Top Rankings
La Canada Unified School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Highest overall rank (Top 1%)
Math Proficiency
Highest math proficiency (Top 1%)
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 1%)
Science Proficiency
Highest science proficiency (Top 5%)
Diversity
Most diverse schools (Top 1%)
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
For the 2026-27 school year, there are 3 public elementary schools serving 1,990 students in La Canada Unified School District. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 10/10, which is in the top 1% of public elementary schools in California.
Public Elementary Schools in La Canada Unified School District have an average math proficiency score of 84% (versus the California public elementary school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 86% (versus the 46% statewide average).
The top-ranked public elementary schools in La Canada Unified School District are Palm Crest Elementary School, La Canada Elementary School and Paradise Canyon Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking. Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the California public elementary school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (CA)
# Schools
4 Schools
7,664 Schools
# Students
3,979 Students
3,815,621 Students
# Teachers
168 Teachers
173,890 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
24:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
La Canada Unified School District, which is ranked #8 of all 1,903 school districts in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 99% has increased from 98% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#8 out of 1932 school districts
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
85%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
87%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
73%
29%
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥99%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(2022-23)7.7%
27.7%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.69
0.64
% American Indian
n/a
n/a
% Asian
32%
12%
% Hispanic
13%
56%
% Black
1%
5%
% White
42%
20%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
12%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $14,944 in this school district is less than the state median of $20,106. The school district revenue/student has declined by 6% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $16,085 is less than the state median of $18,517. The school district spending/student has declined by 24% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$60 MM
$116,387 MM
Spending
$64 MM
$107,188 MM
Revenue / Student
$14,944
$20,106
Spending / Student
$16,085
$18,517
Best La Canada Unified School District Public Elementary Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Palm Crest Elementary School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
5025 Palm Dr.
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
(818) 952-8360
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
(818) 952-8360
Gr: K-6 | 642 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #22.
La Canada Elementary School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4540 Encinas Dr.
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
(818) 952-8350
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
(818) 952-8350
Gr: K-6 | 633 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #33.
Paradise Canyon Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
471 Knight Way
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
(818) 952-8340
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
(818) 952-8340
Gr: K-6 | 715 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Recent Articles
School Leadership Matters: Evaluating a Principal
Learn how to evaluate a public school principal before enrolling by examining leadership stability, teacher support, communication, school culture, instructional priorities, discipline, family engagement, and measurable improvement efforts.
Comparing Before- and After-School Programs
Learn how to compare before- and after-school programs when choosing a public school, including hours, costs, staffing, safety, activities, enrollment rules, transportation, meals, and daily convenience for families.
Choosing a Public School During Budget Uncertainty
Learn which questions parents should ask when choosing a public school during budget uncertainty, including staffing, programs, class sizes, transportation, reserves, enrollment trends, and planned reductions ahead.
