For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 4,005 students in Atwater, CA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Atwater, CA are Peggy Heller Elementary School, Elmer Wood Elementary School and Thomas Olaeta Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Atwater, CA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the California public elementary school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 45% statewide average). Elementary schools in Atwater have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of California public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public elementary school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Atwater, CA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Peggy Heller Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
201 Lake View Dr.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6517
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6517
Gr: K-8 | 707 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #22.
Elmer Wood Elementary School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1271 West Bellevue Rd.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6143
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6143
Gr: K-6 | 507 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #33.
Thomas Olaeta Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2266 High St.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6148
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6148
Gr: K-6 | 387 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #44.
Shaffer Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1434 California St.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6145
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6145
Gr: K-6 | 422 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #55.
Atwater Senior Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1800 Juniper Ave.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6515
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6515
Gr: 6-8 | 8 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #66.
Mitchell Elementary School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1761 Grove Ave.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6112
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6112
Gr: K-6 | 550 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #77.
Aileen Colburn Elementary School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2201 Heller St.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6136
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6136
Gr: K-6 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #88.
Bellevue Elementary School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1020 East Bellevue Rd.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6140
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6140
Gr: K-6 | 621 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: n/an/a
661 East Juniper Ave.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-9930
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-9930
Gr: K-6 | 420 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Atwater, California Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Atwater Junior Academy (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
1434 California St.
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6100
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 357-6100
Gr: K-5
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Atwater, CA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Atwater, CA include Peggy Heller Elementary School, Elmer Wood Elementary School and Thomas Olaeta Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Atwater?
9 public elementary schools are located in Atwater.
What is the racial composition of students in Atwater?
Atwater public elementary schools minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public elementary schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Multilingual Learner Growth Models & Accountability
Learn how multilingual learner growth models are reshaping school accountability systems and what it means for public schools in 2026.
School-Based Health Clinics: Funding, Billing, and Student Access
Learn how school-based health clinics are funded, how billing works, and how students access care in public schools.
Outdoor Learning in Urban Schools: Forest School Programs
Explore how urban districts adopt outdoor learning and forest school programs to boost student engagement, well-being, and academic success.