San Francisco is famous for its rolling hills, cable cars, and the bright orange Golden Gate Bridge. But if you live here or are moving to the city by the bay, you might wonder: what are the best public schools in San Francisco?
Whether you love solving math puzzles, painting colorful murals, or playing soccer at recess, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) has plenty of options. Here is a simple, complete guide to help kids and families find the top schools in every grade.
Quick Answer: What Are the Top Public Schools in San Francisco?
According to our latest California education guides, the most highly rated public schools in San Francisco include Clarendon Alternative, Ulloa Elementary, and Lawton Alternative for elementary; Alice Fong Yu and Giannini Middle School for middle grades; and Lowell High School and Ruth Asawa School of the Arts (SOTA) for high school—much like the top-tier campuses featured in our guide to the best public schools in Los Angeles.
How Do Public Schools Work in San Francisco?
San Francisco runs its schools a little differently than many other cities:
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One Big School District: Most public schools belong to SFUSD (San Francisco Unified School District).
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Choice System: Families fill out an application list choosing the schools they like best, rather than simply walking into the closest neighborhood building.
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Special Programs: SFUSD has schools where you can learn two languages at once (dual-immersion), focus on hands-on science and technology, or study music and drama.
Best Elementary Schools in San Francisco (Grades K–5)
Elementary school is where kids learn to read big chapter books, solve fraction problems, make friends on the playground, and explore science labs.
1. Clarendon Alternative Elementary School
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Neighborhood: Midtown Terrace / Twin Peaks
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Grades: K–5
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Great For: Strong academics, arts, and the Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program (JBBP).
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Why Kids Love It: Clarendon sits high on a hill with cool views of the city. Kids can participate in fun cultural festivals, practice language skills, and learn inside supportive, active classrooms.
2. Ulloa Elementary School
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Neighborhood: Sunset District
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Grades: K–5
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Great For: High reading and math scores, caring teachers, and community events.
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Why Kids Love It: Ulloa has a warm community where teachers help every student feel welcome. Its students consistently test among the highest in California for math and reading.
3. Lawton Alternative School
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Neighborhood: Outer Sunset
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Grades: K–8
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Great For: Long-term learning (kindergarten all the way to middle school), science projects, and friendly clubs.
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Why Kids Love It: Because Lawton goes up to 8th grade, younger kids get to stay in the same familiar place without having to switch to a separate middle school.
4. Alamo Elementary School
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Neighborhood: Richmond District
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Grades: K–5
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Great For: Science garden, music programs, and active parent groups.
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Why Kids Love It: Alamo is right near Golden Gate Park and the Presidio. Students spend time outdoors in hands-on learning gardens and enjoy lively school performances.
Best Middle Schools in San Francisco (Grades 6–8)
Middle school is the bridge between being a kid and stepping into high school. Students change classes for each subject, join sports teams, and try new electives.
1. Alice Fong Yu Alternative School
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Neighborhood: Inner Sunset
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Grades: K–8
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Great For: The nation’s first Chinese immersion public school.
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What Makes It Special: Students learn both English and Cantonese. It regularly earns a 10/10 rating on GreatSchools for academic growth and student support.
2. A.P. Giannini Middle School
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Neighborhood: Sunset District
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Grades: 6–8
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Great For: Band, orchestra, robotics, and athletic teams.
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What Makes It Special: “APG” is one of the most popular middle schools in town. It offers many after-school clubs, computer classes, and music ensembles.
3. Presidio Middle School
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Neighborhood: Outer Richmond
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Grades: 6–8
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Great For: Visual arts, drama, competitive athletics, and outdoor field trips.
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What Makes It Special: Located close to Baker Beach and the ocean, Presidio has strong core academic classes and fun elective tracks.
Best High Schools in San Francisco (Grades 9–12)
High school prepares teenagers for college, careers, and independent life.
| High School | Neighborhood | Notable Programs | Best For |
| Lowell High School | Merced Manor / Lakeshore | AP courses, dozens of clubs, debate team | Academic excellence & STEM |
| Ruth Asawa SOTA | Twin Peaks | Dance, creative writing, visual arts, theater | Creative & performing arts |
| George Washington High | Richmond District | Law Academy, AP capstone courses, sports | Well-rounded campus life |
| Lincoln High School | Sunset District | Teacher academy, business pathways, football | School spirit & career prep |
Spotlight: Lowell High School
Lowell is not just the most famous public high school in San Francisco—it is one of the top public high schools in the whole country according to U.S. News & World Report and Niche. Students take rigorous honors and Advanced Placement classes, join award-winning robotics and mock trial teams, and head off to top universities each year.
Spotlight: Ruth Asawa School of the Arts (SOTA)
If you love singing, painting, acting, or playing the cello, SOTA is built for you. Students spend part of their day in regular classes like history and biology, and the rest of the day in focused arts studios guided by professional artists.
How Families Pick the Right SF Public School
Finding the best fit depends on what matters most to your family:
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Location & Commute: Can you walk to school, or will you take MUNI or a school bus across town?
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Learning Style: Does your child thrive in project-based learning, structured traditional classrooms, or language immersion?
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Special Support: Look for schools that offer dedicated reading specialists, English-learner programs, and after-school care.
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Campus Visits: SFUSD hosts enrollment fairs and school tours in the fall so families can step inside classrooms and meet principals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which public school in San Francisco has the highest test scores?
For elementary, schools like Ulloa, Clarendon, and Alice Fong Yu regularly earn top ratings for test scores. For high school, Lowell High School consistently scores highest in the city.
Are public schools in San Francisco free?
Yes. All SFUSD public schools are 100% tuition-free for families living within the San Francisco city and county boundaries.
How do I enroll my child in SFUSD?
You register through the SFUSD Enrollment Center. Parents submit a ranked list of preferred schools during the open enrollment window (usually between October and February for the following fall term).
