For the 2026-27 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 4,667 students in Arroyo Grande, CA (there are 4 private schools, serving 426 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Arroyo Grande, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Arroyo Grande, CA are Ocean View Elementary School, Branch Elementary School and Harloe Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Arroyo Grande, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the California public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Arroyo Grande have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Arroyo Grande, CA (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Ocean View Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1208 Linda Dr.
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3730
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3730
Gr: K-6 | 547 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #22.
Branch Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
970 School Rd.
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3720
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3720
Gr: K-6 | 261 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #33.
Harloe Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
901 Fair Oaks Ave.
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3710
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3710
Gr: K-6 | 619 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #44.
Paulding Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
600 Crown Hill St.
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3500
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3500
Gr: 7-8 | 544 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #55.
Arroyo Grande High School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
495 Valley Rd.
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3200
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3200
Gr: 9-12 | 2,012 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #66.
Pacific View Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1065 Mesa View Dr.
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3580
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3580
Gr: K-12 | 114 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #77.
Mesa Middle School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2555 Halcyon Rd.
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3400
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3400
Gr: 7-8 | 474 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #88.
Lopez Continuation High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1055 Mesa View Dr.
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3750
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3750
Gr: 10-12 | 96 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Arroyo Grande, California Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Santa Lucia Rop High School (Closed 2023)
Vocational School
602 Orchard St.
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3000
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-3000
Gr: 11-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Arroyo Grande, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in Arroyo Grande, CA include Ocean View Elementary School, Branch Elementary School and Harloe Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Arroyo Grande?
8 public schools are located in Arroyo Grande.
What percentage of students in Arroyo Grande go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Arroyo Grande are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Arroyo Grande?
Arroyo Grande public schools minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Arroyo Grande are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Arroyo Grande include: Mesa Middle School vs. Paulding Middle School, Branch Elementary School vs. Ocean View Elementary School, Harloe Elementary School vs. Ocean View Elementary School
Recent Articles
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.
