San Francisco is home to many outstanding elementary schools known for strong academic performance, diversity, and engaging learning programs. When choosing the best school, parents often look for high reading and math proficiency, inclusive culture, experienced teachers, and enrichment like arts or STEM. The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) features several public schools that consistently rank near the top in state assessments. Below are ten of the best elementary schools in San Francisco, each with key strengths and a link for further info.
1. Chinese Immersion School at DeAvila
Chinese Immersion School at DeAvila is often ranked among San Francisco’s top public elementary schools. Students there regularly score around 80-84% proficiency in both reading and math, significantly higher than many district averages.
The school’s immersive program helps bilingual students and English learners alike, with a strong emphasis on language, culture, and academic rigor. Teachers and parents praise its supportive environment and engaged community. If you value both high academics and immersion learning, this is a standout choice. Learn more here.
2. Sunset Elementary School
Sunset Elementary School is another top performer in SFUSD, noted for its balanced proficiency in reading and math, strong parent involvement, and well-rounded curriculum. It often competes with the very best in the city for test scores, particularly in literacy and numeracy.
The campus supports enrichment programs that include arts and outdoor education, fostering both academic and social-emotional growth. Parents appreciate its supportive atmosphere and consistent student progress. Explore Sunset Elementary here.
3. Ulloa Elementary School
Ulloa Elementary stands out for its high academic achievement in both reading and mathematics and relatively strong student outcomes compared to many peers in San Francisco. The school benefits from experienced teachers, community engagement, and a curriculum that supports diverse learning needs.
With programs to assist English learners and those needing additional support, Ulloa aims for inclusion and equity. Families often choose Ulloa for its track record of steady improvement and solid fundamentals. Check Ulloa Elementary here.
4. Claire Lilienthal School
Claire Lilienthal is a K-8 school known for combining strong academics with bilingual or multiple language programs, creative arts, and parent involvement. Reading and math proficiency are frequently above district average, and class sizes are moderate, allowing more personalized attention.
The school’s location, community culture, and reputation for preparing students for middle school make it a popular choice. For families who want both academic rigor and a nurturing environment, Lilienthal is often recommended. Discover Claire Lilienthal here.
5. New Traditions Elementary School
New Traditions Elementary is recognized for its innovative approaches to teaching, emphasizing critical thinking, project work, and inclusive practices. The school supports students of diverse backgrounds and learning styles and is praised for strong reading proficiency along with solid math performance.
Teachers often collaborate with families to personalize learning paths. For parents looking for a progressive school with strong outcomes and caring staff, New Traditions rises to the top. Learn more about New Traditions here.
6. Clarendon Alternative Elementary School
Clarendon Alternative offers a public alternative program with emphasis on arts integration, environmental learning, and engaged classroom experiences. Many parents choose Clarendon because of its strong culture, steady academic outcomes, and emphasis on student voice and creativity.
While test scores are solid, the school’s atmosphere and program offerings often matter as much to families as raw proficiency metrics. If your priority includes creativity and a non-traditional but effective academic path, Clarendon is worth considering. Explore Clarendon Alternative here.
7. George Peabody Elementary School
George Peabody Elementary is known for its focus on building strong foundational skills, especially in early reading and math. It often achieves proficiency scores above many San Francisco public schools and maintains supportive teacher-student interactions.
The school has extra help programs and good parental involvement, which help boost student growth. For families wanting a school that emphasizes basic academic strengths with strong support systems, Peabody is a solid option. Check George Peabody here.
8. John Yehall Chin Elementary School
John Yehall Chin Elementary stands out for academic consistency and strong reading scores in particular. The school supports a diverse student body and offers language support for multilingual learners. Teachers focus on differentiated instruction to help all students stay on track. Parents often highlight its caring staff, safety, and community feel.
For families wanting a school with strong literacy support and a nurturing environment, Chin Elementary is frequently praised. Discover Chin Elementary here.
9. Argonne Elementary School
Argonne Elementary is favored by many San Francisco families for its balanced performance in reading and math, manageable class sizes, and strong engagement with parents. The school also offers enrichment activities and supports learning diversity via intervention programs.
For those placing importance on academic outcomes as well as character development and stable learning support, Argonne often ranks high in neighborhood comparisons. Learn more about Argonne here.
10. Key (Francis Scott) Elementary School
Key Elementary delivers strong academic results and is valued for its commitment to inclusive education, arts, and parent/community involvement. Students often perform well in reading and math, aided by experienced teachers and good resources.
The school emphasizes social-emotional learning and provides support for English learners. For parents wanting both excellent academic performance and a caring school atmosphere, Key Elementary often comes recommended. Check Key Elementary here.
Conclusion
San Francisco’s elementary schools offer many excellent options for families seeking high academic standards, inclusive culture, and robust enrichment. Schools like Chinese Immersion School at DeAvila, Sunset, Ulloa, and Claire Lilienthal frequently emerge as top picks due to their high proficiency and supportive environments. The best school for your child will depend on priorities: strong test scores, language immersion, small class sizes, or creativity. Be sure to visit, compare current data, and talk to local parents before making a decision.
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FAQs:
Chinese Immersion School at DeAvila is often considered among the best due to its very high proficiency in reading & math and strong immersion program, followed by Sunset and Ulloa.
Yes. Schools like Chinese Immersion School at DeAvila provide language immersion, helping students become bilingual while maintaining high academic performance.
San Francisco public elementary schools generally have higher proficiency rates—about 45% math and 52% reading—compared to California’s average of ~36% math and ~45% reading.
Schools like Sunset, Claire Lilienthal, and Clarendon Alternative are frequently cited for balancing academic rigor with arts, enrichment, and strong parent/community involvement.
Priorities include current test scores in reading and math, class size, support for English learners, enrichment options, school culture and safety, and proximity. Visiting schools and talking to educators and parents can give deeper insights.
