For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 6,406 students in Lake Forest, CA (there are 11 private schools, serving 1,417 private students). 84% of all K-12 students in Lake Forest, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Lake Forest, CA are La Madera Elementary School, Rancho Canada Elementary School and El Toro High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lake Forest, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Lake Forest have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Lake Forest, CA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
La Madera Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
25350 Serrano Rd.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 770-1415
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 770-1415
Gr: K-6 | 554 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #22.
Rancho Canada Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
21801 Winding Way
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 768-5252
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 768-5252
Gr: K-6 | 633 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #33.
El Toro High School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
25255 Toledo Way
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 586-6333
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 586-6333
Gr: 9-12 | 1,902 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #44.
Serrano Intermediate
(Math: 46% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
24642 Jeronimo Rd.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 586-3221
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 586-3221
Gr: 7-8 | 868 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #55.
Lake Forest Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
21801 Pittsford Dr.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 830-9945
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 830-9945
Gr: K-6 | 640 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #66.
Santiago Steam Magnet Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
24982 Rivendell Dr.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 586-2820
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 586-2820
Gr: K-6 | 517 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #77.
Ralph A. Gates Dli Magnet Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
23882 Landisview Ave.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 837-2260
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 837-2260
Gr: K-6 | 896 students Student-teacher ratio: 29:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #88.
Olivewood Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
23391 Dune Mear Rd.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 837-6682
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 837-6682
Gr: K-6 | 396 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Lake Forest, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in Lake Forest, CA include La Madera Elementary School, Rancho Canada Elementary School and El Toro High School.
How many public schools are located in Lake Forest?
8 public schools are located in Lake Forest.
What percentage of students in Lake Forest go to public school?
84% of all K-12 students in Lake Forest are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Lake Forest?
Lake Forest public schools minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Lake Forest are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Lake Forest include: Rancho Canada Elementary School vs. La Madera Elementary School, La Madera Elementary School vs. Rancho Canada Elementary School, Santiago Steam Magnet Elementary School vs. La Madera Elementary School
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