Elementary Schools Are Improving
LAUSD’s $18.8 billion budget has fueled:
- Smaller group instruction
- Expanded STEM labs
- Equity-focused programming
Schools like Richland Avenue and Mt. Washington are already seeing measurable gains—making 2026 one of the strongest years yet for public elementary education in Los Angeles.
Looking Ahead
A strong elementary foundation shapes everything that follows. If you’re already planning the next step, stay tuned for our upcoming guide: Best Middle Schools in Los Angeles, CA (2026 List).
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