Top 10 Best San Marcos Public Schools (2024)

For the 2024 school year, there are 21 public schools serving 18,089 students in San Marcos, CA (there are 7 private schools, serving 965 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in San Marcos, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in San Marcos, CA are San Elijo Elementary School, Double Peak and Paloma Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
San Marcos, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 30% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 70% (versus the 49% statewide average). Schools in San Marcos have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in San Marcos, CA (2024)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
San Elijo Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 79% )
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
1615 Schhouse Way
San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 290-2600
Grades: K-5
| 874 students
Rank: #22.
Double Peak
(Math: 70% | Reading: 81% )
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
111 San Elijo Rd.
San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 290-2340
Grades: K-8
| 1,196 students
Rank: #33.
Paloma Elementary School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 79% )
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
660 Camino Magnifico
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 290-2199
Grades: K-5
| 717 students
Rank: #44.
Discovery Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 80% )
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
730 Applewilde Dr.
San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 290-2077
Grades: K-5
| 570 students
Rank: #55.
San Elijo Middle School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 78% )
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1600 Schhouse Way
San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 290-2800
Grades: 6-8
| 1,496 students
Rank: #66.
Richland Elementary School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 68% )
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
910 Borden Rd.
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 290-2400
Grades: K-5
| 751 students
Rank: #77.
Knob Hill Elementary School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 70% )
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1825 Knob Hill Rd.
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 290-2080
Grades: K-5
| 756 students
Rank: #88.
San Marcos High School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 70% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1615 San Marcos Blvd.
San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 290-2200
Grades: 9-12
| 3,529 students
Rank: #99.
Woodland Park Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 63% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1270 Rock Springs Rd.
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 290-2455
Grades: 6-8
| 1,119 students
Rank: #1010.
Twin Oaks Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 56% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1 Cassou Rd.
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 290-2588
Grades: K-5
| 669 students
Rank: #1111.
Mission Hills High School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 64% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1 Mission Hills Ct.
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 290-2700
Grades: 9-12
| 2,877 students
Rank: #1212.
Pivot Charter School - San Diego Ii
Charter School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1030 La Bonita Dr., Ste. 100
San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 591-0217
Grades: K-12
| 113 students
Rank: #1313.
Baypoint Preparatory - San Diego
Charter School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 40-49% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
520 E. Carmel St.
San Marcos, CA 92079
(760) 203-4383
Grades: K-8
| 182 students
Rank: #1414.
San Marcos Middle School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 53% )
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
650 W. Mission Rd.
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 290-2500
Grades: 6-8
| 990 students
Rank: #1515.
San Marcos Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 37% )
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1 Tiger Way
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 290-2430
Grades: K-5
| 622 students
Rank: #1616.
Foothills High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59% )
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
158 Cassou Rd.
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 290-2544
Grades: 9-12
| 188 students
Rank: #1717.
La Mirada Academy
(Math: 26% | Reading: 36% )
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
3697 La Mirada Dr.
San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 290-2000
Grades: K-8
| 952 students
Rank: #1818.
Motivated Youth Academy
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39% )
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
100 E San Marcos Blvd. Ste 350
San Marcos, CA 92069
(619) 535-2222
Grades: K-12
| 151 students
Rank: #1919.
North Coastal Consortium Schools
Special Education School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 20-29% )
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
255 Pico Ave. Rm. 220
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 761-5110
Grades: K-12
| 49 students
Rank: #2020.
Twin Oaks High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 15-19% )
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
158 Cassou Rd.
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 290-2555
Grades: 9-12
| 191 students
Rank: n/an/a
Pathways Charter - Adult Education
Charter School
100 E. San Marcos Blvd., Ste.
San Marcos, CA 92069
(949) 225-7227
Grades: 9-12
| 97 students
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in San Marcos, California

San Marcos, California Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Grades
Students
1175 Linda Vista Dr.
San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 471-0847
Grades: K-12
| 95 students
1782 La Costa Meadows Dr., Ste
San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 494-9646
Grades: K-12
| 232 students
255 Pico Ave
San Marcos, CA 92069
(619) 671-5130
Grades: 6-12
| 336 students
255 Pico Ave
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 671-5280
Grades: 7-12
| 120 students
255 Pico Ave
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 671-5280
Grades: 7-12
| 65 students
255 Pico Ave
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 671-5280
Grades: 7-12
| 115 students
255 Pico Ave
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 671-5130
Grades: K-12
| 44 students
31505 Old River Rd.
San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 494-9646
Grades: K-12
| 384 students
100 E. San Marcos Blvd. Ste. 3
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 456-5504
Grades: 9-12
| 38 students
1030 La Bonita Dr. Ste. 100
San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 591-0217
Grades: K-12
| 236 students
29680 Lakeview Ave.
San Marcos, CA 92078
(877) 544-1429
Grades: K-12
| 101 students
158 Cassou Rd.
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 744-9700
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
100 N. Rancho Sante Fe Rd. #1
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 295-5564
Grades: K-12
| 153 students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public schools in San Marcos, CA?
The top ranked public schools in San Marcos, CA include San Elijo Elementary School, Double Peak and Paloma Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in San Marcos, CA?
21 public schools are located in San Marcos, CA.
What percentage of students in San Marcos, CA go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in San Marcos, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in San Marcos, CA?
San Marcos, CA public schools minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).

Recent Articles

Teacher Satisfaction at its Lowest Point in Two Decades
Teacher Satisfaction at its Lowest Point in Two Decades
A new survey from MetLife shows teachers are less satisfied with their jobs than they were in 2009 and provides suggestions from teachers for improvement in student achievement.
Understanding ADHD in Children: Signs, Diagnosis, and Support Strategies
Understanding ADHD in Children: Signs, Diagnosis, and Support Strategies
This comprehensive article explores the complex nature of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, providing insights into its symptoms, diagnosis process, and effective support strategies. From recognizing early signs to navigating the diagnostic journey, parents will gain valuable knowledge to help their child thrive. Expert insights, real-life examples, and practical tips empower readers to create a supportive environment that meets the unique needs of children with ADHD.
Teaching in Contemporary Times
March 04, 2024
Teaching in Contemporary Times
We explore why individuals choose teaching, illuminating intrinsic motivations, the influence of role models, the pursuit of lifelong learning, and the aspiration to impact society.