ÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï

ÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï - Established 2003

Best Lake Forest Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 3,737 students in Lake Forest, CA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Lake Forest, CA are La Madera Elementary School, Rancho Canada Elementary School and Lake Forest Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lake Forest, CA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the California public elementary school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 45% statewide average). Elementary schools in Lake Forest have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of California public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Lake Forest, CA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
La Madera Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
25350 Serrano Rd.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 770-1415
Gr: K-6 | 602 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #22.
Rancho Canada Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
21801 Winding Way
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 768-5252
Gr: K-6 | 630 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #33.
Lake Forest Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
21801 Pittsford Dr.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 830-9945
Gr: K-6 | 688 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #44.
Santiago Steam Magnet Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
24982 Rivendell Dr.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 586-2820
Gr: K-6 | 497 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #55.
Ralph A. Gates Dli Magnet Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
23882 Landisview Ave.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 837-2260
Gr: K-6 | 908 students Student-teacher ratio: 29:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #66.
Olivewood Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
23391 Dune Mear Rd.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 837-6682
Gr: K-6 | 412 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Lake Forest, California

Lake Forest, California Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Aliso Elementary School (Closed 2012)
22882 Loumont Dr
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 830-4670
Gr: K-6 | 383 students Minority enrollment: 78%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Lake Forest, CA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Lake Forest, CA include La Madera Elementary School, Rancho Canada Elementary School and Lake Forest Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Lake Forest?
6 public elementary schools are located in Lake Forest.
What is the racial composition of students in Lake Forest?
Lake Forest public elementary schools minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Lake Forest are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (CA):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links: