For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 6,081 students in Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA (there are 8 private schools, serving 1,630 private students). 81% of all K-12 students in Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%). Palos Verdes Peninsula has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in California.
The top-ranked public schools in Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA are Montemalaga Elementary School, Lunada Bay Elementary School and Rancho Vista Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 73% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 80% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Palos Verdes Peninsula have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Montemalaga Elementary School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1121 Via Nogales
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-5228
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-5228
Gr: K-5 | 416 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #22.
Lunada Bay Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
520 Paseo Lunado
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 377-3005
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 377-3005
Gr: K-5 | 329 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #33.
Rancho Vista Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4323 Palos Verdes Dr. North
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-8388
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-8388
Gr: K-5 | 329 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #44.
Palos Verdes Peninsula High School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
27118 Silver Spur Rd.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 377-4888
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 377-4888
Gr: 9-12 | 2,075 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #55.
Dapplegray Elementary School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
3011 Palos Verdes Dr. North
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 541-3706
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 541-3706
Gr: K-5 | 639 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #66.
Palos Verdes Intermediate
(Math: 72% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2161 Via Olivera
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 544-4816
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 544-4816
Gr: 6-8 | 735 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #77.
Palos Verdes High School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
600 Cloyden Rd.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-8471
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-8471
Gr: 9-12 | 1,484 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #88.
Palos Verdes Distance Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
38 Crest Rd. West
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-9966
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-9966
Gr: K-12 | 33 students Student-teacher ratio: 33:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #99.
Rancho Del Mar High (Continuation School)
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
38 Crest Road West
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-9966
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 378-9966
Gr: 10-12 | 41 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA include Montemalaga Elementary School, Lunada Bay Elementary School and Rancho Vista Elementary School. Palos Verdes Peninsula has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in California.
How many public schools are located in Palos Verdes Peninsula?
10 public schools are located in Palos Verdes Peninsula.
What percentage of students in Palos Verdes Peninsula go to public school?
81% of all K-12 students in Palos Verdes Peninsula are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Palos Verdes Peninsula?
Palos Verdes Peninsula public schools minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Palos Verdes Peninsula are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Palos Verdes Peninsula include: Dapplegray Elementary School vs. Rancho Vista Elementary School, Rancho Vista Elementary School vs. Dapplegray Elementary School, Palos Verdes High School vs. Palos Verdes Peninsula High School
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