For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 2,366 students in Atherton, CA (there are 2 private schools, serving 2,023 private students). 56% of all K-12 students in Atherton, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%). Atherton has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in California.
The top-ranked public schools in Atherton, CA are Las Lomitas Elementary School, Laurel Elementary School and Encinal Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Atherton, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 68% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 70% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Atherton have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Atherton, CA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Las Lomitas Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
299 Alameda De Las Pulgas
Atherton, CA 94027
(650) 854-5900
Atherton, CA 94027
(650) 854-5900
Gr: K-3 | 522 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #22.
Laurel Elementary School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
95 Edge Rd.
Atherton, CA 94027
(650) 324-0186
Atherton, CA 94027
(650) 324-0186
Gr: K-5 | 658 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #33.
Encinal Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
195 Encinal Ave.
Atherton, CA 94027
(650) 326-5164
Atherton, CA 94027
(650) 326-5164
Gr: K-5 | 604 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #44.
Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion
(Math: 33% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
170 Selby Ln.
Atherton, CA 94027
(650) 482-2415
Atherton, CA 94027
(650) 482-2415
Gr: K-5 | 582 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Atherton, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in Atherton, CA include Las Lomitas Elementary School, Laurel Elementary School and Encinal Elementary School. Atherton has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in California.
How many public schools are located in Atherton?
4 public schools are located in Atherton.
What percentage of students in Atherton go to public school?
56% of all K-12 students in Atherton are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Atherton?
Atherton public schools minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Atherton are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Atherton include: Laurel Elementary School vs. Encinal Elementary School, Encinal Elementary School vs. Laurel Elementary School
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.