For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 4,149 students in La Jolla, CA (there are 12 private schools, serving 3,663 private students). 53% of all K-12 students in La Jolla, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%). La Jolla has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in California.
The top-ranked public schools in La Jolla, CA are La Jolla Elementary School, Torrey Pines Elementary School and Bird Rock Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
La Jolla, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 75% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in La Jolla have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in La Jolla, CA (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
La Jolla Elementary School
(Math: 92% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
1111 Marine St.
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-7196
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-7196
Gr: K-5 | 526 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #22.
Torrey Pines Elementary School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
8350 Cliffridge Ave.
La Jolla, CA 92037
(619) 605-3700
La Jolla, CA 92037
(619) 605-3700
Gr: K-5 | 450 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #33.
Bird Rock Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
5371 La Jolla Hermosa Ave.
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 488-0537
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 488-0537
Gr: K-5 | 416 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #44.
Muirlands Middle School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1056 Nautilus St.
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-4211
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-4211
Gr: 6-8 | 695 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #55.
La Jolla High School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
750 Nautilus St.
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 634-8000
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 634-8000
Gr: 9-12 | 1,213 student Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #66.
Preuss School Ucsd
Charter School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
9500 Gilman Dr.
La Jolla, CA 92093
(858) 822-3000
La Jolla, CA 92093
(858) 822-3000
Gr: 6-12 | 849 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in La Jolla, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in La Jolla, CA include La Jolla Elementary School, Torrey Pines Elementary School and Bird Rock Elementary School. La Jolla has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in California.
How many public schools are located in La Jolla?
6 public schools are located in La Jolla.
What percentage of students in La Jolla go to public school?
53% of all K-12 students in La Jolla are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in La Jolla?
La Jolla public schools minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in La Jolla are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in La Jolla include: Bird Rock Elementary School vs. La Jolla Elementary School, La Jolla Elementary School vs. Bird Rock Elementary School, Torrey Pines Elementary School vs. La Jolla Elementary School
Recent Articles
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide for Parents
Learn what to ask at a public school open house during enrollment season, from academics to safety, to choose the right school for your child.
School Zoning Changes 2026: How Assignments May Shift
School Zoning Changes 2026 could affect your child’s school assignment. Learn how zoning works, what is changing, and how families can prepare.
School Vouchers: Updated Pros and Cons (2025 Review)
Comprehensive 2025 analysis of school vouchers, weighing benefits and challenges for families, funding, outcomes, and policy directions.