For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public elementary schools serving 4,357 students in National City, CA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in National City, CA are Palmer Way, John A. Otis Elementary School and Ira Harbison. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
National City, CA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 25% (versus the California public elementary school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 33% (versus the 46% statewide average). Elementary schools in National City have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of California public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public elementary school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in National City, CA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Palmer Way
(Math: 32% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2900 Palmer St.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8900
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8900
Gr: K-6 | 387 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #22.
John A. Otis Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
621 East 18th St.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8800
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8800
Gr: K-6 | 367 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1
Rank: #33.
Ira Harbison
(Math: 31% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3235 Easteighth St.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8200
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8200
Gr: K-6 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #44.
Kimball
(Math: 25% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
302 West 18th St.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8300
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8300
Gr: K-6 | 322 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #55.
Integrity Charter
Charter School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
701 National City Blvd.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-0808
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-0808
Gr: K-8 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #66.
Rancho De La Nacion
(Math: 27% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1830 East Division St.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8100
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8100
Gr: K-6 | 332 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #77.
Las Palmas
(Math: 23% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1900 East 18th St.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8500
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8500
Gr: K-6 | 458 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
933 E Ave.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-7400
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-7400
Gr: K-6 | 477 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Olivewood
(Math: 22% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2505 F Ave.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8700
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8700
Gr: K-6 | 424 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1010.
El Toyon Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2000 East Division St.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8000
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8000
Gr: K-6 | 381 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1111.
Lincoln Acres
(Math: 16% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2200 Lanoitan Ave.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8600
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-8600
Gr: K-6 | 423 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in National City, CA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in National City, CA include Palmer Way, John A. Otis Elementary School and Ira Harbison.
How many public elementary schools are located in National City?
11 public elementary schools are located in National City.
What is the racial composition of students in National City?
National City public elementary schools minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public elementary schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in National City are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in National City include: Ira Harbison vs. Palmer Way, Palmer Way vs. Ira Harbison, Rancho De La Nacion vs. El Toyon Elementary School
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